Very shy 10 week old

[ketchupthief]

My fiancee and I picked up our new dog yesterday. His mom is a chocolate lab and his dad is a mini poodle. We were told that he was shy by the breeder. The breeder lived on an amish or menanite farm in Pennsylvania.

He really has not warmed up to us at all. Whenever we get close, he tries to move away. He has picked several spots and lies there until we pick him up and move him somewhere else. However, when he is in our lap he lies down and is fine. He is not interested in treats at all. The only time in the past 36 hours he has seemed comfortable was around my parents' dog.

I think he was traumatized by us a) taking him away from his family b) driving for 3+ hours home c) bringing him into his new home and d) running him a bath immediately.

Is this typical that the dog really has no interest in us and seems overly lethargic?

[daking]

My dog was like that, still is shy, but has improved. Give him time, but I wouldnt "baby him". My guy was even afraid of glass bus shelters!!! try and expose himto as much as possible. ie: people, dogs, cars, noises, etc.
he will come around in no time!

[deepnite10]

just try laying down next to him and allow him time to come to you..it won t happen overnight..but, it may.. it does take some time for pups to get use to their new homes and find their place..

he probably is missing his mom..her licking and body contact..show him the affection he s missing..stroking his head and face, the belly and allowing him to lay on your tummy..

research what else he s missing from his mom and try duplicating as many of them..you could say that he ll grow up with a normal puppy childhood..

[Cazkiwi]

It takes usually about 2-3 days for the dog to put all their trust in you... you are still a stranger to them, but I promise you, in 2-3 days, he will be ALL yours!

Just establish one of you as the "alpha", so it gives him the pack leader to look to, so you feed him, train him, talk to him, walk/toilet him for the first few days, and it will all come right.

And always use that calm, friendly, slightly sing-songy voice so he feels your love....

[lindamarie]

he probably is missing his mom..her licking and body contact..show him the affection he s missing..stroking his head and face, the belly and allowing him to lay on your tummy..

And always use that calm, friendly, slightly sing-songy voice so he feels your love....

These 2 things brought tears to my eyes!!
This poor little guy misses his other environment and especially his mama.
I recall bringing Bogart home at 9 weeks, he's now 3. We just couldn't help but give him tons of love! They feel so displaced and so insecure, vulnerable and anxious. Nothing is familiar to them.
So, feel what I quoted above and just give him time. Usually, it doesn't take long. But, I'm pretty sure he will be just fine.
Since the breeder mentioned that he is shy regardless.....then just be careful not to encourage that shyness by being overly protective. We don't want him to be skittish when grown. Go with your heart like you would do with a human being! Yep, that's what I said! They are like little people in fur coats!

[ketchupthief]

Boone is doing so much better! He chased his tail for 5 minutes today and he is finally starting to wander around the apartment.

[lindamarie]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!
SO glad to hear this!!! I knew it would work out!

[Riverkatie]

I'm so glad to hear Boone is doing better. You have until 14 weeks or thereabout to get him socialised, and it is so important with a shy puppy like Boone.

Now he is doing better with you, invite everybody you can think off to meet him (shoes off at door, because of parvo) invite quiet people first, and work up to loud teenagers!
Sit outside a primary school with Boone in your lap to meet the kids. Try and get him to see people with hats, kids on skateboards etc etc, and treat him everytime they pass. Try the supermarket carpark, and do a meet and greet with all who pass the back of your car.

This is important because after 14 weeks they find it harder to become 'un-shy' (is there such a word?!) And it is hard to go through life scared of everything. And, of course, scared dogs bite....
It is a balance though, as Boone is already so shy, we don't want to traumatise him either!
Good luck.