hi, as some of you know, we have two 16 week old husky x malamutes. we got them when they were 11 weeks old and they wern't used to people very much. so now they are fine with us, but are still nervous around others, especially crowds of noisy people. I have just rang a dog trainer that my vet recommended, who said there would be no point coming to her puppy training classes as i work nights and could only go every other week, but she did do one to one training. She asked me if there was anything in particular i wanted to work on and i said they need to be more comfortable around people. She thinks i need a behavioural therapist to sort that out because it is a real problem and they could become aggressive. She has said to contact my insurers and see if they will pay for her, ( £200 a session!). She said that malamutes are known for not getting on with children and that they are going to be huge dogs and they will be hard to train So what is peoples views on this, please. They have only been going out for 2 weeks as they had to have their jabs and they love going out, but are weary of people. Do you think that this is not going to improve without a therapist? I don't think breeds should be pigieon holed and we did reserch the breeds before we got them and like any dog, its the owner who teaches them, not their breed. Their parents were as friendly as anything and that was while they were in their kennels. All advice gratefully received.

I think you should take it step by step.
Take them to quiet places where there arent many people and when they'r comfortable with that then start taking them somewhere a little more busy.
I wouldnt rush into crowded places as this could knock any confidence they may have. I think a park or something to begin with.
I would just sit and let them relax. That way they can look about and take it all in. They will soon realise theres nothing to be afraid of.
I certainly wouldnt rush things. Its a gradual process you certainly dont need to pay for!
Good luck with them.

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thanks bullbreeds. have just spoke to a woman who works with the therapist and she says to take them out seperately as they may be feeding off each others fear, but if things don't improve then get them in with the therapist as she will want to start bloodworks it could be their endocrine glands personally i think it has to do with the bloke we got them off, grabbing one of them and literally throwing him in the car and holding him down by the scruf of his neck!!!!!! I can't belive that they are wanting me to tell the vet and insurers that they are aggressive pups, they don't try and bite anyone, they just run off.

where on earth did she get that idea from?

i researched mals extensively before we got shawnee and mals are generally excellent with people and children - this was one of the reasons we chose the breed

(as with ALL breeds obviously i would never leave shawnee unattended with a child)

Think your right sleeptalker, I would put it down to the way they were treated.

Still, im sure they will over come their fears in time. Ive had nervous dogs in the past and it just takes patients and understanding.

Dont be drawn in by these so called therapists though. Although there are some good ones out there im sure, the majority are money grabbers and talk out their *rse!

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Lifes roads are for journeys, not destinations!

I would just get friends round on a regular basis to introduce the pups to strangers and arrange to meet them on walks. When the pup relaxes in their presence give them a big fuss! Positive reinforcement is the way to go.

Some very good advice given above!

Trinny was very nervous when we got her, we think because of the way she was treated by one of the breeders kids.

We had to be especially patient and understanding with her as she seemed to be scared to come to us when called, on occasion for no apparent reason. She soon came around once she got to know nothing bad would happen if she came.

Thanks for all your replys. It just threw me when i phoned and then to be told that i need to declare them as aggressive!!!! and that we would not be able to deal with it ourselves.

well my smudge is very nervous around strange people,,,he loves kids and dogs but not adult people,,,hes never been aggressive to other people he just lowers his ears and backs away,,,if they continue to go towards him he will eventually start to growl,,,but at the end of the day if people are attached to their fingers,,,they should know better than to stroke or tower over strange dogs as they don't know what their temperments are like,,, thats how i look at it,,,

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Keep Dreaming Smudge! HAHAHA

hi

i agree theres some very good advise been given on here - just be patient with them, understand its not their fault and give them plenty of love and affection.... introduce people slowly...... they'll soon realise we're not all bad!!!!!! hope all works out well - keep us posted....

susie and the gang

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