10 month old mastiff amazing family dog very scared of everything help

[kirstybonn]

Hi everyone i have a 10 month old bull mastiff who is just amazing chews a bit but apart from that brilliant and well loved family dog we have 2 kids a 2 year old who duke loves a and a 6 year old who is just his play mate...Since duke was a puppy he has been well socialised from day one excellent off lead follows commands love him...But Duke is scared of everything where we live its gorgeous plenty of dog walk but mr duke is so scared of ppl he doesnt know boats water shop signs ppl...no aggression what so ever he just gets so scared i have tried everything ppl try say hello and if he could slip his collar he would i never force i get him to sit give him praise and a treat it really effects every day with him he love sgoing the school with all the kids and noise no fear there but even if on front garden he will back off and try run in house if anyone comes close some times weeing himself it really upsets me i am in the middle of sorting out a one to one with a behaviourist but do wonder if anyone else has these issues...I have always had mastiff and we joke bout them being wimpy and sensitive ears but with duke its more than this any comments truely appreciated

 

[musicdeb]

I would recommend obedience training, first of all. You need to show him what you want him to do. Do not make a big deal about him being scared. Once he does what you want him to do, for example, walk up by someone or something he's afraid of, reward him.

A fearful dog will/can be hard to handle when they get older and bigger. You need to nip this in bud.

Taking care of the fear will require lots of patience and lots of consistency with his training. Mastiffs usually react to positive training rather than harsh training. Mastiffs will also read your reaction to situations or people. If you are nervous or afraid, he will be nervous or afraid.

My 2 cents...

 

[kirstybonn]

thank u...i agree thou and all i do ..do is praise never force him but give him a reward for like you said if someone strokes him he is becoming dangerous as he proper darts with fear he had training classes was fine its the big bad world seems to scare him even thou from day dot as a pup he has been introduced to everything i am waiting to hear back from a one to one trainer as we speak....dogs just like our kids