My now 19 month old GSD Bliskan is showing fear and stress to situations that haven't been a problem before. at petsmart today he freaked out on the slick floor and ladder in the fish section that we go on every time without issues. I worked him around the store and went by the fish section several times until he went threw comfotably we did stay off the ladder as didn't want to push to hard. He also showed some fear and lost all drive for the ball when I had him around gunfire last time which has not been a problem in the past. I know dogs go threw a growing phase and can show some fear but how old till this should be outgrown?
Jäger went through a phase with slick floors, they were OK, then they weren't. Don't make a big deal out of it as the fear may become an attention getting device. I didn't let him off the hook and we always went through everywhere he showed trepidation. I was patient, firm, and led by example so he'd come to the decision that if Alpha Male can do it so can I.
We had a thunder storm today and Jäger usually ignores them. Today he was anxious about it and we remained calm. After a bit he decided it wasn't cause for alarm either.
I have no idea what causes this behavior. Perhaps one new subtle element throws off their perception of the whole event
When we pulled up our carpet and had the wood floors refinished, it took my GSD's a little while to get used to the slick floors. Right after the re-finish, I called them and heard a scrabbling sound as they apparently tried to get purchase on the floor. My female slowed down. My male got going and from the kitchen I watched as he slid on his bum through the dining room with his ears back and just the whites of his eyes showing. He slid like that all the way to the sunporch where there is carpet. He got those front feet going and caught the carpet and trotted out the back door with that, "What?" look on his face. He did not show ill effects, but he did slow down after that on the wood floor. I keep his toenails short...honest.
It is not just the floor problem. He is showing signs of fear and stress towards alot of things he did not before. I thought he had good nerves. Am I wrong and this is not something he will out grow? I also have two very week dobermans so I know what week nerves are. Could he pick up some of this behavior from them? Red is afraid of the tractor mower now Bliskan acts the same and he did not earlier. Is he following there lead as they do run together more than I would like.
Reg: 01-23-2006
Posts: 1608
Loc: Cali & Wash State
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Mitch, If he checks out ok medically, I would keep him away from the dobes for a while, because I think you are right, he could be taking his lead from the older dogs.
BenGeurts Webboard User Reg: 03-21-2006
Posts: 10
Loc: Australia
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Mate,
Dogs will most certainly learn this type of behaviour from "pack seniors" which your dobes most likely are (I think there are some articles in this site regarding this type of thing). If I was you I would not let him anywhere near your Dobes.
I might also suggest that you are not "careful" when handling him during these situations. Show him that there is nothing to be scared of and that you do not approve of this behaviour (avoidance). If you are cautious when you approach these situations then he will read your body language and believe that this is really dangerous (if the "alpha" is worried then I better be very careful and stay behind him). Thus promoting the problem.
Ben
I am as confounded by dogs as I am indebted to them. Roger Caras
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Dog showing stress to familiar situations
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