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Shy dogs. Hmmm

Discussion in 'Training & Behavior' started by elviejon01, May 9, 2019.

  1. What are y’all thoughts on shy dogs? I have one that gets really finicky when working. Won’t run mill, gets scared of cars and big objects so even hand walking is a challenge Not shy at all around other animals and humans, in fact she goes bonkers when she is quite the opposite and hard to handle around other animals. My concern is if this trait can be passed down or is it more of a personality type? I don’t want this trait in my other animals but she also does have some really good qualities I want too
     
  2. stickler

    stickler Banned

    I got only one (human) shy dog. No aggression he was just shy to people. He run the mill and was hunting cars like rabbits, so might be different to yours.
    Not scared of anything at all. The best dog I have ever seen. That was an interesting experience.
    Shy dogs are mostly pretty smart ... thinking dogs. The 'scare' part might be a problem.
    So, I can not even say if I like shy dogs better or not.
    If it is a trait ? Sure, could be, maybe. Who knows ? lol

    btw. why are you hiding the dogs face in your avatar ? Would like to take a look. I like what I can see so far ...
     
    elviejon01 likes this.

  3. get what you mean. I personally have had people shy dogs too and that doesn’t bother me at all. For the most part they tend to be smart like you send and tend to be more obedient, at least in my opinion.

    I had a hard time adding a picture On my avatar. That was the only that got lol
     
  4. mccoypitbulls

    mccoypitbulls Underdog

  5. mccoypitbulls

    mccoypitbulls Underdog

    Sorry for poor typing. Phone changes some..and adds shit..I try to fix...and that what ends up posted 90% of time..jibberish...
     
  6. palooka

    palooka Big Dog

    i have a few " hand shy " youngsters, very high prey drive and keen to work but just weary of people, its not a trait i like, you even have to watch your tone of voice around them , theres a little extra work involved , you really do have to put the time in and form a bond with them, that said, there's plenty of spooky game dogs out there.
     
  7. Lrs

    Lrs Big Dog

    Don’t personally like shy dogs to temperamental. Working or exercising working dogs is hard enough already imo.
     
  8. AGK

    AGK Super duper pooper scooper Administrator

    I prefer that mine are very confident mentally. With people, other animals, surfaces, sounds etc. Their every being should scream self confidence. IMO being shy is a temperament flaw. My personal opinion is I won't keep a dog that isn't strong mentally. Having kids around regularly forces me to not look the other way on temperment flaws, regardless how good of a worker they may be.

    I look at it as a bad trait. Those who have the patience for them, Salute.

    I however, do not.
     
    david63, RobR73, Blackpoison and 3 others like this.
  9. stickler

    stickler Banned

    Sounds like all shy dogs are bad mannered. That's not the case.
    Why can shy dogs not have a strong mindset ?
    2 different things, I believe.
    I agree with you in all aspects if you would be talking about scarry shy dogs. Those who are shy and scarry of just everything.
    Those might be 'dangerous' dogs. Culls !
    But just because a dog is shy to let's say people and without any signs of aggression, does not make that dog bad mannered.
    I'm talking about the ones who don't duck ... they are just shy. Those dogs are mostly very gentle to people they do know.
    Some of the best dogs in history have been shy dogs. That's maybe where the 'thinking dog' part comes up.
    A shy dogs won't attack, they just stand away from things. Get my point ?
     
  10. AGK

    AGK Super duper pooper scooper Administrator

    Sounds like all shy dogs are bad mannered. That's not the case.
    Why can shy dogs not have a strong mindset ?

    I have no idea why but being shy is not a strong mindset. It's the total opposite. I never said they are bad mannered, total different subject there.. It is in the breed standard for them NOT to be shy or timid. It's important enough in the standard to be in 2 seperate categories of the breed standard. Presentation and attitude;

    C. Presentation

    1. Dog is socialized, showing interest in things around him.

    III. Attitude 10 points

    A. Confident and alert

    B. Interested in things around them, in control of their space, not threatened by anything in their surroundings.

    C. Gentle with loved ones.

    Major Fault: shy or timid



    2 different things, I believe.
    I agree with you in all aspects if you would be talking about scarry shy dogs. Those who are shy and scarry of just everything.
    Those might be 'dangerous' dogs. Culls !
    But just because a dog is shy to let's say people and without any signs of aggression, does not make that dog bad mannered.
    I'm talking about the ones who don't duck ... they are just shy. Those dogs are mostly very gentle to people they do know.
    Some of the best dogs in history have been shy dogs. That's maybe where the 'thinking dog' part comes up.
    A shy dogs won't attack, they just stand away from things. Get my point.




