Just joined - hello and help

[chrisc1801]

I have a 19 month old Labrador who is an absolute sweetie, very gentle and timid. I got him about 8 months ago from a family who were moving abroad. He has always been nervous of strangers and crowds of people, but socialises every day with other dogs and their owners on the park. My son also takes him for long daily walks in the local woods. Unfortunately about four weeks ago he became very afraid of children, for no apparent reason, and is absolutely terrified even walking passed the local school or homes with children inside! It is making his walks an absolute nightmare and I have no idea how to manage it. I try to reassure him and even avoid taking him anywhere near children if I can help it. He even gets spooked at babies in prams.

Has anyone got any ideas on what I might do to help him?

Thanks - Chris

 

[murphyrules]

Aw poor boy, I would recommend taking him to a training class and building up his general confidence as you said he is timid and nervous normally, be careful of taking advice from various different people as you may get conflicting opinions on how to handle his fears which could make the problems worse.

my beagle boy was the same way and within 6 months he is a transformed dog, he was great in the house but he was nervous of everything and everyone outside and was even worse when I took him away from my older dog he panicked and tried to bolt out of his collar. The training classes were hard going at first as he would just sit on my knee (after being carried in to the room) but his self confidence has improved so much that he is like a different dog. He is by no means perfect but at least I know how to handle any situations that we come across now, more training classes required but time and patience are paying off.

I honestly can say that a decent understanding training class has changed my boys life for the better by giving him self confidence, reinforcing the bond between him and I, and reducing the separation problem between my dogs and I hope you can do the same with yours, I chose a Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme training class so that we had some goals to aim for and he recently passed his Bronze award. Good Luck with your boy xx :luck:

 

[Rocky Rescue]

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me.

I would go with the advice above, that makes sense to me.

 

[chrisc1801]

Thanks both, for taking the time to respond to my query. I did take him to training when I first got him, which to be honest helped me more than him. I have now contacted a dog trainer who is qualified in all kinds of behavourial issues, so fingers crossed. I am just waiting for him to get back to me with more details - watch this space!