Hello, I was wondering if anyone has any advice for my 5 and a half month old pup, Cayde.  We got him from a very loving and caring breeder, however, he wasn't socialized much with people other than the man and his wife or around any cars.  He is great with other dogs, but we have had him over a month and his fear of people/loud cars isn't getting any better.  

It doesn't help that we live in an apartment (we will be moving into a house in about a month).  I was hoping to at least help out his anxiety a bit so he doesn't have to completely suffer for the next month.  Whenever we go outside if there is even a little bit of noise he immediately freaks out and tries to pull me back up the stairs.  

I've tried to calm him with treats, he won't touch a treat when he's nervous.  I have tried showing him I'm not scared and continuing to walk him around, doesn't work.  He will try to pull me until we get back to the apartment because he is so nervous.  I've taken him to dog parks many times.  Occasionally, he will play with other dogs, but the majority of the time he will run off to be by himself because there are usually a decent amount of people around all the other dogs.  He almost won't even use the bathroom when it's just he and I, he feels a lot better when our other dog also goes out with us.  This is ok sometimes, but it's not always easy to take them out at the same time.

I know this isn't his behavior always, when we visit my parents in the country he is a happy ball of fluff that runs around their 25 acres.  Sadly, that much space is not an option for us, but he will have a nice yard soon.  

Any suggestions on helping calm him down and at least stay out long enough to go to the bathroom without freaking out?

Leslie

With bird dogs we would break them about hearing gunshots by dropping cooking utensils or banging pans together and then giving them a high value treat after each loud sound. I'm going to have to start doing this with my gsd mix since he's become a real wuss lately. A lot is about finding a high enough value treat compared to the level of fear your dog is feeling. Liver is smelly. Work on heeling and focus inside then slowly start adding distractions until you work up to the louder stuff. You want to have some kind of training in place so that your dog has something sound to turn to when things that scare him come along. I've actually had some decent success with a diy thundervest too for my chicken dog who has issue with thunder. The other step you could take since he isn't good about taking treats when in fear is just waiting him out. A car goes by and he wants to run, just plant your feet and wait him out. similar to teaching how to walk without pulling, he doesn't get what he wants until he calms down.

Just act normal. No petting him, no treats, just matter of fact going about your business. Don't force interaction, just go for walks, on about your business. When he balks, a slight tug of the leash, "on by" (you'll be teaching him that command as you do this)

With my first girl, many, MANY moons ago, we were living on a college campus. My pup was only 12 weeks old and every time I saw a big dog I would pick her up to "protect" her - a week of this and suddenly, any dog on the scene she came running to me to be picked up. Fortunately, I was smart enough to recognize what I had done and that it was a bad thing and stopped immediately so no lasting fear of dogs or people.

Hi Leslie and welcome The 2 things I can suggest at desensitization is one have your other dog with you, and 2 build confidence. I understand easier said than done. As far as the second dog, I recommend a belt harness contraption, lol, they make waist belts where you can hook up more than one dog to you, and be able to walk hands free and several dogs at the same time. It puts all the pressure on your waist vs arms. A few here on the forum use them. The second half of the equation I can help more on. Building confidence. In busier areas, have treats with you or verbally praise and pat on shoulder blades, never act concerned, act as if there is nothing going on, and don't coddle, as in it's ok, hugs, let "mommy protect you", nope don't coddle. Instead find the right spot that pup is comfortable and have him sit. Watch for nervousness, lip licking yawning are signs of stress. Day one find the right comfort zone, sit and chill and praise. Day two move closer to the item or people he is nervous with, not much just enough to be closer to the "scary" object, praise, and so on. If you get to a spot where he is nervous, have him sit, and point to your eyes and say watch me, he looks at you treat or praise. The main point of this is to have him look to you for guidance, and that you are not nervous he eventually will not be nervous as well. Other confidence boosting things, is to take walks where there may in his eyes be obstacles that are scary, a hill to climb, a bridge to walk over, encourage, "let's go boy" be positive with out sounding to hyped up, once he succeeds over the bridge or over the hill praise or treat. It's a little awkward describing in print, but the key is not getting over excited yourself, stay positive and teach focus on you and ignore the surrounding area. That and having your more confident dog with you as well, so the pup can watch his reactions.

TwisterII wrote:

With bird dogs we would break them about hearing gunshots by dropping cooking utensils or banging pans together and then giving them a high value treat after each loud sound. I'm going to have to start doing this with my gsd mix since he's become a real wuss lately. A lot is about finding a high enough value treat compared to the level of fear your dog is feeling. Liver is smelly. Work on heeling and focus inside then slowly start adding distractions until you work up to the louder stuff. You want to have some kind of training in place so that your dog has something sound to turn to when things that scare him come along. I've actually had some decent success with a diy thundervest too for my chicken dog who has issue with thunder. The other step you could take since he isn't good about taking treats when in fear is just waiting him out. A car goes by and he wants to run, just plant your feet and wait him out. similar to teaching how to walk without pulling, he doesn't get what he wants until he calms down.

Thank you I will have to try that! I will try to get him used to the loud noises inside before working on the outside. And I need to do a little searching to find out what he will consider a high value treat.