Socialization Problem

[eve]

Hi , my first post and new to forum. On Monday I applied a very light weight harness on my new 10 week old Maltese. She hated it and sat dow and would not get up all the while the leash was on her. Since then, she totally ignores me and runs everytime I go near her. She lets me hold her and pet her if i can catch her but otherwise she hides and we are always crawling on the floor looking under the furniture for her because she won't come out when called. She usually does fine with my husband but today he had to force her out of a corner with multi electric cords. She put him in the dog house for a little while. We need help!! Treats does not matter to her. And yes, she can hear.

[McMegan]

When you say, " She lets me hold her and pet her if i can catch her but otherwise she hides and we are always crawling on the floor looking under the furniture for her because she won't come out when called" - did this behavior start AFTER the incident with the harness or before?

Is she accustomed to a collar? How about a leash attached to her collar, just dragging around?

Speak to your veterinarian about appropriate treats for a 10-week-old and the appropriate way to introduce a new food, because puppies' stomachs can be upset by dietary changes more easily than adult dogs, but if the usual things like cheese cubes, boiled chicken cubes, etc really don't appeal to her, even something like a finger full of something like baby food or kitten food or wet puppy food may be more enticing - and some dogs even like frozen peas! The trick is finding out WHAT she finds motivating and rewarding (and, you're right, it may not be food).

Check out Paul Owens' excellent book "The Puppy Whisperer" for early puppyhood tips, tricks and wonderful advice on the rudiments of training. His DVDs are also very good for visual demonstrations (although, I admit it, they are a little bit hokey!)

[eve]

Thanks Meg for your quick response. Everything happened after the attempt to train her. Will she ever start to voluntarily interact with me again? What can I do to encourage her. And yes, she allows me to pet her and she enjoys it but only after my husband puts her in my lap or I pick her up after she is cornered. I don't want that type of relationship with her. Since then, she has not gotten any training.

[McMegan]

Hi Eve,
Don't worry. Dogs are resilient creatures and with time, patience and kindness she will come around. When and where did you get her? How old was she when you brought her home? Were you able to meet her parents and/or watch her interact with her siblings? 10-week-old puppies have not quite hit the end of their socialization period and entered a shy, "fear" period (that happens around 12-14 weeks) but she may be getting close, especially if she was a bit on the shy side to begin with.

Meanwhile, dogs (and especially shy dogs) are quite sensitive to the moods of the creatures around them. It's a very useful survival trait for a group-living social predator. Look to yourself and what kind of anxious, nervous or upsetting signals you may be projecting to her that may be causing her to avoid the situation (you). Are you nervous about having a new puppy? Upset or frustrated at yourself, her or the situation in general? Sad? Take a slow, deep breath. Don't hold it, just let it right back out. Do it again. Take a bubble bath, light some candles, bake a cake, call your best friend - do whatever it is that relaxes you and makes you feel happy. Work on improving your own energy and confidence, and it will start to improve the vibe around you

While you're soaking in that bubble bath, read through Paul Owens' puppy book, or Patricia McConnell's Puppy Primer. I love Patricia's writing - she's a warm, happy person and her love of dogs shines through on every page.

See if there's a puppy kindergarten class nearby that you can attend - these are specifically designed for young dogs that do not yet have all their immunization shots. Your puppy can get some playtime with other young dogs in a safe, clean environment and you can socialize with other puppy-owners who may be going through some of the very same struggles you are. Best yet, these classes are led by a professional trainer so you may be able to get some tips on work you can do at home to improve your puppy's confidence.

Hang in there. Practice love, patience and confidence every day and you and your dog will be just fine