I think I just need support

NicksMom · #1 10-19-2009, 06:33 PM

Does anyone else have a boxer that does a pretty good imatation of a chicken. Nick is three and half years old, 68 pounds and is afraid of everything except other dogs. He has never met a dog he doesn't like. But everything else is horrifying!! New people, new places, loud noises and anything that comes close to going over his head. We are in an intermediate/CGC class and tonight was a disaster we went outside in the parking lot of the middle school the parents and kids, cars, car doors slamming. Car alarms, kids practicing football. I am sure if Nick could scream he would have asked if we could go home now. I fear I may have turned into the worst image of myself I tried not to get frustrated but I failed. He has never been abused we got him at 8 weeks and I have attempted to make every new encounter positive. Like I said maybe I just need to learn to embrace his chickeness.

**Jan** · #2 10-20-2009, 07:38 AM

He may eventually grow out of it. Make sure that you aren't encouraging the behavior, but telling him it's okay and consoling him, by patting him etc. Ignore him when his is being afraid. Try and be a leader and show him that there is nothing to be afraid of.

jbbtlr · #3 10-20-2009, 10:25 AM

We have had Koda also since we was 8 weeks old and he has become the biggest chicken also the older he gets, he is now 5. I can't figure it out. He has always been well socialized, in training classes, goes with us all the time. But over the last couple of years he is more skiddish of new people, and when we take him with us he cowers from the passing vehicles especially the semi's. I took him to the store with me on Sunday, I was only in there for like 10 minutes. When I came out, he was cowered down on the driver side floor under the steering whell.

Harley was curled on the driver seat sleeping..lol. I have no clue why or what started. I try to ignore it like Jan says. I perk up my voice and kind of silly talk to him and ask him what he is doing and what is he being a scarey cat about this time and then I usually get the butt wiggle.

Good luck!!!!

TinksDream · #4 10-20-2009, 01:18 PM

Tink is a chicken too! She is afraid of cats and is pretty cautious when she hears something loud but still will want to go investigate. But she loves other people and dogs so much so that a complete stranger could come in my house and she would slobber them with kisses and butt wiggles.

NicksMom · #5 10-20-2009, 03:09 PM

Thanks all, I do the same with Nick lots of happy talk and trying to do things he enjoys like fetch and tug sometimes it works. I think he may have just had an off night. Just like us every day isn't always the best day ever. He seems to have made a complete recovery this morning and is chicken free. We will try again next week. Like it says in the Culture Clash "how important are these ribbons anyway" So how important is this CGC anyway not important enough that my dog is miserable. I will be a better dog mom in the future.

ELubas · #6 10-20-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicksMom

Thanks all, I do the same with Nick lots of happy talk . I will be a better dog mom in the future.

You are a great dog Mom or you would not be posting about it

My last girl was very timid, except like yours, around her own kind. We were careful to do as Jan suggests. No coddling but patient and encouraging. Ailis came round in time and we called her "our brave girl" She died way too young and i really mourn what would have been as when she died she was by far the BEST dog I ever had the honor to own or know, truly. So hang in there and i have a feeling your Nick may really surprise you. Best of luck and enjoy!

laneysmom · #7 10-20-2009, 04:26 PM

Gee, I thought I had the only "nervous nellie". Laney is 2 1/2yr old now. Still does not like loud sudden noise, things bigger than her, sudden movements, etc. Luvs other dogs, however. Not too bad with people anymore, but she was!!! Yes she has been socialized alot. Just a boxer-chicken. Still love her.

NicksMom · #8 10-20-2009, 07:35 PM

I seen a chicken halloween costume for dogs. I have never been one to dress up my boy but maybe in this case it would be ok. We could all go as a group. Proud Parents of Chicken Boxers.

moburda · #9 10-22-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELubas

You are a great dog Mom or you would not be posting about it

I agree with ELubas. You wouldn't be posting if you didn't care. And Nick will be the bettr dog for it. I still have lots of issues with my Patrick. Pretty much the same as Nick - scared of everything (dogs included). But I know that with some hard work, lots of patience and lots of love they will both be ok. Hang in there. -- Sending you best wishes and peaceful thoughts.

Caney Creek · #10 10-22-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicksMom

I seen a chicken halloween costume for dogs. I have never been one to dress up my boy but maybe in this case it would be ok. We could all go as a group. Proud Parents of Chicken Boxers.

Caney has that costume

I'm very sad that it doesn't fit her anymore

But it was so, SO appropriate!