Poppy is scared when on walks.

[Rachael x]

Poppy is scared of lots of things when we are out on walks and a lot of the time she will refuse to walk until I carry her. She is scared of bikes/scooters, any sort of loud noise, ice cream vans ect. One park which we go to a lot usually has a bouncy castle for the children and she is also scared of the humming noise that it makes, and when lots of people are around she is terrified. I don't know why this is because she was well socialised as a pup, and we have always walked her in busy and noisy enviroments so she should be well used to these types of situations. I'm assuming it is just because she is a small dog and can be frightened easily but do you have any ideas on how I can help her? She will be two next month and she's pretty much always been like this, although it has gotten worse in the past 6 months or so. I'm getting pretty sick of taking her out for a 'carry' instead of a walk.

[gracielove]

Was there a period of time that she did not go outside very much? If so she may need to readjust to strange situations. Does she potty outside? Maybe something scared her when you were out? Try to take her places that are less stressful to her but continue to take her for walks a couple of times a day so it becomes a routine for her.

[KazzyK810]

One the scale of timid/skittish to bold/boisterous, ZoE is definately on the more timid side. After being mostly inside or in our own yard this winter, heading back to our local walking trail and dog park was pretty stressful for her. So we just took it slow. The first few times out this year we just walked on the trail for bit, then went home. Then we added in a few minutes in the dog park after our walk. Now 4 weeks in, we walk our regular walk and spend about 1/2 hour in the dog park and she loves it.

Just start with little outings short in duration and praise Poppy for doing well. Add a little more time and experiences to each outing until she's up to the time you want in the park, and praise her each step of the way.

[Rachael x]

Thank you for taking the time to reply
She has always been walked twice a day since she was able to go outside (after her needles) apart from a few days around the time when she was spayed but that was a year ago now, and she has always been the same way. She is fine when walking in quiet areas near our house but as soon as we take her to the park she refuses to walk, we take her there a few times a week too. I suppose we will just have to take it slow and keep at it...

[BabyGirl Rosie]

My Miiki is the same way. She is very timid. And yes, she runs to me and wants me to pick her up. I really don't know how to keep her from doing this. I think some of them are just more "skittish" than others.

[Rachael x]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

My Miiki is the same way. She is very timid. And yes, she runs to me and wants me to pick her up. I really don't know how to keep her from doing this. I think some of them are just more "skittish" than others.

Poppy runs to me when she's scared too and tries to climb up my leg until I pick her up. But then when she decides she does want to walk she will wriggle until I put her down. Somtimes I think she's putting it on a bit because she's too lazy to walk....

[maggiefromnj]

SOmetimes Maggie will just stop. I don't know if she wants to go the other way (sometimes I do know that is what she wants). Once in a while it might be a loud unusual noise. Most things don't bother her anymore, I think when she stops sometimes it is a smell or something she senses that I'm not aware of.

A while back when we were out my hubby got behind her a fake swatted her butt. I guess she felt the air or something and she moved along. Now when she stops I just reel in the leash and get behind her and sort of nudge her, but not actually touch her...just the idea that i am BEHIND her gets her the signal that we are going THAT way (forward.) It usually works. SOmetimes I just walk back towards her, and when i am next to her she decides to go.

Other days she just wants to go where SHE wants to go, and sometimes doesn't seem to want to go at all.

Maggie used to be afraid of loud dogs and would turn around and want to head back, but she is over that. I think you might need to sort of force her to keep going, while being reassuring. I seem to remember also using treats when Mags was being annoying about not wanting to move along. Might try that, a little nudge, reassure her it's safe, and treat when you get her to do what you want. Carrying is probably reinforcing the wrong reaction to the noise, you want to teach her that the noise is OK.

[Rachael x]

Originally Posted by maggiefromnj

SOmetimes Maggie will just stop. I don't know if she wants to go the other way (sometimes I do know that is what she wants). Once in a while it might be a loud unusual noise. Most things don't bother her anymore, I think when she stops sometimes it is a smell or something she senses that I'm not aware of.

