New puppy, fireworks and a show for the neighbours!

scotsgirl_3

they grow back, as normal, i had a gorgeous ginger tom who decided to sniff the hob - when it was on! he had curly whiskers for a while but they came back in fine

Minerva_2

Yes they definitely do grow back, our cat was once sat just a little bit too close to the gas fire, hoping it would be turned on. When DH lit it - whoosh! It burnt off the whiskers from one side, singed eyelashes and eyebrows too! But they did grow back.

Often find the odd whisker when I am dusting, so I think that it is normal for them to lose them, much as we lose hairs.

ailuro2

They are replaced just like we replace lost eyelashes.

I find them too , but not when dusting :rotfl:

Strange how thick they are.

Our cat's vary in colour from the start of the whisker to the end. Don't know why?

zebidee1

Next instalment in the 'Harley Saga'.......

Harley is one scared puppy. If anyone tries to speak to him, he runs away and cowers. It doesn't matter if it's man, woman or child.....or whether it's inside/outside/their home or his....he is just plain scared. He gives the impression that he's regularly beaten by all who pass him. (He's not btw! We all love him to bits and couldn't be cross with the mutt even if we tried.) He would choke himself with his collar rather than go near anyone.

We could analyse for weeks about the reasons why but that wont help us help him now. Personally I dont think the breeder socialised him and I think perhaps he was kept outside and she told us otherwise but what's done is done and no point in looking backwards.

He's 16 weeks now...what can I do to help him be less afraid? He hasn't been to pup classes as he was injured the day after his vaccination period was up and had to stay indoors and rest for almost 2 weeks so he's missed a big part of the important socialisation period. Also the classes in our area have stopped for the time being now.

I feel so sorry for the daft beast, I'm sure he wants to do more etc but his fear and lack of confidence is stopping him.

Advise me please if you can?

I should add that I think a large part of the problem is also Harley himself and it's not all down to the socialisation thing I mean. See old thread for Harley background, lol.

shelley_crow

It may be beneficial to see if you can find a dog behaviourist in you area, i don't know how you'll be able to get around this if he's frightened all the time. Try asking at your vets or in the phone book x

suki1964

I have the same with Billy - bad start in life and then a major op. But we still started puppy classes at 17 weeks which has helped.

You also need to take him everywhere you can think off where there will be sights and sounds hes not used to. I used to go to the trading estate (as well as the local shops, parks, outside schools etc) -stand outside sainsburys, go for a walk around pets at home.In there it was easy to find dog lovers who would be willing to be stooges and come meet Billy is a safe controlled way. He was so bad at the start we left puddles everywhere. You really do need to make a start now, the next four weeks are really the most important in a puppies development

When you ask people to greet Harley, make sure they arent lunging right at him - very scary for a pup. Best way is to approach from the side and not to pat the head but either the chest of side of neck - much more less threatening

lfckerry

Hi,
I have a 10wk old puppy who is quite shy,ive been told by the breeder not to comfort him if he is shy or show him that what he is doing is good,just to ignore him,maybe that would help????

eira

We rescued a dog from Portugal-as an adult. He had very good reason to be nervous as he had been the victim of attacks and beatings by other dogs and men. A sure fire calmer was putting him on a lead with the command 'I'll keep you safe' and then talking to him in a cheery calm manner-especially past triggers-like sticks/men/other dogs etc. (This caused quite a few stares as he was a huge powerful dog being walked by a small fat person cheerfully telling him that she was 'keeping him safe' )
I realised that being on the lead meant I was on the lead

---

The cheeriness didn't feed the fears-also limit walks with triggers so that he comes across one or two fears at a time and learns to live with them. Such a walk with a calm older dog and a laid back owner can be of enormous help

Raksha

16 weeks is a strange age for many puppys - just like children at 6 months, they suddenly become clingy, and if they haven't been well socialised previously, it can be even worse.

Can you just sit and watch people for a while? Ask them not to come close, but just let him watch from a distance where he feels safe. Then, maybe as he gets bolder, they can offer him a treat on the flat of their hand (like feeding a horse) then very gently tickle him under the chin if he takes the treat. Do NOT allow anyone to move towards him or pat him on the top of the head.

zebidee1

Thanks everyone. We have actually tried some of what has been mentioned with no success. Harley is a very cute looking dog and the world and his brother often want to pat him and they are happy to try to be patient and coax him to come to them but it's just not working.

I think I'll go put a tent up in the park and be in amongst people 24/7 lol. He'd have no option but to get used to them then, lol.

He has no fears or worries with noises/cars/motorbikes/anything else really....it's just people. (Mind you...sometimes I dont blame him ).

He's been like this practically since we got him and he's steadily getting worse. I do think we might need some serious help now.