Walks and fears

[outnumbered_]

Yesterday there was a man playing some type of drum on our way to the park, it sent coco Over the edge, for the life of her she would not go anywhere near him, she was so frantic I had to pick her up else I'm sure she would have choked herself with the amount of pulling going on, I know it's encouraged to desensitise them to this sort of this, but what do I do when this occurs again? I couldn't get her to sit, she was just in an absolute state! She's not worried about loud noises usually, and when I take her about she's usually fine with every day occurrences this just took me by surprise, tips? And thank you all for your help. (Coco BM, is now 12 and a half weeks old) this is her in a more relaxed state lol

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[QY10]

Angus is afraid of a number of things and we are currently working on building his confidence in various situations.

When we are walking and approaching something he is afraid of (moving vehicles is his biggest issue), I am constantly watching his body language and checking in with him. I just say his name and if he's still in a good enough mind set where he's able to look at me then I say, "Good boy" and give him some affection. This not only tells you where the pup's head is at and how stressed they are, but also reinforces the fact that they should be looking to you, the pack leader, for guidance in situations where they are unsure.

If we're far enough away that Angus is still able to listen to me and follow my lead, then we will sit/stand and watch the cars and then go for a walk around the cars. All the while, checking in with him and giving him attention/treats to demonstrate that good things happen around moving vehicles.

The more relaxed he gets, the closer we get to the cars. If there is ever a time where he's too stressed to be able to check in with me, then we back up.

I initially worked with a trainer because there were subtle clues that Angus was giving me that I was missing and I was moving way too quickly for Angus and pushing him past his threshold. You have to work within the pups existing threshold initially and slowly start to expand upon that threshold until the fear/anxiety that the pup is experiencing is diminished.

 

[Cyndnelson]

First, that belly is just 'itching' to be scratched!! I wish I could reach through the screen and give that girl a good rub!

Yes, we need to desensitize, but that needs to be in a controlled environment and in small stages. If she is afraid of the drum and you take her past it every day, she will not get over her fear because she has no chance of success. It is the same fearul situation. Asking her to sit is only something she'll do after she's had the chance to get used to it.

Perhaps next time, as soon as you hear the drums, stay as far away as possible, just so you can barely hear them and have her sit there. Where she can be successful. Then, I would walk in the other direction for a while to give her a break, then maybe go back to the same spot a little while later and repeat. You will not be able to take her closer and closer on the same day and have her be calm - that's why this situation is hard because you can't really control it. You don't know when the guy will be playing his drum.

Speaking from experience with a very nervous EM, I've learned that my guy needs small doses of exposure several times rather than trying to force him into a scary situation in one long session. It takes him weeks and even months to learn something new and be comfortable in scary situations. When I push him too hard (mostly because I find a scared 130lb dog to be super embarrassing) I set him up for failure and make his irrational fears amplified.

 

[outnumbered_]

Angus is afraid of a number of things and we are currently working on building his confidence in various situations.

When we are walking and approaching something he is afraid of (moving vehicles is his biggest issue), I am constantly watching his body language and checking in with him. I just say his name and if he's still in a good enough mind set where he's able to look at me then I say, "Good boy" and give him some affection. This not only tells you where the pup's head is at and how stressed they are, but also reinforces the fact that they should be looking to you, the pack leader, for guidance in situations where they are unsure.

If we're far enough away that Angus is still able to listen to me and follow my lead, then we will sit/stand and watch the cars and then go for a walk around the cars. All the while, checking in with him and giving him attention/treats to demonstrate that good things happen around moving vehicles.

The more relaxed he gets, the closer we get to the cars. If there is ever a time where he's too stressed to be able to check in with me, then we back up.

I initially worked with a trainer because there were subtle clues that Angus was giving me that I was missing and I was moving way too quickly for Angus and pushing him past his threshold. You have to work within the pups existing threshold initially and slowly start to expand upon that threshold until the fear/anxiety that the pup is experiencing is diminished.

Yes cars and buses!! Buses is a big one but she always checks in with me and I'm always watching her, she always looks to me and I reward that, with a sit and a treat, ok so you've made a really really good point, I think I pushed her too hard as I should have taken her initial warning and not pursued it, I definitely didn't realise that until you've just mentioned it, but by picking her up was I in the wrong? There wasn't really any other way past it as we had to cross Over the road close to where he was drumming? I waited with her to try and calm her however it wasn't happening. Your comment has hammered in puppy body language which I will be all eyes about tonight, you're great thank you !!


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[outnumbered_]

First, that belly is just 'itching' to be scratched!! I wish I could reach through the screen and give that girl a good rub!

