Mia and her shyness

Posted November 17th, 2008 by joanne

Mia is 1 year and 5 months and she still is unfriendly to strangers People would never believe that with me and my whole family she is the most affectionate dog. Yes she is a 5 1/2 lb. Chihuahua. Iwould like her to be friendly to strangers as well. Maybe this is just the way she is.I got her at 9 weeks old I have always taken her out with me.to meet people.but it doesn't work. She will bark and sometimes growl if she doesnt like you.In my home she is okay. she will bark for a few minutes and then if your lucky she will become your friend.She is shy but once your friend will not leave you alone.She does not lke going to the vet at all. when there she needs to be muzzled.If I could only change that one behavior she would be a perfect little pooch.Any suggestions. Thanks

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re: Mia and her shyness

On November 18th, 2008 Aidan says:

Hi Joanne, I have had great success teaching shy dogs to touch a target stick with their nose. When the behavior is really strong, you have someone else hold the stick. Then have a stranger kneel down and present the target stick.

Then I teach the dog to target my hand, then a stranger's hand.

Use food rewards for every repetition. A clicker makes it very easy to teach the targeting behavior.

This technique has always worked without fail for me, but if you are a beginner you may not get quite the same results straight away.

This also works with other shy animals - cats, horses etc

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com

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