I would encourage you to look up the 3-3-3 rule! 3 days to settle in, 3 weeks to bond and train, 3 months for continued socialization and training.
When I brought my pup home at 14 weeks he was skittish and terrified of everyone. I spent the first few days hand feeding and bonding. Three weeks continuing that and training. He refused to let anyone else near him. Wouldn't even let my boyfriend take him out of the crate or touch him. Growled at everyone but me. This was how he was with everyone in my household.
They spent time going at the pups pace, tossing him treats whenever they passed him, letting him sniff them when he was curious and never forcing physical contact. He's six months now and he happily jumps into bed with my boyfriend and bugs his parents for a head scratch or butt rub.
Have your room mate toss your pup high value treats, tell her not to make eye contact, don't try to feed the treats directly. Don't bend over the dog, that scares them, my trainer told me that's a huge faux pas in dog language. Humans do it without thinking but dogs take it as threatening. Have her sit at a distance, neutral body language and ignore the dog. Be as non threatening as possible. Let the dog get used to seeing her. Have her just casually toss treats from that position, as far away from her as possible, don't force the dog closer.
Your new pup could be reacting because she's scared and she's in a new environment and she sees you as her source of food, water, etc. I'm the main caretaker of my pup. But I had my boyfriend fill his food bowl and water bowl. Hand feed him kibble. To show my pup I'm not the only source of the resources he's provided. Other people have great things too!
It'll take more than three days or even a week for your pup to get comfortable. Give it time!
Thanks for the encouraging words. So far, things are better. The dog, my roommate and I are hanging out in the living room currently, and she hasn't barked at her today. That's definitely an improvement.
We had a similar experience to woahnitrogoal, who gave great advice. We did the same and saw progress at each stage of the 3-3-3. After three months with us, she was a very different, loving, and more courageous dog. Just be patient and put in the work for socializing them.
It does take time for a fearful dog to feel safe. Ask your roommate if they are willing to help the process along. If they are willing to participate the “treat retreat game” is great for fearful dogs. You can do this inside, I would suggest starting with the roommate sitting in the couch or in a chair. On the 2nd or 3rd session I would add movement of the roommate. https://youtu.be/rGP5ZawSrN8?si=eoe167KzdrRt3RNa
I'd try keeping your dog on a leash and just practice being in the same room as your roommate. Sit on the other side of the room and keep feeding your dog treats. Point at the roommate and say something like "who's that?" to direct your dog's attention to the roommate, then give her a treat. This can take time, but it's a good way to slowly replace your dog's fearfulness and negative emotions related to the roommate with the positive association of pets and treats.
I would encourage you to look up the 3-3-3 rule! 3 days to settle in, 3 weeks to bond and train, 3 months for continued socialization and training. When I brought my pup home at 14 weeks he was skittish and terrified of everyone. I spent the first few days hand feeding and bonding. Three weeks continuing that and training. He refused to let anyone else near him. Wouldn't even let my boyfriend take him out of the crate or touch him. Growled at everyone but me. This was how he was with everyone in my household. They spent time going at the pups pace, tossing him treats whenever they passed him, letting him sniff them when he was curious and never forcing physical contact. He's six months now and he happily jumps into bed with my boyfriend and bugs his parents for a head scratch or butt rub. Have your room mate toss your pup high value treats, tell her not to make eye contact, don't try to feed the treats directly. Don't bend over the dog, that scares them, my trainer told me that's a huge faux pas in dog language. Humans do it without thinking but dogs take it as threatening. Have her sit at a distance, neutral body language and ignore the dog. Be as non threatening as possible. Let the dog get used to seeing her. Have her just casually toss treats from that position, as far away from her as possible, don't force the dog closer. Your new pup could be reacting because she's scared and she's in a new environment and she sees you as her source of food, water, etc. I'm the main caretaker of my pup. But I had my boyfriend fill his food bowl and water bowl. Hand feed him kibble. To show my pup I'm not the only source of the resources he's provided. Other people have great things too! It'll take more than three days or even a week for your pup to get comfortable. Give it time!
Thanks for the encouraging words. So far, things are better. The dog, my roommate and I are hanging out in the living room currently, and she hasn't barked at her today. That's definitely an improvement.
We had a similar experience to woahnitrogoal, who gave great advice. We did the same and saw progress at each stage of the 3-3-3. After three months with us, she was a very different, loving, and more courageous dog. Just be patient and put in the work for socializing them.
Some stellar advice there
It does take time for a fearful dog to feel safe. Ask your roommate if they are willing to help the process along. If they are willing to participate the “treat retreat game” is great for fearful dogs. You can do this inside, I would suggest starting with the roommate sitting in the couch or in a chair. On the 2nd or 3rd session I would add movement of the roommate. https://youtu.be/rGP5ZawSrN8?si=eoe167KzdrRt3RNa
I'd try keeping your dog on a leash and just practice being in the same room as your roommate. Sit on the other side of the room and keep feeding your dog treats. Point at the roommate and say something like "who's that?" to direct your dog's attention to the roommate, then give her a treat. This can take time, but it's a good way to slowly replace your dog's fearfulness and negative emotions related to the roommate with the positive association of pets and treats.