A while back when we were out my hubby got behind her a fake swatted her butt. I guess she felt the air or something and she moved along. Now when she stops I just reel in the leash and get behind her and sort of nudge her, but not actually touch her...just the idea that i am BEHIND her gets her the signal that we are going THAT way (forward.) It usually works. SOmetimes I just walk back towards her, and when i am next to her she decides to go.

Other days she just wants to go where SHE wants to go, and sometimes doesn't seem to want to go at all.

Maggie used to be afraid of loud dogs and would turn around and want to head back, but she is over that. I think you might need to sort of force her to keep going, while being reassuring. I seem to remember also using treats when Mags was being annoying about not wanting to move along. Might try that, a little nudge, reassure her it's safe, and treat when you get her to do what you want. Carrying is probably reinforcing the wrong reaction to the noise, you want to teach her that the noise is OK.

Thanks
Yeah I know I probably shouldn't be giving in to her and picking her up, but I hate dragging her and sometimes it can take ages to get her walking again. But I know I'm going to have to be cruel to be kind and not pick her up in order to show her there is nothing to be frightened of. It's so hard though LOL.

[Britster]

Poor girl! Sounds like she needs some confidence building. I have to say, Jackson has come VERY far in 3 1/2 years. He was never THAT skittish in public, but was always a very shy guy. He'd shy away if someone tried to pet him, etc, and after did an agility class, his confidence really boosted. Another dog in the class used to be afraid of trash cans, etc, and the owners told me the class helped him out extremely. Also, we've always done trick training at home, and I have to say I just LOVE to see him at the top of his game. He always has felt super confident while doing tricks, and it's definitely boosted his self esteem... because it's, like, something he's like "I know how to do this!" and I can tell gets a kick out of people enjoying him.

I started by, of course, bringing him out to experience almost everything. He really began to love kids when I would take him to my cousins little league baseball games and I ALWAYS carry treats on me - I'd let the kids give him treats, and ask him to do tricks, etc. And just being around that, it really changed him.

Sometimes I forget what he used to be like, but then I remember... he's still very "aloof" with strangers - like, he doesn't necessarily seek out attention (aka he's no Lab or Golden), and he could do without, but he will voluntarily go up and sniff someone or let them pat his head, or if I say "go say hi" he will now... and I'm so proud of him! I've always encouraged him to try new things as well... if there's a big log? Jump on it! A puddle of water? Check it out! Tall grass... run through it! He's always been naturally curious, so it wasn't difficult, but I always encouraged it exploring and checking out new things. Even little things, like I taught him to leap onto my back, and to walk with his front feet on my feet, and with these kinds of things, he had to put a lot of trust in me, but it also builds his confidence.

I would bring "JACKPOT" treats (her favorite) with you when you see something that may scare her, and before she has time to REALLY be scared... shove a treat in her mouth, lol. Let her begin associating these scary things with something yummy. And I would just act like nothing is a big deal - don't react to her being scared, don't pick her up.

Kikopup on Youtube has some great videos about this kind of stuff.

Building confidence with surfaces - YouTube

Kikos Kitchen Nightmares!- Training your dog to...

Barking Episode 4- Barking at Strangers- Dog...

[Rachael x]

Originally Posted by Britster

Poor girl! Sounds like she needs some confidence building. I have to say, Jackson has come VERY far in 3 1/2 years. He was never THAT skittish in public, but was always a very shy guy. He'd shy away if someone tried to pet him, etc, and after did an agility class, his confidence really boosted. Another dog in the class used to be afraid of trash cans, etc, and the owners told me the class helped him out extremely. Also, we've always done trick training at home, and I have to say I just LOVE to see him at the top of his game. He always has felt super confident while doing tricks, and it's definitely boosted his self esteem... because it's, like, something he's like "I know how to do this!" and I can tell gets a kick out of people enjoying him.

I started by, of course, bringing him out to experience almost everything. He really began to love kids when I would take him to my cousins little league baseball games and I ALWAYS carry treats on me - I'd let the kids give him treats, and ask him to do tricks, etc. And just being around that, it really changed him.

