I have been taking Max with me on short runs/walks, and lately he has been getting spooked very easily by people working in their yards, walking on by us on the sidewalk, etc. Sunday I almost fell flat on my face while running when he darted behind me and I got tangled in his leash, and shortly after that he darted into the road when someone walked by us on the sidewalk. He cowers really low to the ground...he is a rescue, so I'm not sure his past owners have something to do with it. Any suggestions? We have only had him for 2 months and he does not walk well on a leash (pulls), so I am going to start training him with the gentle leader. However, when we run, his behavior is fine - he usually is right next to me or behind me a tad. :confused:
Spooked when walking - help
- Thread starter amt15811
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How old is Max? Lots of dogs seem to go through fear/spooking stages around their 'teenage' time. My girl Stella did.
Talk to your dog, a nice happy, confident tone that lets him know there's nothing to be worried about, and just walk stright past whatever the scary object is. That'll help show him that its not a threat, and in fact is just no big deal. But don't baby him or start reassuring him - that just lets him know there's a reason to make a fuss and can be a reward to the dog for being frightened.
If its something coming toward him, you could distract his attention - make him sit or some other command - all in a very normal tone. That way, he can only concentrate so much on whatever it is that's so frightening, and in time should start to pay less and less attention to it. Patience, and good luck.
Talk to your dog, a nice happy, confident tone that lets him know there's nothing to be worried about, and just walk stright past whatever the scary object is. That'll help show him that its not a threat, and in fact is just no big deal. But don't baby him or start reassuring him - that just lets him know there's a reason to make a fuss and can be a reward to the dog for being frightened.
If its something coming toward him, you could distract his attention - make him sit or some other command - all in a very normal tone. That way, he can only concentrate so much on whatever it is that's so frightening, and in time should start to pay less and less attention to it. Patience, and good luck.
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