Hi Brenda,

Connie gave me this link to explain counter-conditioning and desensitization when my dog was afraid of the telephone (yes, the telephone )

http://www.hsca.net/bhv_desensitization.asp

We also went through a period where he was afraid of fire hydrants :shocked: so don't feel too bad about new tires

 Quote: Brenda Mitchell

Star sits in the front seat right next to me.

Brenda,
I sure like Howard's suggestion! - just taking the car away from the vicinity of your house is great.

Just a thought about Star being in the front seat - is she harnessed in? We also always let one of our dogs ride in the front seat but when we were putting them in the car after the seminar, Jim Wright convinced us that they were much safer in the back (we don't have a harness for them). He said it only takes a second to get in an accident and then the dog will go through the windshield. We used to have a VW Beetle years ago so I know the back seat will be big enough for Star.

I am curious -- is the dog scared of your basement???

Mike, I considered that until I heard the tires were sealed in plastic. Good call though.

Thank you, Sarah, for the link! I look forward to beginning.

Diane, yes, we harness Star in - thanks for asking!

Mike - Star's never been in the basement because the stairs are open stairs - almost like a ladder - so I've never even let her try to go down there.

This afternoon I put the winter tires back in the plastic bags and set them in the back hallway, getting ready to put them down into the basement for the sumer, and Star came and sniffed them, and ran away. I didn't think there would be a problem with the old tires because they were never a problem before - but even after putting the tires down in the basement and the hallway is free and clear again, Star is now afraid to go back the hallway. So I guess it's the rubber smell that's freaking her out (she doesn't have a thing about plastic bags). Too bad there's not a room in the house I DON'T want her to go into - I could just put the tires in there for a few days! :-)

She was supposed to go with me on a picnic with a group of kids from the children's home tomorrow. But I can't just pick her up and put her in the car, so I guess that means she won't be going along. I'm really sorry about that.

I'd just force him and make him deal with it. A dog does what I say he should do because I said he has to. He will get over it when he realizes nothing really changed.

I know, I know, I'm so nice I just dont believe a dog should be able to dictate my decisions. He's not gonna die, and the more opportunity he has to dwell on the issue the worse it gets.

I think the dog outweighs the owner. What then? Not everyone is as big and strong as you are.

 Quote: Mike J Schoonbrood

I'd just force him and make him deal with it. A dog does what I say he should do because I said he has to. He will get over it when he realizes nothing really changed.

Sure - sounds like a wonderful way to break the bond and trust that your dog has in you!

 Quote: Diane Joslin

 Quote: Mike J Schoonbrood

I'd just force him and make him deal with it. A dog does what I say he should do because I said he has to. He will get over it when he realizes nothing really changed.

Sure - sounds like a wonderful way to break the bond and trust that your dog has in you!

Male verse female techniques...

 Quote: Jeff Cambeis

 Quote: Diane Joslin

 Quote: Mike J Schoonbrood

I'd just force him and make him deal with it. A dog does what I say he should do because I said he has to. He will get over it when he realizes nothing really changed.

Sure - sounds like a wonderful way to break the bond and trust that your dog has in you!

Male verse female techniques...

I don't see it as male/female techniques, but as trusted leader/follower. Although Mike's answer may be very succinct, it is precisely the bond and trust that my dog has in me that I use along with increasing exposure and proximity to a perceived problem to show the dog there is no danger and/or to overcome the fear and avoidance.

Mike