my alaskan malamute is terrified of me and everyone else!?
she is 12mths old and i have had her for 4mths, as a puppy, she was left alone with only one other dog for company, she had almost zero contact with humans let alone any training! the only time i can almost touch her is at her meal times otherwise she just stays away from me and spends all her play/excercise time with my other dog. i have tried seperating her from him, forced her to spend rewarding time with me but it only makes her fret even more. how do i gain her trust enough to at least be able to exercise her properly? she has not been physically abused, and she is starting to become destructive because of her boredom. help!!
I hope it isn’t snowing, or terrible weather where you live, as this method really helps..Get a box of kitten kibble (not cat) and take your phone and a book to the area where the dog is…sprinle the kibble around you..and wait until your other dog, or the shy one, comes to sniff the kibble (kittne kibble smells stronger than dog treats) Just talk on the phone, read your book, and hum or sing, and pretty much ignore her..After a couple of days, the dogs will look forward to your meeting..Before long (usually about the 4th day, you can speak to wach of them, and then begin putting your hand down to them when they come to get the kibble..It shouldn’t be too long before she begins to trust you..This works even better if you can sit at their level..floor or ground…
Here is a great lesson and advice on dealing with the timid dog.
Motivating a Timid Dog http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=997&S=1
and it recommends a great book, as well
Vidar, 11 week old Alaskan Malamute puppy.