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Sorry for the length. Gargamel gets freaked out by a lot of things. He has gotten spooked by rolled over trash barrel so bad he accidentally took me out when he forgot I was in front of him and ran into me.. I then started to leave my barrel flipped and would have a friend move it when I walked him by and got him to realize they are not attacking him and now on trash days I don’t have to worry about being taken out. He is scared of balloons. Since they look like balls, I haven’t desensitized him to balloons because I fear he will start to WANT them like he does when he sees any basketball and since they are usually attached to a kids wrist or around kids, I let him think they are space aliens out to get him. Kites, geesh that day at the beach turned into poor Mel so freaked out by these things over his head we had to move away from them. Flying flags, forget it! I need to cross the street while he is rubbernecking thinking they are out to get him. These are things I have dealt with and are able to get past easily. Also, not to put him in the situation.
My issue is he is scared of trucks. 18 Wheelers, FedEx trucks, Busses, anything that’s loud and big. I live off a main route and I walk a block on the busy street, then walk on the quiet street. Seems he is frightened they are gonna jump the sidewalk or something and get him. He walks fine, but timidly and he is not enjoying himself. I initially would sooth him and doggie talk to him about relaxing and its OK. Then I stopped that and tried to act normal for a few weeks, just walk same pace same everything as on quiet streets, as soon as something bigger than a car passes he is tucked tail, sad puppy eyes not having a good walk. After a few weeks, I stopped at a park on the main street at a bench and tossed him ball to him for a game of catch, he was good and then a truck passes and he is all nervous and wants off the street.
How do I desensitize him towards trucks. There is a great beach/hiking trail over the bridge and I need to go on the main street and cross a bridge to get there. I could drive but I kinda feel that’s giving up. Or, do I give up?
If your dog is afraid of something, how do you know when you training him to get “over it” does more damage than good? I mean if he is forever afraid, do I let him be afraid? Or do I try to force him and if so how would you do it?
My issue is he is scared of trucks. 18 Wheelers, FedEx trucks, Busses, anything that’s loud and big. I live off a main route and I walk a block on the busy street, then walk on the quiet street. Seems he is frightened they are gonna jump the sidewalk or something and get him. He walks fine, but timidly and he is not enjoying himself. I initially would sooth him and doggie talk to him about relaxing and its OK. Then I stopped that and tried to act normal for a few weeks, just walk same pace same everything as on quiet streets, as soon as something bigger than a car passes he is tucked tail, sad puppy eyes not having a good walk. After a few weeks, I stopped at a park on the main street at a bench and tossed him ball to him for a game of catch, he was good and then a truck passes and he is all nervous and wants off the street.
How do I desensitize him towards trucks. There is a great beach/hiking trail over the bridge and I need to go on the main street and cross a bridge to get there. I could drive but I kinda feel that’s giving up. Or, do I give up?
If your dog is afraid of something, how do you know when you training him to get “over it” does more damage than good? I mean if he is forever afraid, do I let him be afraid? Or do I try to force him and if so how would you do it?