We also have him enrolled in Agility classes whcih I do believe help with his confidence. Also, agility has been fun for us both and I do believe he enjoys it. Thanks again. =) -Kelly
We try to notify people he is nervous and to please ignore him. It is very hard because many people seem so drawn to Berners! If the person is cooperative we ask them to hold treats in their hand and while still not looking at Enzo to give them to him if he notices the food and approaches them.
Susan, I know this is a very late response...I appreciate all your information! I am new to posting and forums and all this stuff! I never knew I had private messages. Where in NY are you located? We are still working with Enzo and his nervousness around new people. He really does get along with just about any dog he meets and we have no issues with that. He seems to get nervous when stranges notice or approach him when we are out.
Many males are, as they say "Aloof to strangers" meaning not friendly or distant to strangers. This description is usally included when describing the breed standard. Just keep working with him and reassuring him that its OK. When you have him out in public places and other dogs are around tell the other dog owners not to let their dogs approach him quickly & get in Enzo face. For us this was a huge problem. Once we got used to telling me people this we were able to work with him. If you ever have any questions or just need a suggestion on how to possibly work with him on an issue, please feel free to message me.
My friend who breeds them told me early on that I was "Loving him to much" "Spoiling hm too much" "He doesn't know he is a dog" I thought she was nuts but in the end I do think she was right. With him I made this mistake, not thnking it could ever be possible to love a puppy so much, but in the end he has a desperate need to claim me as his and be on guard to protect me, my husband and my 20 year old son. We have made progress but he still isnt perfect but it is way better than it was. Be patient with your little man, it will happen. Keep working with him, when you are in a situation when you will be around other dogs, dont let them get in his face. This was a real bad threat to Brody and honestly people should NOT let their dogs do that to others, its looking for trouble. Continue to take him to public places and constantly reassure him that its OK. Dont think that your guy is the only one who does this, he is not.
Hi K1cart,:) My name is Susan. I noticed your profile info says you are from NY, so am I. I have a male who seems be similar to your Enzo. My Berners come from a close friend who has bred them for over 20 years. She breeds nothing but sound healthy Berners with good temperments. That all being said my guy Brody has some insecurities. We believe that for Brody this is where the problems come from for him, him being insecure. Brody is not my first Berner, but he is one that I have a very different connection or relationship with. He actualy picked me. Also when he was 13 months I almost lost him due to a complication in surgery while he was being neutered. Of course this happens and I love him even more.
