We went on Tuesday night to the local Kennel Club just out of town. It was our first trip in the car together, usually we go places separately.
We were both pretty excited, wondering what it was going to be like... Floydie ended up getting a bit tangled in his seat belt... Silly fella!
When we got there, to the oval to do the training, there were lots of other doggies! Lots of other BIG doggies. I was the smallest there, the others (apart from Floyd) were all German Shepherds and Labs...
It was very overwhelming, and I got really, really anxious and starting yipping and whining and had to move away from the other doggies to calm down.
Floydie was excited about seeing the other dogs, but he eventually calmed down and got to join the group.
Meanwhile, my human and I stayed away and did our training alone. I was still weary, and didn't like it when the other doggies moved too close, or got too bouncy.
I did manage to do a bit of training, here I am practising my "sit" (you can see my human in the shadow). But, even while doing that I was very worried of what was going on around me, and I didn't maintain it for very long...
We are still going to go to the classes, but my priority is to get used to being around the other doggies. We can always work on the commands at home where I'm more relaxed.
Have any of you ever had problems with anxiety around other puppers? Do you have any tips to help me manage and eventually get over my worries?
I'd love to hear any of your ideas...
Waggles,
Dougall.
When I went to my furst classes I was kinda scared ..... butt here is the thingy... you just keep going back and tell your mom to be RELAXED and you will be FINE. EDUCATION is GRRRRREAT Stuffs.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to remember that Frankie, I'll stick at it and hope things get better.
DeleteWe're very good around other dogs....we never went to school. Roxy is the type you don't want around--an in your face bouncy sort. But we've never been able to get Bella comfortable around other humans.....we've tried everything recommended and she just doesn't like people.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Dougall--maybe you just need to meet a few at a time so you aren't overwhelmed.
XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
Yeah, I think the humans are thinking of organising a small "play group" for me... To get used to meeting other pupples...
DeleteOh, boy. I liked everybody at first. Then I got rushed by a couple of big dogs and now I don't do so well around them except in camp. Keep giving it a try and I bet you start liking it more!!
ReplyDeleteWill do Duncan!
DeleteTraining terriers? It doesn't work well. You have doubts and they're justified. Don't be scared around other dogs-you're a terrier. Just be natural.
ReplyDeleteThe training isn't going badly, just the socialising. But I'm going to stick at it!
DeleteIt's ok Dougall. The more you see the other doggies and smell them and such, the easier it will be for you. I know because I have Mr. Fox, aka 'Nutjob on the Leash.' After A LOT of time walking him in the neighborhood he's still kooky and anxious but can meet other dogs and walks much better. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteAlyssa, Mr. Fox & Scruffy
Thanks guys, hopefully more of the same will be the answer!
DeleteOh, DO I get bouncy around other doggies! I bark sometimes, too. But I am NOTHIN' like I use to be! You'll get more relaxed, as well as the other doggies, too. Remember, this was everypups first class, so the excitment level is goin' to be off the charts! After a few weeks, everypup will be more relaxed and become friends, and then all the real fun can begin! Hang in there Duncan! Tell Floyd I get tangled in the car teather ALL the time!
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby
Hopefully you're right, and things will get better the more I go.
DeleteFloydie often gets tangled in things... He's a gangly guy!
Hi Dougall! I (Wally) went to puppy school and I don't like being around doggies I don't know, I get anxious and protective of my space and hooman. Sammy didn't go to puppy school and he just LOVES other doggies, all he wants to do is play and get to know everyone. So I am thinking maybe it is a personality thing and you shouldn't be too hard on yourself - we are sure it will get better with time, just take is slow.
ReplyDeleteYour pals,
Wally & Sammy
Yeah, I think just need to see more doggies more of the time. I hope it gets better!
DeleteDougall I hope you and Floyd get some good ideas from Blogville. It will get sorted out we are sure. Have a terrific Thursday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Thanks Molly, I hope it gets sorted out soon... I don't want to be a scaredy boy, I want to have lots of buddies, just like here in Blogville!
DeleteI'm not fond of other dogs around me when I'm on leash, Dougall, so when I went to class, mom had to be ever watchful in the beginning. I was able to focus because of all the treats and once I learned who my classmates were it was okay as long as no new doggies joined us. I think it will get better for you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mitch
I hope you're right Mitch!
ReplyDeleteBuchi isn't fond of being with other dogs or male people. Chooey on the other hand would certainly get excited to see lots of doggy classmates.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry little Dougall. I'm sure you'll eventually get accustomed to seeing them.
Huggies and Cheese,
Haopee
Thanks for reassuring me... Hope you're right. :/
DeleteThink you just got to keep at it mate! Deccy x
ReplyDeleteYeah, hopefully things will get better...
DeleteSounds to me like you did just fine for your first time. Well done! I haven't been to doggy school. The nearest one is around a four-hour drive away from where we live! :-)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing how you both get on!
Big WOOFS from Solo :-)
Four hours, that's a long way away!
Delete