I have a friend whose small dog was exposed to pre 4th of July fireworks this year when he was being walked, and he is now very fearful oustide. We think this is what has caused the fear reaction, anyway...

Walking him is difficult; he will resist for a good part of the time that he is walked, but does seem to snap out of it at times and walk normally.

At the best of times he has no food drive, so marker training seems to be out at this point.

What is the best approach to build up his confidence when outside?

Fast him for a day so he's hungry and then feed him his breakfast/dinner on a walk?

He doesn't even care about tripe or microwaved hotdogs? What about sardines?

Does the dog have a yard or securely fenced area he can be brought to and left to his own devices while the owner does something fun while 'ignoring' him?

any toy drive? would bouncing a small ball get the pup's attention?

One might start desensittizing the dog in an area it's accustomed to. Small noises first, things the dog's watching you do. For heaven's sake never reward fear by trying to make it all better and hug, pet, talk to the dog if it shows fear.

Hold a fork up while the dog's watching and drop it. Repeat, slowly use larger objects and move to hard surfaces starting from scratch. Pop paper bags the dog's checked out before. If the dog's fearful of the bag after you go check out the bag and a pack leader invite the dog to come check it out after you've proofed it.

Edited by Red Thomas (07/23/2011 10:49 AM)
Edit reason: spelin arorz

 Quote: Red Thomas

One might start desensittizing the dog in an area it's accustomed to. Small noises first, things the dog's watching you do. For heaven's sake never reward fear by trying to make it all better and hug, pet, talk to the dog if it shows fear.

Hold a fork up while the dog's watching and drop it. Repeat, slowly use larger objects and move to hard surfaces starting from scratch. Pop paper bags the dog's checked out before. If the dog's fearful of the bag after you go check out the bag and a pack leader invite the dog to come check it out after you've proofed it.

My friend isn't rewarding the dog for fearful beahvior. Your suggestion about starting with the fork is an interesting one, and I'll tell her about it...

Jenny A., no toy drive, either...

Hey Lynne, it’s tough when there’s nothing traditional that will motivate them. I’m no expert but I know this feeling well. Unless he’s completely shut down though, all dogs get “turned on” by something. It’s just a matter of finding out what that is.

Little dog hey… what about another little dog? Or a big dog friend? Can the pup be motivated by seeing his owner? Maybe crate him for a few hours of alone time before taking him out for a walk.

Sounds like it was the noise that triggered this, so he responds to sound (good, bad or otherwise). Is she able to make soothing, kind of higher pitched noises of encouragement?

During the recovery phases, I find that the more animated I get, the more they’re able to focus on me and less on the fear they may going through.

A little leash pressure (not a pull or a yanking sensation) just a slight steady pressure until a foot moves then a quick release of all pressure. He may come darting up to her and then want to shut down again but if she starts moving forward fairly quickly, often they will follow. When he shuts down again, same thing, a little pressure until he gives an inch then release and try to keep him motivated in a forward moving motion.

It’s tough seeing them go through this but I think if your friend is able to stay confident (same frame of mind she had walking him before the fireworks incident) and not focus on the phobic behavior, taking it one step at time, he should recover fairly quickly.

Oh and I would also watch the physical praise too, even when he’s doing well. Unless he really knows and feels that a good pet is motivational, hands coming down to connect with him can add to the fear factor or provide confusion at the very least. Keep it really simple.

Best of luck to your friend.

CJ, thanks; I'll pass this along...