Help! My 4month old pup is scared to go for a proper walk

[Sitti]

Hello everyone!

My pup Pocholo is fine with people, he isn’t aggressive at all but he is absolutely terrified of other dogs. Especially the ones barking at him. When we go on walks and spots another dog, he just stops walking, goes behind me. I really want to enjoy going for walks but it’s really hard when he stops every 10sec. What can i do??? Help me please.

[Maz51]

How old is he?

Best way to introductions for pups is, keep your distance, and keep outings brief. Only 15 mins walk out time per month of age.  If you can go to quieter places, but find a playmate he can meet too, this can so help.  Sadly pups leaving mum at 8 or 9 weeks does not give them ANY chance to develop, learn manners within the litter pack or from mum.  This makes them lack in confidence, and scared of any new experiences.  Babies/toddlers can go through this too. 

Find out from your vet on puppy/socialising classes ASAP & get him to meet others in his age group. 

Also, start doing some training/play games ASAP so he focuses on you, not the big scary world out there.  Training needs to start early with this bright intelligent breed, as they can become bored and naughty, and/or destructive.

My three have their own website & I hope you'll visit Chester and Eski and Blu of Tewkesbury @mythreehuskxmalamutes

I'm happy to help with tips & training what DOES & HAS worked for me over seven years with this breed, but also a lifetime of many other breeds, and species of animals. 

And ensure his vaccinations & worming are up to date - esp the latter as these need doing a bit more often in his first year. 🤗😘

Successdogs.com

Absolutedogs.com

Outback Dog Training Pages 

Good luck, Maz

[Sitti]

12 minutes ago, Maz51 said:

How old is he?

Best way to introductions for pups is, keep your distance, and keep outings brief. Only 15 mins walk out time per month of age.  If you can go to quieter places, but find a playmate he can meet too, this can so help.  Sadly pups leaving mum at 8 or 9 weeks does not give them ANY chance to develop, learn manners within the litter pack or from mum.  This makes them lack in confidence, and scared of any new experiences.  Babies/toddlers can go through this too. 

Find out from your vet on puppy/socialising classes ASAP & get him to meet others in his age group. 

Also, start doing some training/play games ASAP so he focuses on you, not the big scary world out there.  Training needs to start early with this bright intelligent breed, as they can become bored and naughty, and/or destructive.

My three have their own website & I hope you'll visit Chester and Eski and Blu of Tewkesbury @mythreehuskxmalamutes

I'm happy to help with tips & training what DOES & HAS worked for me over seven years with this breed, but also a lifetime of many other breeds, and species of animals. 

And ensure his vaccinations & worming are up to date - esp the latter as these need doing a bit more often in his first year. 🤗😘

Successdogs.com

Absolutedogs.com

Outback Dog Training Pages 

Good luck, Maz

He just turned 4months yesterday. I’m not sure what to do now to be honest.

[Maz51]

Ok, so little & often.  Go out in the car - ensure he is in a harness & secure to a seat belt clip.  You can look at Indi-dog for dog tack - or, initially a small crate secured in the back seat will keep him safe. Find a cafe where you can sit outside, or a dog friendly pub. Let him sit close by & just watch what's going on around him.  Meet n greet folk too, so he gets used to 'nice' folk. 

Is he chipped, and wearing a licence dog tag with ID on too, plus your contact number?  This must be on his collar, but another on his harness won't hurt either.  Let him desensitise & get accustomed to the world of many car rides, feet, ppl, dogs, buggies, and traffic. 

I cannot stress puppy classes enough.. he NEEDS to meet others in his age group, so he sees all kinds.

The training & games you do at home will help him bond.  Look at umbilical cord tethering too - so good. Those sites I gave you are for watching  learning and applying! 

Crate training is vital for him to have HIS safe place. And for you to pop him into if you have workmen/dog-shy visitors.

A crate covered ⅓ over the top will give him this, tucked into a corner or certainly against a wall. 

Separation anxiety can be reduced (when he's around 5 to six months) or removed, by taking him out in the car, parking in the high street (NOT in summer heat) with windows open for ventilation & you moving in & out of shops, but he can see you. He'll also have other stuff to look at. As you pop out of sight but YOU can see him, see how he responds..  when he starts to get upset, move back quickly, don't overfuss, but reward with a treat, & 'good boy wait' then ask him to 'Wait' again, while you gather his lead, unclip from the seatbelt (these leads are on Amazon) and take him out for a walkabout. Don't forget poop bags 😉👍

Repeat the exercise over the week, not necessarily every day.  Leave radio on & a filled Kong to occupy him when you leave, at home, without overly fussing. Keep your early exits as brief as possible, & gradually extend periods out. 

Maz xx

[2Huskyfun]

At 4 months I started puppy classes and daycare with mine.

My male was and still can be very Leash reactive. So I am not sure if my advice is going to necessarily work.

However, I have had dogs in other breeds act like this.

If one of my pups was not confident on walks I would:

In list in a small puppy class.

Short walks during low traffic times. Take a toy or favorite treat. If you see another dog have him set and watch from a distance. Do not allow another dog to approach him when he is being fearful. Once the other dog has moved passed and there is a good distance, give a walk command and while walking  reward.

*It takes 4x in 4 different environments for a positive experience to be set in*

*I also do not speak or touch mine during this. (Besides placing in a set)* I believe it reinforces whatever is going through their heads. Possibly okaying anxiety, fear, and whatever else.

 I have had some that just didn’t like or feel comfortable with other dogs and I just kept strange dogs away from them.

Good news is.... he trust you to protect him. I had to train this behavior in mine. If a loose dog ran up to us, I have them (my girl) go behind me while brother and I protect her. Plus, it allows me to concentrate on the stray and only one of mine instead of all three. 

So this is not necessarily a bad thing.

[Shepsky5]

Good tips here!

Yes, agreed on small puppy class! Very helpful to meet other friendly pups in a supervised environment.

On walks, keep your distance and stay calm, speak in calm happy voice, keep a loose leash. The mood should be relaxed. 
Never drag him over to meet another dog (other dogs can be unpredictable...even if they are wagging their tails, they can act rude, frightening or even aggressive)

As your pup relaxes, you can bring him up to other dogs that you KNOW are calm, friendly and mellow.
But in general I would avoid meeting strange unknown dogs on walks, and I would avoid dog parks, which are too much of an "uncontrolled cross your fingers" kind of environment.
 

[Rachael_Astro]

I found daycare was great for socialising mine! The behaviourist I work with says if your dog is scared of other dogs, show them 100 friendly dogs. Have you got any friends with dogs you could meet up with?


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