Getting BC past fear

[Bostonkev]

Hi all, first time poster. Happy to be a part of this group. Looking for some advice; our BC is a 6 yo, (named Hero) we adopted him a year ago, he is a rescue dog. Pretty well socialized with other dogs, we’ve done a lot of work with him in giving him enough activity and socializing him to other people outside our family. About a week ago, on our morning walk, I slipped on some ice, and fell hard, twisting my knee and hitting my head. Didn’t pass out, but knocked the wind out of me , and I was slow getting up and beginning to walk. Faithful dog stood by, wagged his tail and nuzzled me when I was on ground, not running off. Kind of a slow walk home, but made slower by an onset of not only concrete feet, but downright laying down in street and refusing to move. Cajoled the boy home, and I’m on the mend. But since that morning, he’s refused his morning walks with me, or others in the family. Gets about a block and refuses to move, even with the bribe of high quality treats. Reckon that he’s maybe he’s freaked out? Looking for ideas on how to get him back on routine and over this event. We tried walking him in tandem today with success, where he started with my wife and then she handed the leash to me with success, then lots of praise and a special treat at the end of the walk. Any other thoughts? Appreciate the help. 

[GentleLake]

Welcome to the Boards, and I hope you're feeling better.

It sounds like the experience spooked him pretty good. If what you're doing is working, just keep at it. The only other alternative I can think of is maybe try going a different way or perhaps drive somewhere he hasn't been before and has no negative associations with. The more good experiences he has the more likely he is to let go of his fear and more quickly.

Good luck.

[D'Elle]

Continue the tandem work since that seems to be getting somewhere. And, I second what GL says above about taking a different route. For now, avoid the place where the fall occurred entirely and make sure the walk is happy-happy with treats and fun times. He will get over it in time.