Hello!

[Mally2007]

I am the proud owner of a Lab/Sharpe Mix. She is almost 4 1/2 years old now and is the light of my life. She was given to me as a college graduation gift and she has been, and always will be, the best present I have ever received! Despite being the most loving and mild mannered dog around me and the people she knows, she is very apprehensive and timid around strangers and new people. She growls, cowers, and barks whenever she is approached by someone she hasn't encountered before or isn't familiar with. Does anyone have any idea why this is? Could it have something to do with her specific breed or maybe just a personality trait?

[siberianhusky101]

heres a question for you; are YOU timid when you meet new people, or when you introduce her to new people? dogs are very sensitive to moods, so if you are feeling apprehensive about her meeting someone, she will pick up on it and feel apprehensive herself. give yourself a good boost in confidence and that should help, keep your head up and walk calmly and relaxed. Dont allow anyone to approach her when either she or the visitor is projecting excited energy, this can cause her to go into a fearful state of mind. here is a video of a calm yet assertive walk with a dog thats has fears of being outdoors.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3559887769430514985&q=dog+whisperer+jane&total=1&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

[Mally2007]

Thanks for the video clip! I guess I never really thought about my demeanor and body language when I introduce her to knew people or we are around strangers. Definetly something I will be more aware of going forward! Thanks for the tip!

[blueboys]

hi and a very big warm welcome to you:)