How to help non-socialized 14 month old

2 months ago we got our male blenheim from a reputable breeder. She had about 50 dogs and they were running all over the place. No cages or crates anywhere and we saw the majority of the house. The only ones that were caged lets say were puppies and their moms and they were in playpens. Anyways, our poor little guy is terrified of people. When people come and try to pet him he cowers and shakes and when we take him places also the same. Right now we have him in obedience at our local pet store and the poor guy hides under our chairs. Of course he is NOT this way with us. Very loving etc. People look at us and say why is he like that. I truly think they think he has been abused which I know he hasn't. We got another one last week and that breeder (went to another breeder because the first one didn't have black-tan or rubies which I wanted one or the other) knew the one we got Bentley from. She said he's absolutely gorgeous and also said that this specific breeder is known for our shy dogs. Our obedience instructor has told us to get him out--take him to pet shops, lowe's and home depot (for non US people that is local hardware stores that allow dogs in their store) and also Bass Pro Shop (a sports store) which also allows dog. We have been doing that but the poor guy still is scared. Any other suggestions to help get him through this?

My black and tan (who died 7 years ago) had a similar problem. I had him at 4 months, but for various reasons (including being very fragile when born, and possibly brain damaged) he had not been socialised - hardly handled by humans, not allowed to play with the other dogs and puppies, never out in the garden. He was really hard work (puppy classes made him far worse) - but the turning point came when I discovered a titbit he really adored. I carried a supply in my pocket and gave them out to everyone we met to give to Rowley, and gradually he began to move towards people, looking for his treat. I also found that sitting quietly near situations that worried him helped more than forcing him to confront them. For instance, sit on a seat in the shopping precinct (perhaps with him on your lap), play with him, offer him those favourite treats, let people come and talk to you (rather than him) and then casually offer him a treat, let him see passing dogs from afar - above all be calm and cheerful so that he realises you're not worried, so there's no reason for him to be. It takes time and patience, but will make a difference eventually!

Best of luck!

Kate and Oliver (who is totally laid back about everything!)

Linda: I hate to say this but this post is saying so many things that would shock me about a 'reputable' breeder.

It really must be said unequivocally because this would be a source of concern: I cannot believe any reputable breeder would have 50 dogs running all over her house -- 50 dogs, running all over the place, with numerous bitches and litters in pens at the same time in most cases constitutes a mass breeding establishment for the puppy market, not a reputable breeder, especially if she is breeding dogs that do not even have the proper breed temperament and repeatedly so!! Being 'gorgeous' doesn't matter one whit if you have a terrified, poorly socialised dog-- what matters ALONE when deciding if a breeder is reputable, is health clearances (did you see these for parents and grandparents? Cardio certs, hip and eye scores etc? MRIs?) , eg breeding for health, as well as conformation and *temperament* (eg NOT breeding for shy dogs! ). Keep in mind that all the current uproar over this breed is based around many feeling there's already way too much focus on appearance, rather than health (in particular) and temperament.

I cannot see how anyone can adequately manage this huge number of dogs roaming about freely either -- this is simply asking for fights and other problems if these dogs are intact breeding dogs :yikes. I know breeders with a fraction that number, and they all responsibly manage them with crates and pens and kennels, depending -- because that is the proper way to manage a large number of dogs; you don't just let them all interact (most of us with more than two find it hard enough to prevent the occasional scrap -- I cannot imagine managing *50*!). To me it is far worse that she wouldn't be segregating and actually *managing* her dogs; having them roaming freely would not be a virtue but a concern.

I also find this really alarming, coming from one breeder about another:

and also said that this specific breeder is known for our shy dogs

Click to expand...

How can this be possible? This is absolutely NOT the breed standard and NOT the breed temperament and I would qiestion the ethics of a breeder knowingly producing, and homing, shy, poorly socialised dogs wandering around in a huge mass of dogs and seeing no people...

Also just how many moms and puppies did she have in pens?

You will have a task ahead of you -- yes this pup badly needs work and to be socialised daily but if this is the dog's actual temperament you will likely have a shy, awkward dog for life. You cannot really change temperament. I would be furious with a breeder who is deliberately breeding dogs to produce such puppies. This is nearly as irresponsible as knowingly breeding health problems as it passes along a potentially serious burden and problem dog to the new home.