New dog is timid - how can I help her? Update Jan 15

[True Grit]

Pic of the pretty girls. New one on the left. She did really well walking in town tonight and we will do a very short training session before bed. Other than that I am just treating her casually and not singling her out for attention. The breeder thinks she is simply adjusting to life on the inside.

 

[Mountain Man Jim]

Nice picture and a great looking dog(s). They both seem pretty calm in the photo. So, what are they looking at??

Jim

 

[WoodlandWoman]

They are gorgeous!

 

[True Grit]

Thank-you! They are on the stair landing looking at me while DH takes the pic. She still startles easily but is getting better slowly I think.

 

[True Grit]

Today Maiwen and I had our third Socialization Class for Shy and Fearful Dogs, put on by The Canine Coach. They are a great provider of positive obedience, agility etc training for dogs. Maiwen does well but always has her tail between her legs. She knew sit and down from my earlier working with her but quickly learned to down from a standing position. She was exposed to about 6 different agility/every day items today like a wheelchair, low agility tables, tunnel etc. She did fine with all but the tunnel. I had had her lie down on the previous item, which was a bright yellow floppy chute thingy so when she went to the tunnel she lay down in front of it! She is too quick for me.

She had no problem taking treats from various people who were instructed to come over and visit us, just had her tail tucked but she was right in their space as soon as they sat down.
When I got home with her though, and took off her collar and leash, she immediately ran over to her kennel and she is so much more afraid here in the house. I just don't get it. Next week, DH will come to the class and I asked him to sit down with her every day and treat her without really looking at her, even if he has to throw them to her. I think the key is to do it every day until she associates him with great food and gets comfortable. Right now, every time DH comes home or enters the room, she barks at him. I guess the big change we have seen is that at least she doesn't constantly hide in the basement. It is difficult for me to see her fearful of me and DH when she sidled right over to the instructor when she first came by with a treat. It will be interesting to see how she reacts to DH in the context of the training room compared to how she reacts to him in our house. Baby steps..

 

[Skyesrocket]

I wonder if it's the JRT? Do you have a family member or friend that can keep the other dog for a couple of days? If not leave the other dogs outside for a while and see if she relaxes more. One of your other dogs might be intimidating her without you realizing the extent of it.
I have a dog here that doesn't come near me unless one of the other dogs is outside. Then she turns into a little clown. As soon as the other dog comes back in she stays clear of me. It's because the other dog has layed claim to me, but I don't hear any growling or threats.
She is a beauty! Good Luck with her!

 

[True Grit]

That is an interesting idea. I've wondered about my other collie because she is pretty possessive but yesterday she was away getting groomed and Maiwen was still shy. I'll see what putting them both outside does for her. Thanks!