Yes, we need to desensitize, but that needs to be in a controlled environment and in small stages. If she is afraid of the drum and you take her past it every day, she will not get over her fear because she has no chance of success. It is the same fearul situation. Asking her to sit is only something she'll do after she's had the chance to get used to it.

Perhaps next time, as soon as you hear the drums, stay as far away as possible, just so you can barely hear them and have her sit there. Where she can be successful. Then, I would walk in the other direction for a while to give her a break, then maybe go back to the same spot a little while later and repeat. You will not be able to take her closer and closer on the same day and have her be calm - that's why this situation is hard because you can't really control it. You don't know when the guy will be playing his drum.

Speaking from experience with a very nervous EM, I've learned that my guy needs small doses of exposure several times rather than trying to force him into a scary situation in one long session. It takes him weeks and even months to learn something new and be comfortable in scary situations. When I push him too hard (mostly because I find a scared 130lb dog to be super embarrassing) I set him up for failure and make his irrational fears amplified.

Hahaha I definitely gave her a belly rub and planted a few kisses on that little round belly!!! Irresistible! Ok yes, I think I can do that, il find a different place to cross over that she's comfortable at, I felt so bad for her as I just wasn't on the ball and she was petrified and there's me looking like a goon unable to control a 12 week puppy hahaha! I think il adopt the small doses method and take from your experience as I'm not a strong lady and if this were to happen when she's big I'd get dragged in front of car no doubt about it so patience, and small doses is what we will try tonight. She loves direction she's always looking at me and I always reward her I felt like I let her down a little yesterday as she wasn't able to enjoy her walk afterwards but today is a new day and we will triumph haha!


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[Jakesmum]

I had a situation about a year ago where I was walking Jake and there was a guy mowing his lawn, nothing out of the ordinary, we got him used to lawn mowers and the noise at home so I wasn't paying much attention. We there were grass clippings on the sidewalk and for whatever reason that totally freaked Jake out and he nearly pulled me into the street to get away from the evil grass clippings (he ran behind me and nearly yanked my arm off). After we both calmed down I turned around and showed him the clippings and made him walk over them a couple of times so he knew they weren't going to attack him (the guy that was mowing his lawn saw what happened, stopped what he was doing and encouraged Jake along as well). This situation reminded me that no matter how old he is and how much I take him out and get him used to situations there will always be something new and I need to pay attention to him and his body language so I can help him through the situation. Some things have taken longer for him to get used to (hats) and others I am still working on (umbrella's).

 

[Hector]

Use distance. Increase distance until she doesn't freak out, then decrease distance slowly towards trigger. Once you see she's getting nervous, increase distance. Eventually, she will get used to it and you guys will be able to walk by. Maybe look up the LAT game on youtube.

 

[outnumbered_]

I had a situation about a year ago where I was walking Jake and there was a guy mowing his lawn, nothing out of the ordinary, we got him used to lawn mowers and the noise at home so I wasn't paying much attention. We there were grass clippings on the sidewalk and for whatever reason that totally freaked Jake out and he nearly pulled me into the street to get away from the evil grass clippings (he ran behind me and nearly yanked my arm off). After we both calmed down I turned around and showed him the clippings and made him walk over them a couple of times so he knew they weren't going to attack him (the guy that was mowing his lawn saw what happened, stopped what he was doing and encouraged Jake along as well). This situation reminded me that no matter how old he is and how much I take him out and get him used to situations there will always be something new and I need to pay attention to him and his body language so I can help him through the situation. Some things have taken longer for him to get used to (hats) and others I am still working on (umbrella's).

Oh my goodness, yes that does show that no matter the age it's always important to pay attention, which from now I will definitely do! She was absolutely fine with buses but now she has to stop and stare at them until they pass so I just need to pay attention, be aware of her! Thanks for your story!


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[outnumbered_]

Use distance. Increase distance until she doesn't freak out, then decrease distance slowly towards trigger. Once you see she's getting nervous, increase distance. Eventually, she will get used to it and you guys will be able to walk by. Maybe look up the LAT game on youtube.

The only problem I have is that it's quite a busy area that we go through to get to the park, is there something I can do to work with that situation? As when I allow her her space there's someone coming up behind her or next to her which throws her off, I will try find an alternative route, if there is one! I will loo up the LAT game


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[Glasgowdogtrainer]

Have a look at these two videos. Classical conditioning will change how your dog feels about the scary stimulus.

