So Fergus seems to be going through a major fear period (though he could also just be wired that way but I'm going to work on the assumption that it's a fear period since he's prime age for that and his previous owners didn't mention any issues) and I want to do everything I can to work him through this.
He startles easily at bigger sounds and crashes though he recovers very fast and doesn't seem to hold onto any major nervousness after it's done. The vacuum barely bothered him, the first time I was blow drying my hair he was hesitant but the second time he came over and nosed it. He doesn't mind cars, or anything nature wise so far, even louder noises outside don't seem to bother him that much.
But people he's nervous around. When people pass he shies away and then stares (sometimes does low woofing) and will duck and avoid if they come near him. He will though take food even when he's pretty stressed, especially if the people continue to ignore him.
When he first met my dad he wouldn't go near him until I had him sit on the couch with a handful of treats and told him just to open his hand if Fergus came near. Within maybe 30 seconds Fergus was eating the food out of his hands and 30 seconds later was on his lap kissing him and initiating play. So he comes out of it fast if it's approached right it seems.
Having another confident dog around him when he's in a stressful situation also seems to help. When I had him at work for the Wellness clinic it was crazy so I had Didgie out with him and that got his tail up and him taking food pretty well.
I have an idea about how to go about this and work with it but wanted any suggestions from people on Chaz. Kaylee was a very nervy dog, especially when she was younger and I just kinda dragged her everywhere and gave her treats with no real plan of attack.
So basically, suggestions? Tips? Tricks? Things that has worked for you and hasn't?
He startles easily at bigger sounds and crashes though he recovers very fast and doesn't seem to hold onto any major nervousness after it's done. The vacuum barely bothered him, the first time I was blow drying my hair he was hesitant but the second time he came over and nosed it. He doesn't mind cars, or anything nature wise so far, even louder noises outside don't seem to bother him that much.
But people he's nervous around. When people pass he shies away and then stares (sometimes does low woofing) and will duck and avoid if they come near him. He will though take food even when he's pretty stressed, especially if the people continue to ignore him.
When he first met my dad he wouldn't go near him until I had him sit on the couch with a handful of treats and told him just to open his hand if Fergus came near. Within maybe 30 seconds Fergus was eating the food out of his hands and 30 seconds later was on his lap kissing him and initiating play. So he comes out of it fast if it's approached right it seems.
Having another confident dog around him when he's in a stressful situation also seems to help. When I had him at work for the Wellness clinic it was crazy so I had Didgie out with him and that got his tail up and him taking food pretty well.
I have an idea about how to go about this and work with it but wanted any suggestions from people on Chaz. Kaylee was a very nervy dog, especially when she was younger and I just kinda dragged her everywhere and gave her treats with no real plan of attack.
So basically, suggestions? Tips? Tricks? Things that has worked for you and hasn't?
