Very Skiddish Coton de tulear

by Kathy
(Canton, PA)

I have had my Coton de Tulear Triscuit for almost a year. I got her when she was 7 months old.

She has always been skiddish and easily scared from noises - even the wind sometimes if it blows leaves her way.

Also, when I want to pick her up, she plays hard to get. Other times, she really wants to be held. Any suggestions?

THANKS, KATHY

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Jan 06, 2020
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Same NEW
by: Anonymous

Mine has serious "stranger/danger" for both new people and new dogs. Zero aggression, just in hyper "flight" mode. She is also very afraid of noises, smoke alarms, thunder, fireworks. Of well.

Mar 30, 2011
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Must be another Coton trait
by: Iris Miller

My Tuffy is the same,skittish and cowering at sudden noises. I think he has become more sensitive to noises like trucks and fast passing cars because we have been homebound all winter and he has become overly sensitive to those street sounds now. He also is one who only wants petting and cuddling (just like a child) when he first wakes up or is feeling insecure. He does not like anyone reaching out to pet him and he is not a lap dog.Only on rare occasion has he gotten on my lap, and I suspect that is an act of dominance.I have had to go out frequently these past couple of weeks for appointments and not able to bring Tuffy with me.He has been very needy and sticking close to me and getting closer in bed, where he used to stay at my feet, he will come and snuggle nearer to me for a while.He is so dear to me.I don't see any of this as a problem.When the weather finally get nic again we will both get some good walk in and get rid of all that excess energy.

Mar 30, 2011
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another skiddish Coton ?
by: Julie

My 18 mo. old Maddie has been showing signs of being skiddish recently. At times she is very brave but some noises do seem to frighten her. Removing the lid from trash can or a if I drop something in the kitchen. She now sits in the hall and watches me while I cook dinner. I wonder if their ears are extra sensitive, because she seems to have such exceptional hearing. I don't like for her to be afraid so I have been trying to comfort her, which she really likes! They are so sweet.

Mar 30, 2011
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mine also
by: Anonymous

Unfortunately, my Coton is afraid when I cook. The smoke alarm has gone off 4 times recently (I'm not a bad cook, I swear!) so now whenever I turn on the oven, he runs into his kennel because he's afraid of the alarm going off. Although he's not afraid of the vacuum, I have noticed that when there is a large truck that goes by when we are walking, he kind of cowers as he walks because of the sound. I don't know how one could go about desensitizing the dog to it. I'm working with mine on the smoke detector (treating him when he stays in the living room and doesn't get scared).

Mar 30, 2011
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skiddish Coton
by: Anonymous

Yes, they are aren't they? I had the same experience as someone else here when my smoke alarm when off and she ran and hid behind the washer (never did that before). However, for the every day stuff, I encouraged my Coton to be brave. She hates the sweeper, so I sick her on the sweeper and let her nip at the bag a little when I'm taking it out. At least in that one harmless aspect, she learns to be assertive. I do think it helps. She trots away with her tail in the air after giving the sweeper what-for. You can also play "tug" with her and let her win. She'll thrash it back and forth when she gets it away from her. That's a text book esteem building excersize.

Mar 30, 2011
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sensitive
by: Deb

I have noticed that my Heathcliff is also very sensitive to noise. Love and reassurance always calms him.

Mar 30, 2011
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Skittish Dog
by: Sharon

I also have noticed my Maggie is very sensitive to noises. She hates the vacuum and instead of running from it as she used to now barks at it. My smoke alarm went off when I was broiling and she cried (I seriously think it hurt her ears) and hid. I think they are just very sensitive to noise. Love and reassurance is the only course to take.

When they are really young they have so much energy unless they are dead tired, they don't want to sit still long enough to be held. As Mags has gotten older (9 months in a few days) she is more loving and likes to cuddle more....especially when she is tired.

Let us know how it goes. They are wonderful dogs.

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