We have purchased a puppy (Border Collie) who seems to be very shy. Can he grow out of this or is this permanent behavior? Can we do things to help overcome this behavior?

Hi bud, how old is your pup? is he working or show stock? how was your pup reared before you got him - in a family home enviroment or in kennel/barn/stable? sorry to bombard you with questions, but all of these things have an effect on the type of advice you will be given, Julie:)

Hi bud, try to let your dog play with as many other dogs as possible, this will help. good luck DEBBIE

Hey bud, try assigning a play partner for you dog. Preferably one similar in size.

Take them to the park or the beach or somewhere unfamaliar (neutral territory) and let them socialize. Your pup is very likely to try and hind behind you or between your legs. Try and discourage this as much as possible and encourage the socialization process. If your pup tries to hide, try not to console him (althougth i know its very hard because puppies are so cute!) at all, push him out from in between your legs or behind you, wherever he may go. Make sure you keep them on a lead though, just in case they try and make a run for it. One trick i've tried that i've seen works very well with shy dogs is i let them sniff each other out and then i get some butter and apply to each dog's face and let them lick it off of each other. Breaks the ice very well in most cases! Be sure to end every socialization session on a positive note! Make sure you keep the sessions short and sweet and progressively make each session longer. If things go well and they start playing, end the session before they get too bored or uninterested. Remember, always keep them wanting more!!! = )

This way your dog will look forward to the next time they play together and you will also effectively be ending the training session on a positive note! good luck!

Rob

Hows it going with the pup bud?

Hi Bud, a good few puppies go through a shy stage between about 12 to 16 weeks. I try to ignore the behaviour but not to push the pup, give it as many different experiance as you can treating any shy behaviour in a mater of fact way. He will soon find his feet.
Ja:)kie