    I do get what your saying but your mixing my words up. Being shy and being well mannered are different traits. One is a mental issue the other is a training issue.

    Being shy isn't just considered a flaw like having an overbite is. It's considered a MAJOR flaw in the standard. I didn't write the standard I just follow it. I don't disagree that there have been several shy dogs that have been well known famous dogs. Just like there are plenty of man eaters that have won matches too. There have been no shortage of winning dogs with awful conformation as well. Those are the the extreme cases not the norm.

    IMO and what I myself breed for is the perfect specimen, as should be anyone who breeds objective. A shy dog don't fit that bill on this yard. Like I said previously, to those who run with them, breed them, etc more power to you. It's a cull here is all I was saying. To each their own...
     
    david63, F.W.K. and Blackpoison like this.
  11. Blackpoison

    Blackpoison CH Dog

    man.. when are you selling to the public ! lol good stuff
     
  12. stickler

    stickler Banned

    To start of, I have no idea about the breed standard. Just does not matter to me. I use my own standard.

    Sorry, @AGK if I mixed up your words. Might be just a misunderstanding.

    I never had a shy dog before. And I won't say what I like better, because to me it does not matter that much.
    I also do not see this as a fault. Example: I probably like shy people better. I don't want to get people all the time in my face. If that makes sense.
    I like them shy enough to stay away from me.

    Let's get in a 1 on 1 situation. A room, a stranger and a dog. What can happen ?
    The 'normal' dog probably makes a new friend right from the start.
    The aggressiv dog may try to bite.
    And a shy one just stays away from the stranger.

    Really, I can't see the bad point.
    The dog I'm talking about was extremly self-confident, feared nothing. And he was only shy to people and only in those 1 on 1 like situations.
    It was also new to me, but I never saw this as a bad sign.
    Well, I was making jokes out of it when a friend took pics in front of me and the dog.
    I wrote on the pic: me and my brave dog. lol
    He was not acting shy anymore with a dog around. Still cool like Clint Eastwood, but not shy.
    The other dog was not that shy. To bad for him.

    I can show pics where the dog is nose to nose with a bigger male. Or better said ear to ear.
    Both got the chance to grab whenever and whatever they want. Both shown already, no cold dogs at all.
    Wasn't my idea, lol, but I gave it a try.
    I got another one like that before. Self confident til the end.
    Or like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Outside like a lamb, inside a screaming monster.
    They just knew that they don't have to make the first step, they gave the other dog a chance to be friendly and not getting into trouble.

    Both were not afraid of anything at all, just did not care for any small shit that is going on around them.
    Both knew that nothing can beat them. Self-confidence.
    The more I think about it, the more I like it now. :D

    So, I got your point and respect this, but I can't see a bad thing in a dog who is full confident about himself, but a little shy.
    I see the pros and cons. And if a shy dog shows to be smarter, then I would always choose the shy dog.

    But I don't want to start a war, it's just small talk.
    And it's also no attack of your breeding philosophy.
    And with your way your probably on the safer side. b u t .... :-?
     
  13. stickler

    stickler Banned

    One more thing. I believe there is a difference in a dog who is fully confident about himself on his own and a dog who got 'man made' confidence.
    Because, deep under water, they have to breath on their own. Who do you think will breath longer ?
    It's all in the DNA. :-B
     
  14. AGK

    AGK Super duper pooper scooper Administrator

    I don't feel like your attacking me. It's all just good discussion. No worries. We don't all have to agree on what we like. Comes down to ones own personal preference. Always will.