Sometimes I forget what he used to be like, but then I remember... he's still very "aloof" with strangers - like, he doesn't necessarily seek out attention (aka he's no Lab or Golden), and he could do without, but he will voluntarily go up and sniff someone or let them pat his head, or if I say "go say hi" he will now... and I'm so proud of him! I've always encouraged him to try new things as well... if there's a big log? Jump on it! A puddle of water? Check it out! Tall grass... run through it! He's always been naturally curious, so it wasn't difficult, but I always encouraged it exploring and checking out new things. Even little things, like I taught him to leap onto my back, and to walk with his front feet on my feet, and with these kinds of things, he had to put a lot of trust in me, but it also builds his confidence.

I would bring "JACKPOT" treats (her favorite) with you when you see something that may scare her, and before she has time to REALLY be scared... shove a treat in her mouth, lol. Let her begin associating these scary things with something yummy. And I would just act like nothing is a big deal - don't react to her being scared, don't pick her up.

Kikopup on Youtube has some great videos about this kind of stuff.

Building confidence with surfaces - YouTube

Kikos Kitchen Nightmares!- Training your dog to get over their fears clicker training - YouTube

Barking Episode 4- Barking at Strangers- Dog training - YouTube

Thanks Brit, that's really helpful. Will watch the videos you attached now.

[gracielove]

They are great videos. I don't believe in forcing a dog to do something it is afraid of. Teaching them to forget the fear is far more effective and long lasting. Distractions and treats, all positive reinforcement, are some of the best training methods.

[Rachael x]

Originally Posted by gracielove

They are great videos. I don't believe in forcing a dog to do something it is afraid of. Teaching them to forget the fear is far more effective and long lasting. Distractions and treats, all positive reinforcement, are some of the best training methods.

I agree, that's why I usually pick her up and don't drag her. She enjoys the park when she is being carried, she wags her tail and likes to meet new people but I think the noises are just too much for her when she is on the floor. I'm going to take a toy and some treats next time and as soon as I see her starting to get a bit jumpy I will try and distract her.

[gracielove]

I posted this link on another thread as well. The website is a very good one that is full of dog training advise. The page I am linking you to has many videos concerning issues you can have with dogs. If you scroll almost to the bottom you will see one on fearfulness. Explore the site. It's good stuff.
DSD Training Videos | Dog Star Daily

[Teresa Ford]

Originally Posted by gracielove

They are great videos. I don't believe in forcing a dog to do something it is afraid of. Teaching them to forget the fear is far more effective and long lasting. Distractions and treats, all positive reinforcement, are some of the best training methods.

True, We teach positive training in our puppy classes. One thing I would like to suggest is: Walk briskly, right now she may have too much time to look around and begin to worry. Walking quickly, helps her get in travel mode she will begin to look to you for the pace and direction of the walk. Alternate fast walking and slow. Have her, Wait and sit at curbs. Reward her and praise. If she stops on her own, walk in front of her to the end of the leash(a regular, we never train on flex a leash). Squat down and pretend you found something very interesting on the ground. Make loud sniffing sounds and pretend to paw at the ground. When she comes to check it out, give the tiny tasty bite sized treat you have in your hand. Then say in a happy voice, Lets go or what ever cue you use (heel etc.) And get going again. Hope this helps

[Rachael x]

Originally Posted by gracielove

I posted this link on another thread as well. The website is a very good one that is full of dog training advise. The page I am linking you to has many videos concerning issues you can have with dogs. If you scroll almost to the bottom you will see one on fearfulness. Explore the site. It's good stuff.
DSD Training Videos | Dog Star Daily

Originally Posted by Teresa Ford

True, We teach positive training in our puppy classes. One thing I would like to suggest is: Walk briskly, right now she may have too much time to look around and begin to worry. Walking quickly, helps her get in travel mode she will begin to look to you for the pace and direction of the walk. Alternate fast walking and slow. Have her, Wait and sit at curbs. Reward her and praise. If she stops on her own, walk in front of her to the end of the leash(a regular, we never train on flex a leash). Squat down and pretend you found something very interesting on the ground. Make loud sniffing sounds and pretend to paw at the ground. When she comes to check it out, give the tiny tasty bite sized treat you have in your hand. Then say in a happy voice, Lets go or what ever cue you use (heel etc.) And get going again. Hope this helps

Thank you