WHY IS MY DOG LIKE THIS? By Tia Resleure 2002Fearfulness in dogs can be the result of many factors, inadequate socialization at an early age, genetics, a traumatic experience, constant over-stimulation or just because someone made the mistake of saying "It's okay" every time the dog was the slightest bit nervous with a new experience.
In spite of what caused your IG to become nervous, I have found several techniques that will help your dog to calm down and be much happier in life.
WORDS OF CAUTION:
Do not confuse the naturally aloof characteristic of this small sighthound with nervousness or fearfulness. They are NOT Golden Retrievers and should not have to suffer the unwanted attention of strangers, shrill women, squeaky children or rough persons.
Also, do not assume that your IG, if from an unknown background, was abused. It is easy to jump to that conclusion when your dog seems more jittery than than other breeds that you are familiar with. Strangers are quick to point out that your dog is terrified, in spite of your dog having alert ears and showing interest. That classic tail between the legs is SUPPOSE to be there. Please protect your dog from pushy people and/or dogs. Many nice people will be attracted to your dog as well but remember that it is your job to protect your dog from unwanted attention. It is usually possible to do this politely, but not always.
Dogs with real issues of fearfulness (irrational or otherwise) or nervousness require calm, but firm, handling. Facing these issues head-on will not only make your relationship with your dog better, it will strengthen your bond with him/her. The dog will be far happier and emotionally stable.
WHAT TO DO:
1.) Attitude Adjustment!
As humans, we are conditioned to console those who are afraid or upset. When dogs are experiencing similar behaviours we tell them, "it's okay" in a soothing tone and stroke them. THIS DOES NOT WORK WITH DOGS. What is actually happening is that the dog is getting the message that you approve of the dog's fear! You are giving positive reinforcement for unwanted behavior. Try not to treat your dog "just like a person". Celebrate your dog's dogness.
So, no more physical (petting) or verbal consolation for fearful behavior. You must explain this to ANYONE who responds to your dog this way. It is important to not subject the fearful dog to treatment that would inadvertently give positive reinforcement for the fearful behavior.
If the dog is behaving fearfully it is best to either ignore the dog or speak to the dog in a mocking tone, i.e.: "don't be silly!" or "knock it off!"
2.) Stop the Bribes!
If your dog is acting afraid to come to you, do NOT offer treat bribes or try to "talk" the dog into coming. This tend to make the dog suspicious, especially if the bribes have caused him to be "captured".
When not confined, the dog should be on lead to avoid having to chase the dog down. Try to avoid premature "testing" of the dog. S/he must earn freedom very gradually.
For free periods you can tie the dog's lead to your belt or waist.
3.) Beware of Over-Stimulation!
While this is fairly obvious advise, I would like to point out something else that can over-stimulate your dog: BABY-TALK. Actually it was pointed out to me by a couple of awesome dog folks that this is really a misnomer, it's really PSYCHO-MOMMY-TALK (babies don't talk that way unless train to), so watch your pitch. Do not allow others to talk this way to your dogs either!
4.) Watch Out for the Leaners and Climbers!
If your dog has been climbing into your lap for consolation or leaning into you to "escape" something that is not really a threat, stop it now. Give your dog something else to think of, like a "Sit" (command and calm, gentle, physical placement). If you want your dog to stand, but he's leaning into you, give him a small but abrupt shove with your leg. Let him know that YOU have faith in his courage! Obedience lessons can help the dog immensely to gain self-confidence in the real world by give him/her something to concentrate on besides his/her <usually irrational> fears. Try to start at a reasonably safe distance from whatever is eliciting the fear response. Do not let your dog think that you are scared to by avoiding "situations". Keep working and move CLOSER, increasing your dog's ability to NOT be distracted. This does not mean that you are to disregard truly dangerous situations. You must try to be alert and pick your dog up calmly if you are able.
5.) PRAISE the Good Stuff!
When your dog is being oblivious to whatever was stressing him out, give him a wee bit of warm (NOT SHRILL), calm, praise. Do undermine your progress by overdoing it.
6.) Gender Specific Phobia, or Uncomfortable with You.
While there are many things that can trigger a fear response, it's common enough to run across dogs that are afraid of men that I want to address it here.
The worse cases that I have seen were caused by inadequate socialization to men, followed by a defeatist attitude. i.e.: "That dog is hopeless" or "that dog can ONLY be placed with women". That is a load of dog-doo if stated without trying to modify the behavior or knowing how. Ironically, the one person that has said that to me had produced and sold at least one dog with the very same problem. If someone says this to you without being able to intelligently explain the steps they tried, run for the hills.
To deal with this issue, and you DO want to deal with it because otherwise your dog will be closing doors to half of the planet's human population, you need to have a proactive approach and a confident, calm man who can take directions (no, this is not a lead in to a joke).
Try to do the following at least once daily:
a. Before starting, demonstrate to your helper how to hold an IG in secure manner (one hand on the dog's neck and the other over the dog's back with the hand supporting the dog's chest and having the thumb of the same hand hooked over the front of the dog's elbow. Explain the importance of using a firm, but not crushing, grip in a confident and calm manner.
b. The gentleman should not talk or stare at the dog at all, prior or during this session.
c. Have the gentleman sit down, preferably on a sofa (just in case).
d. Place the dog in your helper's lap.
Be sure that you use use a firm grip and to give the dog an abrupt short shake and a serious "knock it off!" if the dog acts frantic.
Stay there and DON'T SAY ANYTHING to the dog. You can talk to the gentleman if you keep it conversational in tone.
You can only leave the dog with the gentleman if the dog quits struggling in a short while. If this is the case you can sit next to the man and have a relaxed conversation with him.
If it is still going smoothly, you can progress to having the man firmly massage the dog but never loosening his firm grip, and still not speaking to the dog.
Once the dog stops trembling, and only then, the man can give a quite "good dog". As your sessions progress, the gentleman can build up to strokes, then treats.
e. Have the person spend some time lying on the floor with the dog on lead. Many dogs will be more at ease if you get down to their level.
If your dog is fearful of you follow the directions outlined above. You will be your own helper <smile>