    I was just pointing out It's a flaw according to the breed standard which many consider to be created to promote the ideal specimen.
     
    stickler likes this.
  15. Maybe Shy is not the right word. The gyp im talking about is has more of a spooky trait. She is super friendly and not shy with people at all. Just gets spooked at big objects. I have found that she loves the flirt pole so I build on that strength.
     
    mccoypitbulls likes this.
  16. stickler

    stickler Banned

    That's just an example for a not so strong mindset, I would say. Probably nobody likes this, it's a pin in the a.. .
    Spooky dogs are ... spooky.
    Sorry, hope you can fix the trouble with time. It's just hard to help without knowing the dog (and you, lol).
    A hardcore guy may tell you to check the dog early amd get a decision >:)
    I'm just a softy :D #:-S:-B
     
  17. c_note

    c_note CH Dog

    It all depends on your goals with the dog. If she is just a pet, fuck it... If you plan to show her, work her on weight pull, or pigs, there’s going to be plenty that might spook her. Then again, it depends on how focused she gets on the task at hand. I’ve seen a couple that looked like straight SCAREDY CATS on the chain, but focused when on task. Your dog, your call. Whatever you do tho, give the dog time. Be firm but fair, RIP Mills Lane. 2-3yrs, imo, they should have no excuses! 3yrs could be a long time to wait on what you already see and might know in your heart
     
    mccoypitbulls, BronerFan and david63 like this.
  18. HighCoastHiker

    HighCoastHiker Top Dog

    Shy dogs have shy pups.
    Whether the dog is shy because of nature or nuture, the results are often the same.
    A dog ”naturally shy” dog will ”pass down” a shy personality the same way it passes down all other traits and qualities.
    Likewise, a bitch that becomes shy because of mistreatment, mistraining or trauma can teach a whole lot of fear and freaky behavior to her pups in twelve weeks. The responses and behaviors learned in the whelping box can last a lifetime regardless of what you do to try to fix them.
    As has been said, only you know your dog, your situation, your needs, your goals and capabilities. Honestly, however, I feel that this is one of those situations where if one has to ask opinions....then one probably should not be in the situation ....probably.
    A couple of the best dogs (on paper) that I have ever owned were shy animals; partly because of nature (shy sire) and nurture (lack of the early socialization necessary to function in my situation with my needs). They are among the very very very few dogs that did not live to old age with me. They were put down.
    Keep in mind that a dog does not have to be fearful and start biting to be a danger. If you’ve ever been in a situation with a forty-eight pound bundle of nerves bolting north, south, up, down and sideways all at the same time trying to get away from cars, cats, sudden movements, loud noises and stiff breezes you understand why I agree with those who choose not to keep such dogs regardless of their ”good qualities.”
    But, like I said, only you know. Good luck and great health to you either way....you’re doing the right thing by asking.
     
  19. mccoypitbulls

    mccoypitbulls Underdog

    Another Interesting article I read that I actually incorporated into a litter was written my Bob Stevens. Some may know him or his brother by other names. Since we are on a confirmation way of looking at this, it was good read and I can share.
    It was about early stimulation. I found a test online to put all pups through at different stages of growth, used lecithin in Momma diet and the pups also at early stages.
    I was thrilled with the results and found it interesting. I gave feedback to author of article also.
    Has anyone worked hard to fix this as said above? Well that is one way that I experience.
    My study and hands on seemed to infuse their young minds to allow them to overcome such issues...or atleast to my liking.

    Like said..all dogs different..and what types of dogs we like. These traits have been in the dogs a long time and I believe each can produce like..or not. I also believe these traits can be good..and bad..
    A dog that turns...is different than one that stands..or one instance situation may make one do either ..
    Figured we can add some more thought into this good topic.
    To each their own.
     
  20. stickler

    stickler Banned

    'Early stimulation' reminds me on an article in the old EGR, maybe 'a' member can dig it out again ? ;):-B
    This was also about stimulating pups at a very early age. It was about putting (positive) 'stress' on the pups each day for a couple of seconds using ice or a cold towel ...
    Don't know if it fits in here, but it was a great read.
    Sometimes it just sounds so damn easy 'making' better dogs. Well, if it works ...
    Bad stimulation (no matter where it comes from) will cause some heavy future trouble, that's for sure.
    Getting happy dogs is the way to go. And it's starting already with the mom, she has to be in good stable mood at all times while pregnant.
    Everything she feels is going straight 'into' the pups. It's also pretty much a 'chemical thing'.
    'Well made pups/dogs' just look that much better as those out of a 'dark hole'.
    I just love to watch happy pups and I know that 'this' is the 'most important' time for them and I was always acting like 'I know'.
    But what do I know ? 'Produced' my last litter in '97.
    It's just my strong belief, that it can not work, if you do not love what you are doing.
     

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