EvieH

After getting help from the forum I’m now able to take my 14 week puppy out for walks and she’s coping well with traffic and other loud noises, but today we had a horrible experience. I didn’t handle it well and would appreciate advice on what I should have done. Bella was on a short leash as she Becomes too excited around other dogs although when I’ve spoken to owners and they are okay, we do stop to say hello and she’s fine. On the walk this morning a terrier type dog came careering down the hill towards us. I held Bella back, but immediately afterwards a large older dog, possibly a lab, came snapping and growling following by a second terrier. I tried to block the advance with my body but was almost knocked over as the dog jumped up at me and then the three of them jumped on Bella who by this time was terrified, yelping and hopelessly tangled in her leash. I think I should have let go off the leash but I was scared that she would run and if they chased her I’d be helpless. Eventually their owner ran up after they had ignored his calls. He separated them before any physical harm was done although I think it was a close thing. I know I panicked and should have kept calm, but I was genuinely terrified at the situation. Although I’m fit and healthy, I am in my 70s and would not have had the physical strength to pull the other dog off. My adult son who is the joint owner would have been able to do this, but it was beyond me. Eventually I calmed Bella (and myself) down, but as we headed for home whenever she saw a dog in the distance she stopped and barked, and when it was time for her afternoon walk she hid when she saw the leash. To be honest I felt like hiding too! Wherever we go there are off leash dogs and I know most have been properly trained and have responsible owners, but it’s dealing with the exceptions that worries me. Any advice is welcome - and I don’t mind criticism if you feel I made mistakes.

I can’t quite get the hang of this site, and just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and reassurance. I’m sure there’s a way to reply to individuals, but I can’t find it. I’ve tried putting in place suggestions, and what has worked was forgetting the car, but just going for a really short walk up the road and round the block very early in the morning and late in the evening when little traffic is about. We did the same route every day and it was a real bonanza day when on returning to the house, instead of frantically scrabbling at the door to get in, she just sat down and watched the road even allowing a car to go by without doing more than look at me for reassurance. We’re now going further afield in the car and she is fine getting out, and at times looks plaintively at me at the end of the walk and is reluctant to get back in to go home! She still is unhappy when unexpected noises occur - lawn mowers etc., but no where near as frantic or as scared as before.Many thanks, Eve.

I mistakenly posted this in the. Training section, but now realise my error and have reposted. We have a delightful 4 month old bc. She has a lovely affectionate personality and lots of positives. We collected her when she was 8 weeks and after the first two days has slept through the night. Apart from a vey few mishaps she’s always gone outside to relieve herself and unless it’s raining she’ll stand by the door and bark to let me know it’s time. My problem is walks. She seems to be terrified of traffic noise, and other loud sounds, and it took a lot of patience with me standing at the open front door repeatedly with her on her leash allowing her to go back inside when she wanted to. She will now leave the door, but if a car passes when we walk, she trembles, cries and frantically tries to run back home. I don’t make a fuss, but just stand still as the car passes and then carry on walking steadily while she tries to pull my arm out of its socket. I’ve tried carrying her to the car and stopping at quieter areas, but she now shrinks back on the seat and growls if I try to lift her out. It’s such a pity as she’s full of energy and will play fetch happily in the house and our small garden. I’m sure I’vebeen doing something wrong and would really appreciate any advice to put me on the right track.

We have a delightful 4 month old bc. She has a lovely affectionate personality and lots of positives. We collected her when she was 8 weeks and after the first two days has slept through the night. Apart from a vey few mishaps she’s always gone outside to relieve herself and unless it’s raining she’ll stand by the door and bark to let me know it’s time. My problem is walks. She seems to be terrified of traffic noise, and other loud sounds, and it took a lot of patience with me standing at the open front door repeatedly with her on her leash allowing her to go back inside when she wanted to. She will now leave the door, but if a car passes when we walk, she trembles, cries and frantically tries to run back home. I don’t make a fuss, but just stand still as the car passes and then carry on walking steadily while she tries to pull my arm out of its socket. I’ve tried carrying her to the car and stopping at quieter areas, but she now shrinks back on the seat and growls if I try to lift her out. It’s such a pity as she’s full of energy and will play fetch happily in the house and our small garden. I’m sure I’vebeen doing something wrong and would really appreciate any advice to put me on the right track.