jski711 Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 My wife and I recently adopted a 4 yr old bc that was an outside only dog. We have had her for about a month now and she has been doing great until a day or so ago. She would walk ok on a leash but would pull pretty often. Now all of a sudden she doesn't want to go outside period. She is super submissive and I've been trying to build up her confidence as much as I know how. Last time I tried to walk her we got 2 houses down and she laid down on me and was pulling me back home. I'm wondering if Halloween decorations are playing a part in it but she doesn't even want to go out in the backyard and her tail is stuffed between her legs. I can't afford a trainer at the moment (work slowed on me!). If anyone has any tips please lets hear them. Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentleLake Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Do you take high value treats along on your walks? If not, you might want to start and the instant she starts to balk or act fearful, pull out the treats and a happy voice and use them to entice her to go another few steps if possible. Rinse and repeat. Unfortunately, dogs who've been as undersocialized as you've said in other posts as she's been often have issues that take time, patience and work on your part to resolve. They often take one step forward and two steps back, which is one place the patience comes into play. It might be a good idea to talk to your vet about some meds that could help reduce her anxiety during this transition. It's possible that melatonin or L-theanine, which are available OTC may help, but you may get farther faster w/ prozac or something similar. I hope others will have some even more useful things to add. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jski711 Posted October 13, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Well we didn't put 2 and 2 together until now... The last couple days we have tried walking her it's been without my 2 sons (2 and 4) and my wife just took her out with them and she started walking like nothing was ever wrong with her. Is it possible that she has taken to them that fast and doesn't want to leave them. Seems weird to me especially since she did bite my older boy (although it wasn't her fault). I'm not really sure what to think now. Hmmm... Thanks for the replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maralynn Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Border Collies can be very routine oriented. Perhaps the upset in routine kinda freaked her out? But now that you know what works at least you can take her for walks (even though it's a bit more of a production to take 2 youngsters along) I'd also start taking her for highly rewarding mini walks without the boys. Get a little cheese or a few hot dog slices and step outside the door, reward her heavily, then go back inside. As she responds positively, gradually increase the distance by a few steps. Remember - the key is to end on a good note so be careful not to ask for too much when you're starting out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jski711 Posted October 14, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2013 Thanks a bunch! I appreciate all the help!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rufftie Posted October 14, 2013 Report Share Posted October 14, 2013 I think you may have hit on it! my dogs will not walk with my husband or daughter if I am left behind in the house. they will do all in their power to get back. sounds very devoted-but leaves me with all the work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donald McCaig Posted October 14, 2013 Report Share Posted October 14, 2013 Dear Doggers, I've never had a dog, including the shyest, where walks weren't a Big Reward. I have had dogs who wouldn't walk with anybody but me and one who wouldn't walk with me but would with my wife. Donald McCaig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted October 14, 2013 Report Share Posted October 14, 2013 Well we didn't put 2 and 2 together until now... The last couple days we have tried walking her it's been without my 2 sons (2 and 4) and my wife just took her out with them and she started walking like nothing was ever wrong with her. Is it possible that she has taken to them that fast and doesn't want to leave them. Seems weird to me especially since she did bite my older boy (although it wasn't her fault). I'm not really sure what to think now. Hmmm... Thanks for the replies. She might have been spooked, so to speak, by a Halloween decoration flapping or moving around. My Gibbs does not like seeing things that he doesn't expect to see, but he is fine once I tell him 'ok'. Your girl could just feel safer if she has her whole 'pack'. with her. I actually think it's kind of sweet that she likes having the kids along for the walk. Maralyn's idea is a great one. She'll get used to having just one human along. Do try to notice what sets her off. Don't baby her, but you can use what I call jolly talk - "What's that? Let's go see!" in a nice, happy voice. When she approaches the Scary Thing, she can get a treat from you. Gibbs approached a balloon that had wrapped its string around a fence, bopped it with his nose, looked at me, then bopped it really hard when I didn't get him his treat quickly enough. Good luck with her! Ruth and Agent Gibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mum24dog Posted October 14, 2013 Report Share Posted October 14, 2013 Dear Doggers, I've never had a dog, including the shyest, where walks weren't a Big Reward. I have had dogs who wouldn't walk with anybody but me and one who wouldn't walk with me but would with my wife. Donald McCaig I suppose it depends where the walks are taken as well as the dog's previous experiences (or lack of) in a similar environment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach BCs Posted October 14, 2013 Report Share Posted October 14, 2013 Two of my dogs LOVE to go for walks anywhere. The third however, hates them. I'm speaking of on leash walks in our neighborhood or in town. Unpopulated areas are fine. She's a worrier. No reward (yummy food, toys or praise) is high enough. I have gotten her to the point where she will tolerate walking when the neighborhood is quiet. My other two would rather walk with me, but they get over it pretty quickly. Oddly, taking her on the agility field is a piece of cake for her. Everyone outside the ring "disappears". My other two were initially quite shy. We worked through it. Faith and I will work through it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shetlander Posted October 14, 2013 Report Share Posted October 14, 2013 I suppose it depends where the walks are taken as well as the dog's previous experiences (or lack of) in a similar environment. My Lhasa, who is not shy but is opinionated, hates walks. He will try to hide if he thinks I'm wanting to take him for a walk. And if I do take him anyway, he sucks all the joy out of the experience for Quinn and me. But he's a Lhasa, so he probably doesn't count in this discussion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.