We have a gorgeous PBGV called Lexi who came to us at 15 months as his previous owner didn't want him. When we first got him, he was a little scared of city noises (he came from the country) but seemed to improve. Recently, however, he has regressed and is now very nervous when he's out for his walk - even though he really wants to go! Everything now seems to scare him, but especially people and very loud noises eg church bells etc. We do take him out with one of our other dogs to try and help his confidence.
We think that maybe he was scared by something when he was out for a walk and so he has now come to associate people as frightening.
He is friendly indoors to visitors and an absolute gorgeous little boy who we adore! - and we want him to feel happy and confident while he's out on his walks. We have tried giving him treats when he's out - so that he associates positive rewards with being out and about - but he's too scared to take them.
Any ideas would be very much appreciated!
Many thanks.
Nicola, by email
If it were me, I'd be working at home with a noise desensitisation CD, and in the meantime trying very hard to avoid the scary noises while working through the programme. Perhaps country walks at the weekend, and some training through the week rather than scary city walks?
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeletethanks for your ideas. We have got a noise desensitisation CD but he seems to know the difference between real noise and the CD! The strange thing is that before a few weeks ago, he was miles better than this but he suddenly changed so that if he sees anyone in the distance he wants to run for home. And and all ideas appreciated! Nicola & Lexi XXX -