Shy dog

[Cripple Creek]

I was given a 4 year old GSP male. His problem is his shyness. If I and one of my other dogs go out he hunts. If he is put around strange dogs, or other hunters, he runs around for about 3 - 5 minutes like everything is okay, then he heads back straight to the truck. You can't call him back or anything. Acts as if you have beat him.

Anyone have any recommendations on how to break him of this. He is a beautiful dog and is registered and really want him to work.

[kninebirddog]

First thing what ever do not baby talk or coax him..be confident and do not live in the past..If you allow him to live in the past that behavior will carry on

I would put him on a check cord and go for real small outtings go out get him on a bird then take him back and put him on a stake out or in the kennel
stay out for a while come back and again go on the check cord let him get on a bird then take him back

Don't just let him do what ever help control what happens and when

Make the sessions very short to start ..as he builds up confidence then add a little more time to the sessions

Quit him before he quits you even if the sessions are 3 minutes a good three minutes is far better then 10 bad minutes

[Cripple Creek]

Thanks I will try that