Diet and Shyness - Puppies

by June
(Williamsburg wv 24991)

I just love my new baby Marley and Massie I think they are about 10 weeks old I rescued them they had been running loose with there mom on an old back road . I've had them about 3 weeks now . I feed them pedigree puppy food large breed and keep food and water to them at all times . MARLEY WILL come to me and play but Massie still shys away but once she comes close to you she's ok .how can I get her to come to me without shying away they didn't have any human contact at all until I rescued them .they both have had their 5 way shots and wormed . And are doing great. Even had baths which did great with bath and drying .
But I do need to know how to get Massie to stop shying away and how much to be feeding them.
Thank you

Comments for Diet and Shyness - Puppies

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
by: Donna

Best of luck with your pups.

First, I just want to suggest you change the pups' diet. The one you feed now is low quality.

Do get them onto higher quality food, however. People have suggested Orijen, Fromms or anything in the higher bracket.

The best diet is raw which is species appropriate. It's slightly more work than pouring the food into the bowl. Here is some information:
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/feeding-fresh-food-to-dogs/

Talk to your vet as to how much you should feed them. If you feed raw, you feed them according to their ultimate weight. If it's 100 lbs, you feed 2% of 100 so 2 pounds a day spread out 3-4 times a day. If you go with kibble, follow the bag's recommendations. Again, talk to your vet as well.

Do bring in a positive-reinforcement trainer to help you with your pups. It's difficult to help you if one doesn't see what is going on. You should also take them to puppy classes (positive-reinforcement) so they become well-socialized to other dogs and people, as well. Trainers will be able to show you how to work with your dogs to gain the best outcome.
Dec 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Be patient!
by: Anonymous

Be patient for next 14 years. Try handfeeding for bonding. Every dog is different. Thanks for rescuing!!!!
Dec 14, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		take your time
by: Anonymous

Thank you for rescuing. They are the lucky ones. Since it's unlikely they are pure-bred, their character is influenced by their genetics. Your pups may even have different dads.
Some dogs are very sensitive their whole life. We think of it as shyness but it probably is something else entirely. It may be a memory of a bad experience, it may be an eyesight issue, or a hearing issue, or a pain issue. We wish to ease them and to comfort them.
The human response to this is, most times, to try to pick the pup up and cuddle them. Shy dogs find this terrifying. They find the hands reaching towards them from over their heads scary. They find being held, confining and without an escape route. Touching the head and making human soothing sounds are often just that bit too much for them to tolerate.
Best thing to do at this point, while this pup is so young, is to spend as much time as you can at their level...on the floor. Sit and wait. Read a book, eat something that you can share with them. Do not pay any attention to your shy pup, do not make eye contact, do not reach for the pup with hands outstretched, be patient, be calm. You are teaching your pup a new skill. For some, it takes time.
As for food, keep the portions small. Feed 4Xs per day. If you feed kibble, feed a high end food that contains protein from wild, add water to it, take the bowl up when they're finished and keep it squeaky clean, discard left over food. Sit with them quietly while they eat and if you can, hand feed the shy pup a bit. Always keep your hand offering the food low down. No eye contact. Stay calm. Breathe.
Your heart is in the right place...you rescued them, and their lives are already so much better because you did this. Pyrs are very sensitive creatures. But unless you know anything about their life before your rescue, all you can teach them now is trust. It takes time.
Good luck! I truly feel your pups will be just fine in your care.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE


Breaking News

RSS

  1. Neuter or Not

    Jul 03, 20 03:55 PM

    I know with other breeds, particularly those more prone to aggressive behavior, this procedure supposedly helps to make them less likely to act out. However,

    Read More

  2. Aggression to dogs

    Jun 30, 20 07:14 AM

    We have adopted a GP/Golden Retriever mix. Emphasis on Great Pyrenees. Lily is now 6 years old and we have had her for about a year. She is very aggressive

    Read More

  3. Hypothyroidism

    Jun 28, 20 06:49 AM

    Hello - our dog started sitting and lying down frequently during walks. She is panting heavily when she does this. Consequently our walks are much shorter.

    Read More

  4. Rescue dog peeing

    Jun 21, 20 08:16 AM

    We want to rescue a female great pyr. we understand that she will go over to the other dogs food dish and pee in it when he is finished. they have been

    Read More

  5. Domestic rabbits

    Jun 21, 20 07:59 AM

    Hi there. We just rescued a 6 year old pyr. He's very sweet . We have 2 rabbits who live in owns (free range occasionally) . He is fascinated by them.

    Read More

  6. Stress and heat

    Jun 21, 20 07:36 AM

    I have only had my dog for two days. She is a two-year-old female great Pyrenees. Although she’s been in the house with the air-conditioning on she always

    Read More

  7. Hot weather

    Jun 18, 20 07:21 AM

    My husband and I are thinking of retiring to Orlando Florida and of course I won't give up my Pyrenees dog. Do Great Pyrenees do good in the Florida heat?

    Read More

  8. Kara

    Jun 17, 20 03:13 PM

    *ADOPTION PENDING* This wee girl came from a sad situation but she is moving forward in life. She was in foster and has, now, gone into her adoptive home.

    Read More