Jersey is a fraidy cat

[Jersey527]

I don't know why, but Jersey has suddenly become very timid. I mean, at home around us she is fine and outgoing. But we took her out in the Jeep for a ride over the weekend (something we've done many times before) and she was fine until we parked and got out of the car. We were in Manhatten and we parked right in front of the restaurant we were having lunch and drinks at. In fact, our table was right in the front of the restaurant and they had the place all opened up to the street since it was a beautiful day. She could see us and we could see her. It was a side street in the Village, so the traffice wasn't busy. But everytime someone would approach the car to say hi or pet her she jumped down off the seat and hid on the floor. We stopped for gas on the way home and she hid on the floor behind the seat again when the attendant came to pump the gas. Normally she would be barking at the attendant. Also, when motorcycles would drive by us, she would hide. Normally she would be barking and trying to jump out of the car to get at them.

What gives? Anyone have any ideas?

 

[lovemygracie]

How old is she? Mine went through a few fear stages as she was growing up. I was told not to reassure her when she acted fearful (could be interpreted by the dog as praise for fearful behavior) and to continue socialization and exposure to new people, places, situations.

 

[BasilStreets]

I recently had one of my dogs decide that all of outside was a scary place.
The thing that really seemed to get him over it was Bach Flower Remedies, specifically Mimulus and Rock Rose.
I was very skeptical about wether they would work or not, but I really think they did, along with basic de-sensitization.

 

[Jersey527]

How old is she? Mine went through a few fear stages as she was growing up. I was told not to reassure her when she acted fearful (could be interpreted by the dog as praise for fearful behavior) and to continue socialization and exposure to new people, places, situations.

She is one. Thanks for the advice. I didn't even think of that. We automatically go to comfort and reassure her. I guess we will have to stop that. Don't what her to be a scardie cat all her life.