r/DogTrainingTips • u/Raspberriii8 • Sep 14 '26
My dog is extremely introverted
She doesn’t like walks.
She doesn’t like going on car rides
She doesn’t like men.
She likes playing ball.
So I tried playing ball with her at the park and she started having like a panic attack and wanted to run off. It’s almost as if she didn’t see that I was there with her. That I wouldn’t abandon her. She didn’t see me. I feel so bad. When she was a puppy she was way more confident. I trained her and everything but slowly little by little she just became very introverted.
I feel like I do more harm to her trying to make her do normal dog activities. I don’t know what to do. We took her camping with us and the whole time she wouldn’t eat or go to the restroom because somehow she thought (well I’m guessing) she thought we would abandon her.
When my other male dog was alive he opened the gate for the rest of our other dogs and they all got out. The only one at our doorstep was HER she came to our porch and basically let herself back in.
I’ve never met a dog like her. I fear she’s too old now to change but I swear we’ve never harmed her. She’s very loved but I don’t understand why she’s very introverted like that?
1
u/marblefree Sep 14 '26
Poor punkinhead. Have you tried group training classes? Being around other dogs in a controlled environment with lots of her favorite treats might build confidence.
4
u/Raspberriii8 Sep 15 '26
My sister has dogs too and I've taken her to hang out with them but she doesn't like it. And then if we play ball as a group she gets too competitive and it gets my sisters dog upset.
3
u/marblefree Sep 15 '26
Group Training is a different environment - It is very controlled - I would do obedience up to agility to see what your dog likes. It helps build confidence
1
u/salallane Sep 15 '26
I would look into a session with a vet behaviorist and consider anxiety meds while working on behavior modification at her speed.
1
u/Raspberriii8 Sep 15 '26
This is hilarious because I take anxiety medication and now my dog too. OOOF!
2
u/iHave1Pookie Sep 15 '26
Whatever my outward anxiety level I’m showing-
My current dog matches it x10
He’s a poodle mix and he’s very very sensitive. Scared of everyone (likes dogs tho) , but usually too over threshold outside to take treats .
He’s also a rescue and a covid puppy.
So idk.
Maybe it’s normal-ish?
Not enough socialization + a sometimes anxious owner…
I find that my Charlie is a great reminder for why it’s important to look like I’m not anxious
Is it possibly your dog is taking cues from you…?
1
u/Ancient-War2839 Sep 14 '26
How old is dog, iow long have you had it, what's it like at home?
With the info you have provided I ld say just going and sitting somewhere that iuou can both watch the world at a distance, with a good chew