Can dogs take on fear from other dogs?

Question

My roommate adopted a once abused dog from the shelter a couple years ago and when repremanded in any way (bad dog) or (no) even if it isnt yelling will cower and run to hide, then she will pee everywhere she because is scared. Now, two months ago I adopted a puppy that is lovable with all aspects of life, a few days ago she started being scared around other dogs (initally and will quickly forget about it) or even me when I reach down to pick her up she will run away like the other dog does. Could she learn this behavior from watching my roommates dog?? Neither I or my roommate would ever abuse an animal! So this tempermant is worrisome for me to watch, I feel like a bad owner!

Answer 1

dont feel like a bad owner it all happend because where she came from there could be other dogs playing roughly with her just get her to understand you by buying a puppy training book at soon she will understand

puppy training book are very dear somtimes but if she goes toilet all the time you are better off to get a puppy training book and that will help you to train her

good look !!

Answer 2

It is certainly not your fault so you shouldn't feel bad. And I think it is great that you guys adopted a shelter dog in need. What you should do is train both of them using positive reinforcement techniques. Here are some things that may help:

1. It is probably best to get them to approach you rather than the other way around. A good way to do this is with food that smells really good (e.g. microwaved hotdogs). Get some, stay at a good distance away from them (before the start to spook and run away) and toss the sausage to them. Keep repeating until they start associating you with yummy sausage. Once they are more comfortable you can try doing this from a shorter distance. Try to do this slowly so that they don't spook. If they do, move back and repeat from farther away.

2. Make everything really low key, your voice, hand gestures, etc.

3. Try not to loom over them, crouch down so you appear smaller when you want to approach them.

4. Hand-feeding:

Hand-feed them some of their kibble one by one. Hand-feeding is also good for bonding and establishing your leadership.

5. Obedience training. Try and do some obedience training sessions everyday. Enroll in a class or get a good obedience book, and practice with him for short sessions (10-15 minutes) every day. This will help establish you as a leader, improve your bond with your dog, exercise your dog's mind, and give you good tools that you can use to help control him in the house.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Yes.  Puppies also go through stages when they are fearful-especially with too many changes.  However, a pup looks to an older, more experienced dog to teach it how to deal with life, just as it will look to it's mother, it's owner, even it's surroundings for clues about what to do.  The fearful dog is making your pup think there is something to be afraid of.  Work with both.  I think there's a website about fearful dogs and borrow from the library books/videos on training.  Build your pups confidence separate from the fearful dog and then let them interact.  Maybe the other dog will gradually learn not to be so afraid.  I have a half grown pup who pees when afraid.  I hope she will outgrow it, but I need to build her confidence also.

Live well and do good.

Answer 4

Definately.  They are a pack animal.  When a human sees another human looking frightened , they too can become anxious. It's the same for dogs.

Don't forget though that puppies are going through several developmental stages between birth and 10 months.

Their responses can change. Who they were 2 months ago might not be who they are to-day.

Search the net for articles on "Puppy Development"