What can I do to help my fearful dog?

B

Bridget

New member
I asked a question like this a few days ago and didn't get any responses, so I'm asking it again. I have a 3 year old Great Pyrenees mix. She's very skittish, and is specifically fearful of new things, strangers, and cars. It's difficult to take her anywhere because of her fears, even if it's just around our block. It has gotten dangerous in the past, because she will try and flee when she's panicked and is strong enough that she has pulled me into the street before. She's also stubborn; if she sees, hears, or smells something that makes her nervous, she'll try and turn away. When I try to coax her back, she'll sit down and refuse to move until I go back with her. She ignores treats and toys while out in a place with too many distractions, so I can't use them. What can I do to help her calm down and not be so fearful?
 
Have an expert trainer come see her. If the trainer can't help, get this dogs history. If this dog has a good history try another trainer or stop taking her places. A good exercise in the backyard will do alot. But if the history shows she was a fighting or stray dog, has a long history of being abused or abandoned, or has no history at all, putting her in a kennel may be like putting her to death. You have two options. putting her to sleep, witch I highly recommend if this dog has a fighting history or has long history of being put in shelters, or put her in a kennel. A second chance is always nice. But if you cant do any of those things expose her to the environment.
 
Have you ever watched Dog Whisperer with Cesar Mill an? He has very good ideas on how to train a fearful dog. To su up what he would say, first use only positive methods to train as any other way could make things worse. It is important to start small. Use treats and start in the house. for example have other people come in to visit, followed by bring a dog in as well. once used to all this then progress to the yard and introduce new things, dogs, people, bicycles. Following this progress to your block at a quiet time of the day. Don't go too far and remember to always reward with treats for small advances. It is also important that you be confident. Your dog will pick up on that. Remember, small steps, repeat and gradually expand. Use treats and be confident.
 
I wish i could help you there we have a little chihuahua he is 2 pounds and so skinny you see his bones hes always scared of things like that too i wish we could help him stop being so scared too and to gain some fat!
 
Is she a rescue dog? I have a rescue dog and she is very skittish and scared. Try to get her out of the house and meet new people. Try and have new people come into your house with treats our something that she really likes to try to teach her that these people aren't going to hurt her. Start slow and work you way into the bigger distractions. Don't try and comfort her when she is scared also because it teaches them it's OK to act this way. Remember always praise her really good and love her when she does the right things!!!!


If dog doesn't respond to normal treats try what some people call a "payday" a higher treat (usually human food) Examples~ Cheese, hot dogs, pepperoni, and peanut butter.
 
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