My Coton won't let people come near him

by Heather
(Toledo, OH)

Last week at the park

Jack will be 1 yr old this wknd. He has always been very shy and timid. He will go,up to other dogs and meet and greet them, bit if anyone beside my husband or me try to touch him, he runs away or he will hide behind me. He was 9 wks old when we got him from a breeder, and we have NEVER laid a hand on him or made him feel insecure. He has been through obedience training and he is getting a lot better with other dogs. It just breaks my heart that other people don't get to feel his amazingly soft hair and see what goofball he is.

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Jan 21, 2015
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Strangers NEW
by: Anonymous

I believe its good that your Coton is not running to strangers. Connection is sacred that needs to be perserved for like kind. I don't want my Coton running to everyone. First off, I spend alot of time grooing. I don't want every hand on his clean fur. Second, if he approached strangers easily then someone could swipe him. I respect his discernment. On the otherhand, when I meet a good friend I tell him and he responds very warm to that exclusive person. I guess I understand cause I don't talk to every stranger I cross paths with either. I believe the Coton is quite evolved and is into Zen privacy - the exact way to perserve one's energy. With house guests he's very friendly, with street people he minds his own business. I love it!

Oct 25, 2014
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Socialize NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

It hard to stress enough w/people Socialize, socialize, socialize. It does not happen over night. If your dog is calm around other people just because they do not go up to everyone is no big deal.

If the big giant ppl r reaching down sticking out a hand to pat them on the head I would run also. Ask friends & grandkids, neighbors to help you out. Start 1st w/ppl who can stoop down so the dog can see them pretty much at eye level. Then ask them to approach your dog by scratching under their chin.

A treat or squeaky toy will help put dog at ease.

Oct 24, 2014
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It's okay!
by: Anonymous

Dogs have different personalities and not all of them want to be friends with every person they meet, just like people. I would advise you to carry treats with you and when you come across a person have them try and give your dog a treat. First they may need to toss the treat and then eventually they can see if your dog will take it out of the hand. Just do this with every person you come across and eventually he probably won't be so shy when you meet new people. And again, not every dog is comfortable being touched by people they don't know. There's nothing wrong with being cautious. Just take it slow because it's more important that your dog feels comfortable rather than whether or not someone gets to pet him. Good luck.

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