Today My sister and I went to pet smart to get Izzy used to different situations.
When we first her tail was down but she was not trying to get away from the store. We meet an employee and talked to her for a good while about an hour. Izzy ignored her.

As my sister was talking to her I had Izzy sit, lay ,and roll over with no problem. When the employee decided to touch Izzy she petted her ear and Izzy yelped and went back to me. I thought maybe she hurt Izzy but nothing happened when I touched her ear. Then the employee sat down and Izzy walked up to her when she turned to her Izzy backed away back to me. I decided enough was enough and said goodbye and left. Did I ruin Izzy because I let the employee get to close Is she fear aggressive or can she become. I love Izzy and want was is best for her.
She is my first official dog and want a well rounded dog that I can have in public and sit at my feet when I'm at Starbucks.
I have been taking her for walks and teach her a new trick everyday so she will not get bored.

Criticism is very much welcome.

No Elizabeth, you did not ruin your dog by allowing the employee to touch her, but she might be telling you that she simply is not comfortable in a new place with all those smells, strange people, etc... especially for over an hour.

Socializing does not necessarily include having other people near your dog - it really deals more with exposing our dogs to more and more distractions/places/situations - but a little at a time and in a controled environment.

You might try exposing her to new situations a little at a time, for shorter periods of time, and where she doesn't have to deal with so many different things at one time. You can help build her confidence by taking her new places but keep her at a distance from "all the action" and do some easy, fun training at a distance from the noise/people. Then go home. End on a high note each time.

Try to relax with your dog. She knows when you are nervous or are upset and that can put her on edge. You did good to try and take her somewhere new, but she may not be ready for people, dogs, etc...

Thank you I will do it slower, but I just thought of something a week ago to get Izzy checked out because the spay wound was not healing correctly they forced me to get the her shots or they would refuse to service to her. When the vet gave her shot Izzy yelped in pain could that be another reason why Izzy was not comfortable with the employee she was hurt by a stranger now wary of strangers, I know this is my fault and now all I want is have Izzy ignore people no touching don't want to cause problems I will take better care next time

Elizabeth, I don't think you are necessarily doing anything "wrong" - you are trying to do what is right and gaining new information in the process. Some dogs are just more sensitive than others and she may be one of those dogs.

Try to see what you are doing well and all the good efforts you are putting toward getting your pup trained and confident. Just because one effort didn't go exactly as planned, does not mean you've done anything bad.

Elizabteh, have you watched the Michael Ellis videos about fear periods in young dogs and puppies? Its in the free streaming video section. You should check it out, it might give you some good ideas on how to handle this.

I will watch those videos asap. I feel like I am being dramatic but one of my sisters has a fearful dog and he can not go anywhere he shakes whines and will snap if put around people he does not know. I do not want a dog like this.

Today I took her to a river she loved it. She seemed more calm than at pet smart , a kid tried to approach her and she did not shy away but I put myself between him and her and continued to walk calmly. I am feeling hopeful Thank you for the encouragement

 Quote: Elizabeth Munoz

Today I took her to a river she loved it. She seemed more calm than at pet smart... I am feeling hopeful Thank you for the encouragement

Excellent! You are learning where she is most comfortable. Those places will help build her confidence and your's too!

I'm sure you guys will be fine in the long run. Its probably just a fear period thing, but even if she is shy a big part of it is catching it early and building her confidence. Just asking puts you way ahead in the game.

Don't coddle her, but make sure you are clear with people that she needs space. Trust me, people are weird with the things they think are appropriate with puppies. They will do things they think are fun but will actually scare the crap out of almost any puppy. Keep a generous bubble of personal space around her.

 Quote: elizabeth munoz

I love Izzy and want was is best for her.
She is my first official dog and want a well rounded dog that I can have in public and sit at my feet when I'm at Starbucks.

Actually, I find Starbucks to be a great location for socializing (meaning allowing my dog to watch people coming and going in a relaxed atmosphere). We sit at a table outside - I am relaxed, with my favorite beverage, and my dog picks up on that - and most people will ask before approaching and I just say "no, she's uncomfortable with strangers". And unlikely for someone be there with an unleashed dog.

We both have a great time watching the world go by, and have even started to do a little obedience on the Starbucks patio, now that my dog is comfortable being there.

Beats a petstore by far (unless the weather is lousy . . .)

Cindy,

I love that coat! Where did you get it? I have two American Hairless Terriers so I am always on a lookout for fashion... Thanks!