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Post by spitfire12 on Mar 14, 2005 18:20:57 GMT -5
hi, i adopted a 2 month old rottweiler/australian cattle dog mix a week ago. for the first few days i took him on walks with no problem.he met a few big dogs on the walks, but they all were nice and they did not seem to scare her(my dog)much.for the past two days though when i try to take her on a walk, she wont leave the lawn. she is very playful when she isnt sleeping, but because her new fear of walks it is difficult to expend her energy. please help us conquer her new fear.
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Post by sibemom on Mar 14, 2005 18:53:21 GMT -5
Dealing with fears in dogs has to be taken slow and at the dogs pace. Never force anything because that can imprint a negative. Pups go through lots of fear stages. One day they might be fine with something and the next it terrifies them. Take is slow, once you see a step forward reward it, and keep trying to go ahead. Never coddle them when they are fearful just act matter a fact about it. The pure frustration you yourself might be feeling from this new behavior might be keeping it going. Try coaxing her out of the yard if only a few inches then reward her when she does not balk. Go a bit farther each time, and play play play with her. This should pass but like I said do not force her, be patient
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Post by Brooke on Mar 14, 2005 23:17:02 GMT -5
Most pups this young usually resist at first. I'm one that just kind of takes off walking and they usually give in after a couple tugs. You can coax a bit but make it a happy up beat or "get over it" coax ... not a "don't be scared" coax. I would also try spending some time in the yard (on leash of course) while playing with his favorite toys. Squeeky toys...tug toys whatever drives him. Get him riled up if you have to, that way you will have plenty of energy to walk off anyway. It may boost his confidence a bit. I'd just try playing with him and try doing a "chase me" (more like follow me) or "get the toy" off the property while you jog with his leash in one hand and the toy teasing him in the other... try doing this down the block. Once you get off the property I would try and settle him down a bit and praise him. Tone of voice can actually go a long way.
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