[video=youtube;TcwJGc4RBu8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcwJGc4RBu8&list=UUmC96B2D6EgRDbxtryMqY7Q[/video]

[video=youtube;QNI5Z1xM6gc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNI5Z1xM6gc&index=1&list=UUmC96B2D6EgRDbxtryMqY7Q[/video]

 

[outnumbered_]

Have a look at these two videos. Classical conditioning will change how your dog feels about the scary stimulus.

[video=youtube;TcwJGc4RBu8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcwJGc4RBu8&list=UUmC96B2D6EgRDbxtryMqY7Q[/video]

[video=youtube;QNI5Z1xM6gc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNI5Z1xM6gc&index=1&list=UUmC96B2D6EgRDbxtryMqY7Q[/video]

Really insightful thank you! I will start this technique!


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[ripnlee]

When I'm out walking my 2 I will at times come across some objects that they both freak out at eg: they really don't like those scooters that kids ride I think its the clanging noise they make but regardless when ever I see one coming I move to the side and have them sit and I talk to them about it, I will always say 'Its all good' and after some time they now don't necessary like them but they are a lot more relaxed but I still stop if there's no way I can wide berth it as that way I can continue to walk while still reassuring Its all good and their both fine but they will always look at each other for reassurance and its like after we pass something interesting they get excited and like kiss and keep walking its funny.

Few days ago when walking I actually came across an abandoned scooter (great timing) and they both just sort of went sideways so I stopped and got down to their level and said go look gave them lead and they would look at me and step closer checking back and then they actually touched it and because Zach had been brave Bella came up behind and touched it and they were as good as gold almost giving each other a high five lol, anything they shy away from we will discuss and reinforce 'Its all good' and investigate in their time.

Yesterday I was in our PC room its at the front of the house, I knew Zach was asleep at the front door and this (Bushturkey) just strolled past (both pups HATE them) nut whenever they see them particularly on our property and well this thing was just casually wandering past oblivious to what was about to happen lol so I got up and just as I got around the corner Zach was up and barrelling all sorts of abuse at this unsuspected bird, it shite itself so much it fell off our retaining wall and ran for its life down the street LOL I wish I had a camera I didn't realise how many hackles come out of all orifices haha classic! anyway that was a side tracking moment but yeah we've always just taken the cool calm and collected path with unsuspected things that they come across while out and about and just given lots of reassurance and they will turn to me for discussions lol

 

[outnumbered_]

When I'm out walking my 2 I will at times come across some objects that they both freak out at eg: they really don't like those scooters that kids ride I think its the clanging noise they make but regardless when ever I see one coming I move to the side and have them sit and I talk to them about it, I will always say 'Its all good' and after some time they now don't necessary like them but they are a lot more relaxed but I still stop if there's no way I can wide berth it as that way I can continue to walk while still reassuring Its all good and their both fine but they will always look at each other for reassurance and its like after we pass something interesting they get excited and like kiss and keep walking its funny.

Few days ago when walking I actually came across an abandoned scooter (great timing) and they both just sort of went sideways so I stopped and got down to their level and said go look gave them lead and they would look at me and step closer checking back and then they actually touched it and because Zach had been brave Bella came up behind and touched it and they were as good as gold almost giving each other a high five lol, anything they shy away from we will discuss and reinforce 'Its all good' and investigate in their time.

Yesterday I was in our PC room its at the front of the house, I knew Zach was asleep at the front door and this (Bushturkey) just strolled past (both pups HATE them) nut whenever they see them particularly on our property and well this thing was just casually wandering past oblivious to what was about to happen lol so I got up and just as I got around the corner Zach was up and barrelling all sorts of abuse at this unsuspected bird, it shite itself so much it fell off our retaining wall and ran for its life down the street LOL I wish I had a camera I didn't realise how many hackles come out of all orifices haha classic! anyway that was a side tracking moment but yeah we've always just taken the cool calm and collected path with unsuspected things that they come across while out and about and just given lots of reassurance and they will turn to me for discussions lol

That's really interesting, do you allow them to stop on their own accord and wait or do you give the guidance and tell them what to do in terms of where they can wait etc? As coco has now been stopping anywhere and everywhere if she doesn't like something and I'm never sure whether just to let her stand there and observe or whether to pull her to the side, also it's usually right in the middle of the pavement and I have people tripping all over me haha! I also like the idea of conversation too, I think I can do that as she always seems to expect me to say something by how she looks at me! OMG that story is hilarious hahahaha wish you had been able to film it! Definitely given me my days worth of laughs! I'm going to take them out now as it's daylight and there should be lots more people about, usually we take them evening time and it's quiet so il see how I get on with your tips!!


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