My new puppy won't come near us!

[Ali's Cousin]

Can anyone tell me what to do? Today my family purchased a 13 week old Cavachon from a breeder in PA. She's beautiful, when came running out of the barn, she was playing with the other dogs on the farm, but as soon as she saw us...she started shaking and has not stopped! We got her home (7 hrs ago) and she has not eaten anything, she has not even had any water. My 11-yr old son took her outside and she just sat. She runs every time we go near her, she won't even make eye contact...it makes me really sad. I called the breeder and he said that it should get better in a couple of days, as she has never been out of the barn around people!! Not sure what to do, just want her to be happy!

[ReesAkita]

She's most likely just trying to adjust....Just give her some time and lots of love and attention...Also I mean no disrespect in your choice of breeders but most experienced and responsible breeders make it a point to socialize new puppies with people to prevent this type of problem...I know I did and so do many others on this forum.

[Sarah1427]

I got my puppy about a month ago. He was acting the same as yours is now. I wouldnt make eye contact and he just slept in the corner of the kitchen. He wouldnt come near me and even when i got down to him he wouldnt do anything, just sit there. Since then, he has gotten so much better. He will always sit next to me on the couch, he never lays in the kitchen anymore. He give he kisses and has improved so much. Just give your puppy time, she will adjust as Ree said. And like she said definitly show her tons of love and attention, talk to her and she will come around.

[Julia423]

I agree with the post above. Also, I find that staying very calm with a new dog is tremendously helpful. People tend to want to play very actively with a new pet and some aren't ready for all of the new stimuli. Give her time and be patient and calm and consistent with her. Congratulations!

[mynameislola]

Most of the information I am seeing online regarding working with unsocialized animals like yours is actually about feral cats, but a lot of the processes are similar. Try a search for that and maybe you will find something helpful.

[PatchO'Pits]

This makes me very sad. Yes, all pups need to adjust when taken from the litter and some take a little longer. However, part of a good breeders job is to socialize the pups. I'd be furious if I paid a pup that was not socialized. Some of the critical imprinting happens very early on.

Venting a bit here:
I wish people who bred would start taking more responsibility for the pups they produce and research a bit on training and socializing before pumping out litters.
UUUGh I also even had to look up what kind of dog that was because it is another designer mix breed. Nothing against the pup I'm sure she is adorable. I just don't understand the point of what some of these breeders are doing

Back to your new addition... Hopefully it is just an issue due to lack of socialization and can be worked through and is not a temperament issue

Take baby steps when introducing anything new to this pup. make sure not to coddle the puppy if she shows fear or you will make the problem worse

Read the thread I did on socializing and training pups and I think it will help you a great deal
http://forums.petlovers.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9801

It stinks that this which should be a very happy time is not fun for you

Good luck with the new pup

[mynameislola]

Ditto the stinking part. The puppy cuddling part is what makes all the work worth it. Ditto also the baby steps and the part about bad breeders.

We chose a particular breeder for a few reasons, but the clincher was that she keeps all litters in her home until they are sold or over 16 weeks.

[Macawpower58]

UUUGh I also even had to look up what kind of dog that was because it is another designer mix breed.

Rofl............I didn't want to show my ignorance by asking! I have been studying dogs, and dog breeds for over 35 years. I was racking my brains trying to remember the more rare breeds, positive I'd just forgotten one. I'm getting to old to learn all these 'new' breeds.:rolleyes:

I also agree with everyone else. Poor socialization is the problem. If the temperament is good, the pup should come around slowly. Take this pup lots of places, but keep it feeling safe, don't push the new experiences on it. Allow it to watch from a distance. Like PatchO'Pits said, do not pet, coddle, or show concern when your pup is acting afraid. Doing so rewards this behavior. Act normal, like nothing is wrong.

Good luck.