Puppy backs away from me

[irishgirl423]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and have a question. My husband and I just got our 1st puppy and he's 14 weeks old. We've had him for 6 weeks and he's so wonderful! He's very friendly and loves to play and lick(sometimes too much). My only concern is that everytime I call him or go to pet him, he backs away from me like he is afraid. He is great with my husband and does not back away from him. Any suggestions? I am confused that he would do this with me. I can't think of any reason he would act this way with me. Other than this, he is very good with me and is always excited to see me when I walk through the door.

Thanks for your help!!!

-Tara

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

It is impossible to say without seeing the 2 of you, but body language can cause these reactions.

Try kneeling to call the puppy, and also when you pet him.

Pet him on the chest instead of on the head or back.

Call him to you with treats. Hold the treats right up at your body as you feed them to him and pet him.

When he backs up from you, turn and go the other way. Don't try to follow him. Make him come to you, and then shower him with treats and praise.

 

[Christin Luvs Dogs]

I agree with the previous post as to the strategy with the treats. Everytime he comes to you and lets you pet him...you are a treat dispenser! The treats will distract him from whatever has got him nervous about you (probably not at all your fault) and he will learn to trust you.

I would also consider a puppy training class to build a bond between you and the puppy. It's fun, great to help with many things, and can help a sometimes shy puppy.

Have fun!

 

[Melissa_W]

Red gave some good advice.

Kai will sometimes back away if you go for the top of his head. I don't think he's afraid, I think he just doesn't like it.

 

[Lynx]

I agree that it is body language. Does he back away from you when you lean forward and stand over him? That would probably be quite scary to a little puppy. My friend has a little poodle, and the first time I met the poor little guy I bent completely over top of him to pet him .. on top of his head no less. :O Mentioning that, alot of dogs don't like to be pat on top of the head, most will tolerate, others melt under any kind of touch they recieve. But, do you really like being pat or pet ontop of your head? Afterall, you cant see the hand when its above your head. Anyways.. He darted out of the reach of my hand. Once I kneeled down and offered him my hand to sniff, he was all loves.

Also, when you call him over to you.. do you step forward? I've done it quite a few times.. but going toward them is saying "move forward" not, "come here". It works the best if you step backwards while turning slightly to the side. When Merrick was just a puppy, I'd go out into a field and play with him, tell him to come and run away from him. He loved it.. and he, of course, followed. Then I rewarded him by throwing his ball. It worked for me.

 

[animalcrackers]

Also, don't call the puppy to punish him in some way (ie scolding).

 

[adojrts]

I agree with everyone, the only thing I would do differently at this time, is to avoid looking at him in the eye. Turn your body to the side including your head and drop your gaze. Direct hard eyes (staring/eye contact) means two things its a threat or a challenge.

Good luck
Lynn

 

[goosey]

yeah i agree with every one some puppys just get the wrong idea