Nervous Malamute Pup

Lhotse

Hi all, any advice on this issue would be greatly appreciated. We have a lovely malamute pup that is well over 4 months old. Our issue with her is that she is extremely nervous out in public about other people and especially children. As soon as she something scares her she tries to bolt away in any direction with blind fear. We have her out every day in dog runs and on walks and she's with people all day so socialisation doesn't appear to be the problem. Anyone with experience of these dogs - will she grow out of it? We were advised to consider medication but that seems to be a bit extreme, at least until she's a bit older.

star-pants

I don't know who advised medication but yes that is rather extreme, even in a full grown dog unless all other avenues were exhausted and it was causing the dog severe stress.

If you figure everything is new to your pup, noises, movements, smells - it's all new and can be a bit scary for pups. It could be something she'll grow out of as she adjusts, you could probably help perhaps by seeing if you can find a socialising class nearby that you could bring her to.

Chris_Heilong

I sort of had a problem with my Malamute puppy on walks, he would just sit there and not want to move, I thought it was fear, I know its not the same problem but my guy is very food motivated, and it only took one or two dog walkers in the park to give him a treat and a rub and now he loves everyone he sees. Maybe carry some chopped up hotdog when walking her and try to foresee any thing that may be scary and let her concentrate on the food, this is what i do when ever passing a barking dog across the street and it works.

Lhotse

Thanks for the replies. Regarding the food incentive - I've tried that a few times but she is literally so blinded by fear that there is no interest in food, she just goes mad pulling on the lead trying to get away. I'm starting a socialising class with her soon so hopefully that might help. My concern is just that she doesn't seem to be improving in spite of daily walks, dog runs, (attempted) socialising with stranger etc. I've never seen a dog so afraid of strangers and children. Anyway, fingers crossed that it is something she'll grow out of.

Chris_Heilong

OP,
From what age did you get her? It is very strange that a Malamute would be afraid of people, it is a breed trait to love everyone, Problems like these can stay with a dog for life If not dealt with eairly on, for example I know a lab the is extremely afraid of going under things, it started when she was a pup but has never gone away, even if her food or ball goes under a chair she will not go near it. Night walking may also help if you want to avoid people.

Skadi

I had a rescue Malamute Cross with this problem. He was around 6 yrs at the time and was nervous to go anywhere outside the house or garden. Instead of forcing him to go on walks we just took him for little walks and went a little farther every time. Also we noticed he was never happy to be out on his own for a walk so I had to bring my other dog with me for company.

Do you have a friend who might have an older dog that you could go walking with. Or maybe change the walking route to one where there are less people.

Lhotse

Thanks for the advice all. Chris - I have her since she was 3months old and she came from a very good home, which is why this is really puzzling me. I will try taking her out for walks with another dog. Her sister lives close enough so maybe that will reassure her. She loves playing with other dogs in the dog run so fingers crossed it will help her over the fear of strangers whilst out walking on the lead.

moving_home

I have the same problem with my cocker who is now a year old. she doesn't like strangers at all especially children. she will bark anytime people come around the house but will run away from people rather than confront them if you know what I mean.

We had her since 7wks and socialised her in town around people as soon as she had all her vaccinations. its very strange. we have moved to an estate now (we were in the country) so things are improving slightly but not much. Doesn't help that there are a couple of kids around 8 who everytime they see her start screaming and running towards her :rolleyes: its not their fault, they just think she is gorgeous and want to play with her. not sure what to do about it.