Is This Normal? Finder · Behavior
My puppy hides from one person in the house. What do we do?
By Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM
The short answer
It happens a lot, often with a man, someone tall or someone with a deep voice, and it doesn't mean anyone hurt him. That person becomes the source of good things: they feed him, sit low and side-on, ignore him at first and toss treats his way. They never reach over him or corner him. Let him do the approaching.
Why it happens
Many puppies simply met fewer people like that early on, so a big body or a deep voice feels new. Leaning over, reaching or staring feels even bigger to a worried puppy, while treats that show up with no pressure teach him that person is good news.
Which door?
WATCH means usually normal, keep an eye on him. CALL TODAY means call your vet today. GO NOW means head to your vet or an emergency clinic now.
WATCHCommon, often with a man, someone tall or a deep voice.
CALL TODAYGrowling or snapping at that person, or no better after a few weeks.
When to call
Tick what fits and see which door you're at.
What helps
- That person feeds him, then steps back
- Sit on the floor or a low chair, turned a little sideways
- No eye contact, no reaching, no calling him over at first
- Toss treats, a little farther away each time, so he never feels trapped
- Everyone else plays it cool too
Under 16 weeks, a toy breed, or not done with his shots? Then warning signs count for more: a WATCH sign moves up to CALL TODAY, and a CALL TODAY sign means call now, not tomorrow. Normal puppy stuff is still normal.
Not sure which door you're at? That's a call. Call your vet.
Worried right now? Walk through the Three Doors check and land on one door.
Is this an emergency?General education, not veterinary advice. Your vet's plan for your puppy comes first.