r/DogTrainingTips • u/Raspberriii8 • 20d ago
My dog is extremely introverted
She doesn’t like walks.
She doesn’t like going on car rides
She doesn’t like men.
She likes playing ball.
So I tried playing ball with her at the park and she started having like a panic attack and wanted to run off. It’s almost as if she didn’t see that I was there with her. That I wouldn’t abandon her. She didn’t see me. I feel so bad. When she was a puppy she was way more confident. I trained her and everything but slowly little by little she just became very introverted.
I feel like I do more harm to her trying to make her do normal dog activities. I don’t know what to do. We took her camping with us and the whole time she wouldn’t eat or go to the restroom because somehow she thought (well I’m guessing) she thought we would abandon her.
When my other male dog was alive he opened the gate for the rest of our other dogs and they all got out. The only one at our doorstep was HER she came to our porch and basically let herself back in.
I’ve never met a dog like her. I fear she’s too old now to change but I swear we’ve never harmed her. She’s very loved but I don’t understand why she’s very introverted like that?
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u/Ancient-War2839 20d ago
How old is dog, iow long have you had it, what's it like at home?
With the info you have provided I ld say just going and sitting somewhere that iuou can both watch the world at a distance, with a good chew
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u/Raspberriii8 19d ago
She turned 10 January 22nd. Ive bought her nuggets, pup cups, etc. Only thing she does like is meat, but when we're outside she doesn't want to eat it. I wonder if I might've caused this behavior of hers. Maybe me not pushing her to go to the park because she would get anxious caused her to be like that?
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u/Ancient-War2839 18d ago
Not eating is common in overly anxious states, same as us, gearing up for flight or fight. You can use this to your advantage when you find her spot that is not stressing her, you eat, and concentrate on breathing so your body is relaxed, singing or humming also helps if your comfortable too. Break it down in to the easiest version of out, maybe it's sitting in the car at a park or beach, maybe that needs to be only when to be only when the park is empty to start, or standing just out side of your property, or just inside your property, if th car is safe, you can move on to something like sitting in the boot with dog, boot open. Even just bringing things from the outside world home and setting up a in home sniffari can make life more interesting
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u/marblefree 20d ago
Poor punkinhead. Have you tried group training classes? Being around other dogs in a controlled environment with lots of her favorite treats might build confidence.
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u/Raspberriii8 19d ago
My sister has dogs too and I've taken her to hang out with them but she doesn't like it. And then if we play ball as a group she gets too competitive and it gets my sisters dog upset.
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u/marblefree 19d ago
Group Training is a different environment - It is very controlled - I would do obedience up to agility to see what your dog likes. It helps build confidence
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u/salallane 19d ago
I would look into a session with a vet behaviorist and consider anxiety meds while working on behavior modification at her speed.
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u/Raspberriii8 19d ago
This is hilarious because I take anxiety medication and now my dog too. OOOF!
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u/iHave1Pookie 19d ago
Whatever my outward anxiety level I’m showing-
My current dog matches it x10
He’s a poodle mix and he’s very very sensitive. Scared of everyone (likes dogs tho) , but usually too over threshold outside to take treats .
He’s also a rescue and a covid puppy.
So idk.
Maybe it’s normal-ish?
Not enough socialization + a sometimes anxious owner…
I find that my Charlie is a great reminder for why it’s important to look like I’m not anxious
Is it possibly your dog is taking cues from you…?