Yorkie terrified of traffiic Hi all, I'm new here. Tessa is my adorable 9 month old female that I goton Sunday. She belonged to her breeder prior to that. So, Tessa is very well-adjusted and has settled into her new home so well but one huge problem - the breeder never took her out for a walk and, consequently, she is terrified of passing cars. Poor thing shakes and shivers like a leaf and it's a real problem. I have been desensitizing here and taking baby steps and not walking where there are cars. I also purchased a ThurnderShirt and have given her Bach Rescue Remedy - it's only been three days but I sure am hoping she can "get over this" with my help and some confidence building on her part. I am considering one of those CDs with loud city sounds also. Has anyone experienced this? Any and all advice would be welcome. Thanks, Kat and Tessa |
Welcome to Yorkie Talk! When Max was a pup, he was terrified of walking on different surfaces. Pavement was okay, but then he had to get used to grass, cement, brick sidewalks. He was almost 1 before I started taking him into town to walk, and he was overwhelmed by the people and cars. Keep doing what you are doing, taking it slowly, not pushing her. Baby steps and lots of praise and rewards. She will get there. :) Might also help to just sit on a bench holding her a little to watch the traffic. Make everything a positive experience. |
I live in between 2 main streets (routes I think is proper term) and it goes through town which a park is located and 3/4 streets are in a neighborhood but as soon as we hit that main one he freaks out! I just let him watch and say good boy and make him sit and have a treat and then pick him up if it's too bad which it usually isn't...good luck! |
Thanks so much to both of you! So is Max fully over his fears now? |
Quote:
|
I walk shelter dogs 2x a week where I volunteer, and we get LOTS of dogs in who've never been on walks. We just keep on taking them along...and at first, we may have to carry them through the really noisy parts, which is fine. But eventually, almost without fail...they all get desensitized and do GREAT. I always talk softly and positively to the scared ones when approaching traffic/noisier areas...I swear it does help them. |
Dinky was terrified of outside at 5 months. He loved it within a couple of months. He really still does not love riding in the car. I don't get it. We tried all kinds of things. He does not freak out, but he is nervous most of the time. |
We occasionally walk the paved path around the lake in our town. Bubba is fine but Sissy reaches a certain spot where the path goes over an overflow drain. She skids to a complete stop and has to be carried over that spot. It's only about 10 steps but she refuses to walk over it. The path is a mile around the lake and every time she gets to that spot she balks so hard I'm afraid she will pull out of her harness. They are such silly little creatures! |
Quote:
Thanks, that really gives me some encouragement. Appreciate your time! |
Your gal is at the right age for another fear period. I had this with Magic all of a sudden at 7mths+ approximately old he was fearfull of our busy Yonge street. What he had been used to since an 8wk old puppy. What we did was not force the issue - I went ancillary streets - and treated him a lot when we went onto Yonge Street with the shortest walk to our clinic. I think the best advice is to just recognize their fears but not feed into them like picking them up and giving them extra attention because they are fearfull. You don't correct fear - you deal with it. And yes de-sensitaztion is a part of that. You can use loud tapes just before you feed for an example. You can sneak up on noisey streets. With lots of treats in hand for your pup. One of the keys is Your Calm n Confidence. Putting into perspective everything for your dog. |
Quote:
Ha, I also live in Toronto not far from you at all. I never knew there was another fear preriod at approx. none months of age! |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:21 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2003 - 2018 YorkieTalk.com
Privacy Policy - Terms of Use