Is puppy insecure? What can help?

[Barb04]

My stepson's 5 month old pit bull has always been a very friendly pup. He's in a cage while they work (come home during lunch to let him out). They live in an apartment.

My stepson is concerned because the other night when he got home from work, he kept calling his girlfriend to open the door. When he finally got inside, the pup was on top of the couch shaking, like in fear. They couldn't figure out why. They don't yell at him, actually they baby him too much.

The pup never barks when someone knocks on the door. My stepson wants the pup to bark so when he gets older, people will be aware there is a dog inside protecting the owners.

The pup was one of the last ones in the litter to be adopted. Do you think he is just an insecure pup and will stay this way? Around dogs, he has no problem playing, barking, and jumping on them.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Renee750il]

He is still a baby. Some dogs just take awhile to 'grow into themselves.' It does sound like he's a little short on self-confidence, though. Your stepson calling to his girlfriend to open the door may have sounded like anger to the dog, too.

Getting him out and socializing him should help. They might also want to consider leaving him in a puppy-proofed room when they're gone rather than caged. It just does something to some dogs. I know it's very useful in some instances, and it's definitely the training aid du jour, but it just isn't good for every dog.

They might also try encouraging him to go to the door with them when someone knocks on the door or rings the doorbell. They can trade off, one staying inside with the dog (probably the girlfriend, they tend to be more protective of females) while the other one leaves, waits a few minutes - varying the waiting times - and then knocks. Teach him to come and stand in front of the door, and she can even bark herself to encourage the dog to bark. (No jokes now, guys )

With socializing and encouragement, he should be all right.

 

[Barb04]

Thanks Renee, I'm passing this on to my stepson.

 

[Blondie]

I agree with Renee, I never placed Blondie in a cage, it's heartbreaking for me. That's why we both hate grooming so much, if he's put in one of them while waiting for his turn Or maybe Blondie's just too spoiled and babied.