Yelping dog help.

[Deaf]

I have two puppies that my wife recently got and while one is, well for lack of a better term normal, the other is a bit skittish. He really isn't afraid or anything, he'll just lower his head sometimes when you get close to him.

The problem is that if you even approach an "aggressive" stance with him, such as a stern warning or picking him up quickly he starts yelping like you just backhanded him across the face. I have very sensitive hearing and it is almost painful when he does this, and it'll go on for a minute or two. I'm sure the neighbors probably think I beat this dog from the way it sounds. Sometimes he also freezes up when you ask him to do something, not really a seizure he just will lower his head and sit still. Pretty much anything that frightens him or any perceived aggressive behavior will set it off.

Now I don't know the breeder, but the other puppy is from the same litter and doesn't exhibit the same behavior. I would normally think somebody hit him, but his sister doesn't show the same signs.

Any ideas on what this might be and how to handle it?

Any ideas

[Squawksx3]

Hello Deaf and welcome :)

What breed are your puppies?.
Dogs/puppies have their own personalities and temperments just like people. Some dont need to be abused to have shy, skittish behavior... its just them. Give it time...alot of love, patience and security...and you might think about getting them into obedience classes. Petsmart usually has great classes. Good luck to you :)

[dlaura]

Hi and welcome,

I agree with squawksx3, but I am also wondering if the yelping when you pick the puppy up might indicate that something hurts in the area you are touching. Have you had them in to the vet yet for a "well puppy" visit. If not, you may want to do so.

[NLPanfil]

When my cocker was a pup she had the same behavior, she has since out grown it. Her vet told me she was just shy. (When people would go to touch her Shiva, my Cocker, would yelp and carry on like you had cut her arm off.)

Give the pup a chance...they usually out grow it at about 10 weeks old. (Mine did) Pups like humans exhibit their own personalities....the pups just shy....try giving it a stuffed animal. That seemed to work for Shiva. (Believe it or not...she still suckles a stuffed animal when she's upset....I don't know why...but she does. I love the dog terrible...but she's a little weird!)

If you would like to see a picture of Shiva you can go to

http://home.att.net/~tisdabrat

Of course the first picture of the dogs you'll see is a picture of Shiva and a stuffed animal!

[Amanda]

Shiva is simply adorable! I think it's cute that she likes to suckle her stuffed animal when she's upset ... reminds me of a child's security blanket. Anyway, I think she's so cute. Thanks for sharing your photos....and welcome to this board!

[Squawksx3]

Deaf.... hows it going with the pup?. If it hasn't improved I would do what Diane suggested and take it to the vet, she's right ... there may be something medically wrong and it may be in pain. Please keep us updated :)

Shiva is gorgeous!. I love her coloring!. I've always liked Buffs ;)

[NLPanfil]

Deaf...

How is the pup doing? Is he getting any better?

Thank you all for the replys on Shiva! She's a sweet girl!