megan_ Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Hi All, I have a 9 month old mini schnauzer cross who is usually a care free, happy-go-luck pup. He is used to noise (I live near a train station, leave the dishwasher on etc) and being left alone (I work and he gets left alone while I go shopping on the w/end etc). He is very well socialised and is a confident pup who loves the house. I normal find him inside when I get home, as I have a very small garden. I went out for lunch on Sunday and when I got back he was a different pup. He refused to come inside, even when a treat was offered. He wasn't playing - just sitting there, not moving. When I went outside, he happily played with me - but he refused to come inside. After a few hours I took him to the 24 hr vet to see if he was ill. He got a clean bill of health. He has been slightly better today - he will come into the lounge if I am there - but will run outside the house the second I get up. He won't chase his toys or even come to me in the rest of the house. His tail is between his legs and he just looks scared. Before Sunday this never happened. I have no idea what happened - nothing appears to have fallen down and scared him. I know that this could be a fear stage issue, and I don't want to compound it. Should I ignore this (he is still sitting outside, nothing will get him to come through the door)? Thanks, Megan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Was he indoors or out whilst you were away? Sounds as if he was badly scared by something... IMO, you would be better to NOT fuss over him , especially when he is acting fearful- as this rewards him for being that way :D Just go about your daily routine... and reward him for good 'brave' behaviour Don't force him indoors, either... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted October 27, 2008 Author Share Posted October 27, 2008 thanks. He was indoors, but he has a doggy door so can use both. I closed access to his doggy door for a few minutes to show him he was okay - he scratched at it but calmed down eventually. I'm just going to (try) not to fuss over him and reward him for being very brave and not fleeing the house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
:ange: Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 My 10 month old Wei started acting a bit like this over the last couple of weeks. We figured out that she is deathly scared of blowflies buzzing past. As soon as one would buzz around she'd be darting for the door trying to get out. She's getting better with them though. Hope your boy calms down soon.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Not sure where you are? If you are in Sydney, contact the All Natural Vet at Russell Lea, they can prescribe some natural remedies that help with anxiety. I have one of my dogs on Chinese Herbs for his anxiety, he was keeping me up all night and now sleeps like a baby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 someone may have tried to break in?/ Personally i would go ask my neighbors if they recall any odd noises or happenings,they may be able to pin point an odd occurrence that could coincide with this odd behavior. We have never owned a mini that has gone through a fear stage,infact never owned a dog that has done it. I agree like others at present dont fuss,i would even go as far as not to make a big deal if pup is around you because over rewarding can sometimes be just as harmful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted October 27, 2008 Author Share Posted October 27, 2008 Thanks everyone for the advice. RE: my location, I'm in Melbourne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelpie-i Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 Megan, pups have 3 main fear periods during their development and growth. It is quite possible that your pup is going through the 2nd fear impact period at this stage. Things that he was normally fine with, suddenly become scary, with the pup showing anything from mild to severe fear tendencies. The best advice I can give you is to carry on without too much reaction from you when your pup shows fear. Ignore the fearful behaviour but encourage any "sticky beak" behaviour to encourage him to explore yet again. Dogs normally snap out of fear periods quite quickly but some learning can and does occur which is all dependant on the owner's actions and reactions when it is occurring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted October 28, 2008 Author Share Posted October 28, 2008 Thanks everyone for the advice. I have ignored it and he seems 80% better already Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted October 28, 2008 Author Share Posted October 28, 2008 uhh...meant to write "I have ignored his behaviour".....not the advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 Funny little things aren't they! When Ziggy was a similar age, he developed an irrational fear of......Great Danes There happened to be several in our show handling class - he'd never had an issue with them when, all of a sudden, the 'brakes' went on and he flatly refused to go back into line-up anywhere near them. It took several classes, no reassuring but lots of rewards for being 'brave' and suddenly there wasn't a problem. Amazing to see in a very confident young dog who fears nothing but his stomach being empty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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