Fear

[binsk]

Dear friends,

I hope someone can give me some advice with an issue related to Barboza, my 8-month old boxer. He is the perfect dog, but lately I am having problems when I take him for walks. He loves to go out and always had a great time walking around, but he now seems to have fear of noises and groups of people when I walk him outside my house. When someone carrying a large bag approaches or even when someone closes a car door next to us, he suddently tries to run away. I am the only one who takes him out, and he has never had a bad experience that would develop to this fear. I know he is still a puppy, but I think it is strange that he developed this type of behavior at this time.

What should I do to stop that?

I will be glad if anyone can help me and my best friend Barboza.

Andre

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

To read more about fear imprint periods see: http://www.boxerworld.com/puppy/education/

 

[basak]

Dan has given you a wonderful link there

It happens and I don't question it much. It happened to Krose too. Fear all of a sudden. Why? What's wrong? Who knows...

I always tried to be there for him when he needed me. When he's afraid, he needs me, so I get him out of the ''fearful'' situation. No forcing but take him out the next day of course. He shows signs of fear, we go to different direction.

Once the confidence in them kicks in, everything is perfect. Krose is a late bloomer:rolleyes: He still shows weird reactions to some situations. Not fearful but always alert. Always alert when outside. You can imagine he passes out when we come home:D

Be patient and do not force him to anything. He will come around

basak

 

[binsk]

Thanks a lot

Thank you both for the quick reply.

I will take a look at the link you have suggested and keep going easy on him when we walk.

At this time, I am trying to take him for walks early in the morning or late at night - when few people are on the streets and he can develop confidence and see that nothing will happen to him when he is out.

Andre :D :D :D