My OES won't go for a walk-she's scared of everything!
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| I had a dog just like that. I felt like I couldn't take her anywhere!!! ..but the more you take them out, the better it gets. I remember having to drag my dog around upcoming poles and shadows!! Once your little one gets used to its surroundings, the walk will become more enjoyable for the both of you. |
| Well that is so good to hear. That is what I feel like I am doing - dragging her 2 feet and bending down to get her to come 3 more. We had a huge set back now that the house next door is being built! I think I have 4 more months of hammering. What will I do then! I was thinking of keeping her outside longer and longer each day during the building. Is that cruel or a good way to teach her that its OK? |
Bella was the same way when I got her. I was sure of what situation she came from but could tell she hadn't been out much. She acted like she had never been outside much and we live for outside activities. For the first few weeks she acted scared when cars would drive by when we were jogging. The more we went she slowly figured out the the monsters weren't going to attack her. She will occasionally look backwards if a loud car is coming from behind us that is it. She still acts shy when meeting new people and more so it they have on hats or dark glasses. I think she needs to see their face. And if it is someone she has met before but they now come up to her with a hat, helmet etc she acts like it is a new person.  they take of the glasses or whatever and she is like "oh its you my best buddy, well why were you all disguised  |
| I have had 2 sheepies and the one who went over the rainbow and the boy i have now were jumpy when it came to loud noises. Jetson my sheepie is 5 and will jump on a walk when he hears a bang of some kind,also if he sees something new in the distance he is very hesitant to approach the object. He is not afraid of people in fact loves people too much, cars passing by do not bother him. I think you will find this behavior is a sheepie trait but with much love and assurance and as he gets older it should get better. He also dislikes fireworks and loud thunder which we have much of in Fl. We have learned to live with it as he has so many other wonderful parts of his personality. Good Luck |
| Practice, practice, practice, but stop the coaxing. It "appears weak" to the dog. Do you have a quiet destination? If the destination is quiet then the dog first learns you as the fearless pack leader will get him thru the trouble to the calm area beyond. Leash up, relax and move out. Keep the choke collar high on the neck, arm relaxed and get going. If there's a balk, do a 360 and keep going. No talking.....other than the command "come" or "heel" whichever you are using.....no baby talk, it only works on human babies. When doggie finally moves off confidently, give praise. Only praise good actions. Don't turn around and go home with a balk, you want to finish on a "high note." Realize you are working with a pup, it takes time. Maybe driving to the quiet spot a time or two and then walk to it. Yes, you see how important those early puppy weeks are to getting a well balanced dog. Another no-no for puppy mill/etc dogs. A good breeder will be getting their little balls of fluff onto as many different surfaces and exposed to as much noise and other distractions early on. Farm life is great, but you've got a "Green Acres" dog who doesn't like the city. |
| Try lots of treats on your walk. When she appears fearful, distract her with something yummy smelling held right in front of her nose. Lead her with it just until she's past whatever obstacle was holding her back. When she seems to be okay, give her a treat. Run with her (if you can) and be silly/fun. Try to show her that YOU are what she should be focusing on. The more engaged she is with you the better she'll be with ignoring the scaries out there. I'd also get her into a puppy type obedience class right away. They'll give you some great ideas on building her confidence. We found one that was a lot of fun for the pups, with instruction imbedded in that. It quickly became our Evil Puppy's most favourite place in the world. It's good you're getting on this right away. Skittish dogs can go too far into fear/anxiety and that can lead to all kinds of issues. Lots of treats, praise, and safe adventures (and the right obedience class) will help immensely. Oh, and the most important part...never soothe, pat, even talk to her when she's fearful. Silently lead her with the good smell, and do all the loving up when she's acting ok. You do not want to accidentally encourage her fearfulness by reinforcing it with your attempts to soothe her. She's really young still. She can overcome this for sure. |
| I agree with everyone's else's suggestions. She is young and will get used to the noises. But I wouldn't leave her outside alone. I would stay with her and walk around, maybe do a little ball throwing. Something fun for her so she can have fun and still get used to the noises. I think it would be a bit overwhelming to just leave her out there alone, at this young age, freightened of the noises. You can be there with her - maybe not coddling her or petting her - but still with her. A puppy class will help too. Good luck. |
| Definately puppy classes of some sort to build her confidence. Also car rides, take her in the car, go to a busy area like a shopping mall where there is plenty of action happening outside the car and let her sit there in the car and watch the world go by. Outside at home, be out there with her at the moment, dont acknowledge scared behaviour, reward playfull behaviour, do things to distract her like throwing a ball or outside with her with a toy and treats also, good time to also do some nice heeling and lead training to keep her mind busy and off of anything else she in picking up on, if she is playing happily and is not distracted then call her over and treat her. Scary the outside world but working on it and out and about socialising her more will in the end pay off as she gets use to unusual sounds and things that are making her scared at the moment. Socialisation is a must, take her to different things and get her use to all sorts of sounds, movement, crowds, other dogs (Where classes help big time there) everything.  As her confidence grows then she can go into the yard on her own and be happy there without the need for you to be outside too. |
| I'm reminded of my nephews. As young boys, when they encountered confusion and loud noises, they'd cover their ears and shut their eyes, then slowly their eyes. The ears stayed covered.......as they said, "It hurt." Your pup is overwhelmed. Accept this and work at it one step at a time........quieter periods outside......with calm.......and treats to reward good behavior. The nose will overcome the brain. A wonderful treat......like microwaved hotdog bits......will have your pup very interested in you and ignore what's going on around her. |
| whatever you do no praise for being scared,just carry on walking making a clicking noise or "come on then" if walking comfortably teats and praise. Also if you can sit somewhere on a wall say and watch traffic go by this helped us with Summer...will get better honestly. just time |
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