Thread: Advice needed for a timid/shy huntaway pup

So i got myself a huntaway pup today hopefully for work all going well. It was the runt of the litter and hasn't been socialized at all, was still with its mum when we got it, i think its around 2 months old. Its very timid just wants to go sit in a corner and doesn't look at you. I was playing with it this afternoon and managed to get it out of its corner and come to me with some treats.
Is there anything else i should be trying to do or shouldn't do. I read on the net you shouldn't encourage the dog to sit in the corner so i guess a cruel to be kind technique, ignore it if its being shy and praise it when i comes out of its shell a bit. Sounds logical i guess.

He will come round, he's just off mum, new home give him time to adjust etc.
If he has the breeding you will have a time training him to shut up
Their will be plenty of dog walloper's here ( High Country Shepherds) that can add to your thread.
I have only had heading and hunting dogs and looked after the odd mutt.

KH

Awesome, cheers. I dont want to push him so is there a time frame i should be looking out to try and get him out and about? Id like to get him on a lead to try and walk him around the farm see some animals ect.

Bit of an update, hes definitly getting better, loves playing fetch and walking on leash (walking under my feet trying to trip me up ) so now its just a patience game trying to get him to come, sit and stay will be a good start

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

Kelpies are the same mate. Can take a while to get them outa their shell but after they come out you wish you could put them back in. Make sure you teach him hand signals to match every command. Awesome when you can control your dog without a word.

Cheers, yeah he is doing a lot better now. Take him on the farm everyday, hes got sit, wallago, stay, and gets up on the ute and bike no problem. So basics are good just need to fine tune him and get some sides on him. Loves chasing stock, HATES people other than myself and my partner. Try to socilise him as much as i can but just doesnt like other people touching him.

Sounds like you've got it right. If he doesn;t like other people bothering him tell them to leave him alone... seriously, he's in your pack not theirs... sounds like he well on his way!

Awesome mate

I wouldn't worry about him not liking other people. Sounds like he will be loyal to you which is a must in my books. I have one dog that will work for anyone, but he's not a good as other dogs that only work for me.
Keep encouraging him

As others said, don't worry about people. Dogs however are different, get him socialized with them ASAP. Very important as sooner or later he will be working with others and there is nothing worse than a dog that doesn't know what to do around other dogs.

Cheers all, yeah he is around other dogs all day working in the yards ect, again likes dogs hates people haha. Getting better everyday, naturally balances stock, so really happy with him. Just his boss needs some practice now haha.

keep working and you will get all the "practice" you could ask for!

HATES people other than myself and my partner. Try to socilise him as much as i can but just doesnt like other people touching him.

you might want to reconsider that behavior once you get his love and respect locked down.
he doesnt have to like other people but he cant be let get aggressive or stand overish.
think your boss,children or maybe your own kids down the track.
dont put him in any situations that if they go wrong could send him back into his shell or make him over protective/aggressive.
just my opinion but ignoring poor human socialisation could end badly he doesnt have to love everybody but he does have to conform to a standard of behavior safe for all those he may come into contact with. he,s young so you have the time if he cant be trusted he stays home til he can.

Bit of a set back, 3 broken toes (ouch, and expensive) Got his foot caught on the step of the tractor

And a pic of him on the bike.


With all the trips to the vets he seems to be getting used to people a bit better. He was quite aggressive towards the vet when we first took him in but we think that was down to him being in a lot of pain. He seems to be more accepting of them now after about the 4th visit $$$$.
Now he is off work for a bit it will be a good chance for me to try and socialize him some more once he gets his cast off.

He's a fine looking dog.

I'm happy to be out of step with the mainstream advice here.
I believe that he should be socialized with other dogs AND other people. Neither you nor him can avoid working and interacting with other people.
You don't want to spend your working or social life worrying about his behavior with people. I see that you have him inside and really care about him. That's great. Just remember that the natural consequences of a dog being aggressive or unsocial with people is that it can effect your personal relationships with people. Think about that.

I have never tolerated anti social behavior from my dogs, and never will.

p.s. I have just read what GSP follower said, and it seems that we are on the same page about this.