My new puppy is afraid of me. How can I bond while training her?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and for being brave enough to ask this question. The great news is that Callie is young! The best things I can recommend for bonding are training and play. Training doesn’t have to be rigid or be done for hours a day. Work on fun tricks together and if you feel that you (or Callie) is getting frustrated, stop for a break or try the next day. Training is so positive because it gives Callie clear expectations with predictable consequences and increases her trust in you as she learns to understand that you will react the same each time. Play is also important but obvious avoid any actions that she might be wary of. Eg, be sure to throw things away from her to fetch rather than toward her as she might confuse this with you throwing something AT her. In general, sqautting down to be at her level and keeping your hands mostly palm-up are helpful in avoiding scenarios that might make her anxious. Exercise in any form is good for her mental health and will decrease anxiety in general. I hope this helps and I wish you and Callie all the best in a brand new, wonderful relationship.

Behavior training would be a great way to help her gain confidence. You can look into puppy socialization and obedience classes in your area. I'd also recommend asking any strangers to allow her to approach them, and to offer a treat. Sophia Yin's website is a great resource for behavior questions - this link has good information on socialization in general: https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/puppy-socialization-stop-fear-before-it-starts/

Your puppy is still young and has a lot to learn. You need to work with her on potty training (consider crate training), socialization, and basic commands like sit/stay/come. Take her on walks frequently to help her energy level. All of these things will help foster and grow your relationship with her. Let her know that it is not appropriate to bite or growl by correcting her and then ignoring her after she does it. Some dogs have a more independent personality and she may be one of those dogs. But if you continue to work with her I'm sure you two will have a great relationship some day soon.

If you just adopted her yesterday it is still very soon for her to be warmed up to you. It can take a full 2 weeks for dogs to be completely comfortable at a home and with the people that adopted them. I would just give her lots of love and patience. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Congratulations on adopting Lady! Earning trust will take a lot of patience and time. Remember that she has had a lot of sudden changes with her new home and a new person in her life. Start by giving her space in her new home and try putting a bed in her favorite space in the house to make this her "safe spot". Try to avoid approaching her if she is in this safe spot. If Lady is food motivated, you can start by offering a few high value treats when she lets you gently pet her. Some dogs are threatened when you reach over the top of the head and respond more favorably to scratches on the chest or under the chin. Once you figure out what she enjoys (food, walks, chasing a ball, etc.), you will be able to build upon that activity and spend most of your interaction doing her favorite things. One other thing to try is a calming pheromone collar or diffuser (Adaptil is one example) to see if this helps to calm her a bit. I hope this helps!

Though it is not normal behavior for the average puppy, it may be completely understandable for Alaia, depending on where she came from. If she is from a pet shop, puppy mil, or other abusive situation, it will take her itme to trust you. Always let her make the first move for the time bieng. Feed her from your hand so she begins to associate good things with you (you don'thave to do her whole meal that way!). You seem to be able to judge very well when she will be receptive to you (when she's sleepy, for example), so go by those parameters in your interactions with her. Do not expose her to anything potentially traumatic of possible (like a dog park or a visit with your relatives). A vet trip may be unavoidable, but keep it as low-key as possible and notify the staff in advance about her problem. If you need further assistance, you can click on the prompt to initiate a consult. Good luck!

Hi there! I'm so sorry to hear about Smokey's troubles. It can be difficult when we adopt pets from shelters, because we don't know their history, or what happened to them before they came home with us. It is important to be patient and work with Smokey daily. A great idea would be to call his veterinarian, and get some recommendations for a veterinary behaviorist in the area. Veterinary behaviorists are veterinary doctors who are board certified in behavior. They could evaluate Smokey, and give you the best advice as to how to work with him. If a veterinary behaviorist isn't available, your veterinarian may know of some good trainers in the area, who are skilled in working with fearful dogs. In general, I would not push Smokey, let him come to you. Let him get acclimated to his new home. 3 weeks isn't very long in a dog's mind. He still needs to settle in. As long as he isn't showing any signs of aggression, you can try some natural calming supplements like zylkene or canine compsure. They can help him relax and get to feeling more comfortable more quickly. If he is showing any signs of aggression, like biting, nipping, or growling when you get close to his personal space, dog bowl, or toys, then I would avoid the supplements, and call your veterinarian right away. Giving calming agents can sometimes make aggression worse. I hope you find this answer helpful! Best of luck!