looking for some advice...helping a nervous hound??

diane · Old Hand

looking for some advice...helping a nervous hound??

Isla · Enlightened One

I wish I could help. Poor wee soul - it must be heartbreaking to see her react like this.

One of mine was just stubborn (to begin with) and would plant his feet if he didn't fancy going in the direction I was trying to take him. Thankfully it didn't last long and just took patience.

Hopefully, someone (vastly experienced) will be able to offer some useful suggestions.

niccimac · Old Hand

No vast experience I'm afraid, but Teidi was the same when she arrived, even tried to jump through a closed window when a 'strange' man came in the room.It is heartbreaking to see them like that. What I found most helpful was Timmy, my other hound, he's so confident, and she clung to him. As we walked, anytime Teidi got very nervous, it seemed to help just to speak constantly, quietly and calmly to her as we approached people and gently stroke her and reassure her as we passed them. I was also helped by a couple who would stop just a short distance from me and speak normally to me, ignoring Teidi completely. Timmy would go to them for treats and petting. Eventually Teidi very cautiously approached them, and gradually gained general confidence. I wonder if you might find it useful to team up with someone with a confident hound, and let them get to know each other and hopefully form a bond, then gradually try walks together? They seem to know their own kind, and to be more inclined to copy other greys than other breeds. At least thats what I've found, though I appreciate that my experience is pretty limited. I do hope you find an answer and that she ends up as confident as Teidi is nowadays.

max · Enlightened One

It would seem like Judy needs more socialisation with both dogs and humans. This can be a very long process and taking her somewhere quite and meeting a friend with experience of hounds and one or two of thier dogs that are calm and take things in thier stride. I have been doing this with a friend of mine whose dogs had not had a lot of socialisation and in time we have seen a remarkable change in them. Start off with small trips to new places then build these up, but make sure the areas are quite with few people around and in time you can take her to busier areas.Make her feel happier by taking along her favourite treats, toy,blanket or dog friend with lots of praise and encouragement. Hope this helps.

Nora