Fear of going outside4/3/2023 ![]() ![]() Using a training process called “shaping” can help dogs that are afraid to go into their own yard. In time, your dog should be able to pass garbage trucks without a fearful reaction. Then, gradually bridge the distance between your dog and the garbage truck, always rewarding him with the goodies for his calm responses. With the garbage truck at a distance, feed your dog a series of high value goodies when he notices the truck, like bits of cheese or hot dogs, so that your dog starts to make a connection between the scary garbage truck and the wonderful goodies. ![]() For example, a dog who is nervous about encountering garbage trucks could be exposed to a truck that’s several blocks away, parked and silent, so that he can see it, but he’s far enough from it that he won’t react to it.Ĭounter conditioning, which works in tandem with desensitization, helps the dog form a new association to the stressor through positive associations. The first step is desensitization training, which allows the dog to experience the scary stimulus at a level that doesn’t evoke stress. The most effective way to help dogs feel more confident outside is to change their association to the great outdoors through a combination of desensitization and counter-conditioning training. Some dogs generalize sound sensitivity, so a noise like a car backfiring can become stressors as well. Sound sensitivity: Some dogs pair a frightening sound, like a gun shot or fireworks, with the location they’re in when they hear it, which can result in the dog trying to avoid that location.Rather than associating the shock with the specific boundary, these dogs generalize pain to the entire yard. Electric fence fear: Training a dog respond to an electronic containment system includes a session during which the dog gets shocked, and for some, the sensation is all it takes to make the yard a place where pain happens.Everything from overgrown toenails to muscle stains to arthritis can impact a dog’s willingness to walk. Pain: Dogs who are reluctant to go for a walk, or who suddenly refuse to walk, might be suffering from undiagnosed pain.Dogs who move from a rural setting to a city environment might find the noise and crowds around them particularly challenging to navigate. Never leash walked: Adolescent and adult rescue dogs can come from a variety of circumstances that might not have allowed them the opportunity to acclimate to leash walking.Those that don’t receive this type of exposure are at risk of being overwhelmed by unfamiliar experiences. ![]() In order to view the world as a welcoming place, puppies need to be gently exposed to novel situations, places and beings in short, positive sessions before they hit 14 weeks old. Insufficient socialization: Dogs who miss out on the critical socialization period during puppyhood might end up afraid to take walks.Whether getting startled by a noisy garbage truck or a having a run-in with a barking dog behind a fence, these dogs make a connection between going for a walk and confronting stressful situations. Negative experiences: Some dogs become reluctant to walk after having a scary experience outside. ![]() Plus, the unfamiliar sensation of wearing a collar and leash can make going outside an extra frightening experience. New puppy panic: Transitioning to a new home can be overwhelming for puppies, which means your pup might slam on the brakes the first time you try to take him for a walk.Why is My Dog Afraid to Go Outside?ĭogs might be afraid to venture outside for a number of reasons, including: Forcing dogs who are exhibiting these kinds of stress signals to “face their fears” will only exacerbate the problem, so punishment and intimidation have no place in the rehabilitation process. However, a dog in distress might signal his fearfulness in more subtle ways, like crouching and walking low to the ground, keeping the tail tucked, panting that isn’t related to temperature or activity level, frequent yawning or trembling. Your dog’s fearfulness might manifest in obvious ways, like an outright refusal to walk or pulling hard on the leash to try to get back in the house. Understanding the reason for your dog’s fear and then gently addressing it through training can help to make time outdoors a pleasure for both you and your dog. Spending time in the great outdoors seems like a natural part of dog-hood, but for some cautious canines, the world outside the front door can be a scary place. ![]()
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