Spudd Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I'm just wondering what your dogs are/were affraid of and if you know why and what do/did you do about it I have an 11 month old Bull terrier who is scared of turbo diesel cars (or any thing louder) that go past on our walks, every time one goes past, he gets scared for a sec. Once we took him down the beach when he was about 6 month old and a 4 stroke jet skii went past, he was shaking with his tail between his legs, no problems with a 2 stroke jet skii We haven't seen another 4 stroker yet.. He is not scared when we take him dirtbike riding and rev the bikes near him.. Very strange Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Howie doesn't like ceiling fans... Ted my oldest boy has developed a fear of my sewing box (yeah, old dogs are "special") For both I'm doing slow desensitisation and not making a fuss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dju Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Well Hugo was afraid of vaccuum cleaners during his fear period, but that seems to have gone away now. We just made a big fuss about the vaccuum cleaner (we'd pat it, hug it, put treats on it and pretend to eat them until he'd come over--yes we're al psycho in this household) and now he just sleeps through vaccuuming, he doesn't care anymore. I haven't really come across anything else he's scared of, he's pretty chilled about loud noises in general actually, they don't bother him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whiskedaway Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Akira had a slow start to socialisation, especially inside. Hence she's really scared of the microwave and buses (buses because she got a big fright thanks to one in her second fear period and still isn't over it). Everything else we've more or less gotten her over - the heater, the vacuum cleaner, the washing machine, men - though she still sometimes reverts to her old ways for a few minutes until she realises she doesn't have to be scared of it anymore. Halo only takes offence to Alaskan Malamutes. I think one scared her in her first fear period, and now she just doesn't like them. She barks and barks and barks until she's decided she's told them she's boss, then she's best friends with them. She's more than happy to play with the Malamute in her obedience class, but she has to tell him she's the boss first. I can't work out how to get her to stop it yet because we've done lots of desensitisation with friendly mallies, yet she still does it to start with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spudd Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 Well Hugo was afraid of vaccuum cleaners during his fear period, but that seems to have gone away now. We just made a big fuss about the vaccuum cleaner (we'd pat it, hug it, put treats on it and pretend to eat them until he'd come over--yes we're al psycho in this household) and now he just sleeps through vaccuuming, he doesn't care anymore. I haven't really come across anything else he's scared of, he's pretty chilled about loud noises in general actually, they don't bother him. That's just too funny See i don't think he is scared of loud noises because he doesn't mind the loud dirt bikes reving.. Should i just ignore it and not say any thing when a turbo diesel goes past and hopefully one day he'll realize that they are not going to run him over Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weasels Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 (edited) Razor scooters. New floor surfaces. Small dogs. Opening out a bin liner. Joggers. Too much attention from strangers. Probably more we haven't discovered yet. My poor little wuss dog ETA: For the little things like the bin liners and floors I just call him silly in an upbeat voice and let him have an exploratory sniff, he's pretty good with those now. For the bigger problems like scooters and joggers I distract, redirect, reward. Edited August 16, 2011 by Weasels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spudd Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 Akira had a slow start to socialisation, especially inside. Hence she's really scared of the microwave and buses (buses because she got a big fright thanks to one in her second fear period and still isn't over it). Everything else we've more or less gotten her over - the heater, the vacuum cleaner, the washing machine, men - though she still sometimes reverts to her old ways for a few minutes until she realises she doesn't have to be scared of it anymore. Halo only takes offence to Alaskan Malamutes. I think one scared her in her first fear period, and now she just doesn't like them. She barks and barks and barks until she's decided she's told them she's boss, then she's best friends with them. She's more than happy to play with the Malamute in her obedience class, but she has to tell him she's the boss first. I can't work out how to get her to stop it yet because we've done lots of desensitisation with friendly mallies, yet she still does it to start with. Have we met at Grange beach once? Spudd has been taken for walks since he was about 15 weeks old and never used to be scared of any thing, it's like his fear comes and goes.. I only noticed it a few weeks ago that he is scared of loud cars again.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelby Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 One of mine is scared of the "plastic bag monster" ;) No idea why - has never had anything done to him but shake a bag & he is gone Nothing else phases him from large crowds to big noises but don't let that baggy near him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inevitablue Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 My 7 month old has always hated the vacuum cleaner. I'm not fussed to fix it though, she just takes herself outside. My old boy HATED the lawnmower, but he had good reason, a rock flew out one day and ruptured his eye. I never tried to rehabilitate him, as I'd be emotionally scarred for life too. It was easier to take him away (like for a walk) when mowing as he became overly concerned for anyone else around the mower. He would desperately try to herd/ round up people and my deaf dog away from it. The urgency in his eyes was really sad, plus the deaf girl invariably couldn't understand the sudden onslaught from him nipping her and would ark up at him. His eye ended up with a 6mm tear in the cornea and looked like a shriveled pea. It did refill and heal, but he had a scar across it. Dogs are so wonderful though, he still remained a competitive agility dog. Keep dogs away when mowing!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dju Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Well Hugo was afraid of vaccuum cleaners during his fear period, but that seems to have gone away now. We just made a big fuss about the vaccuum cleaner (we'd pat it, hug it, put treats on it and pretend to eat them until he'd come over--yes we're al psycho in this household) and now he just sleeps through vaccuuming, he doesn't care anymore. I haven't really come across anything else he's scared of, he's pretty chilled about loud noises in general actually, they don't bother him. That's just too funny See i don't think he is scared of loud noises because he doesn't mind the loud dirt bikes reving.. Should i just ignore it and not say any thing when a turbo diesel goes past and hopefully one day he'll realize that they are not going to run him over This is probably wrong or there are possibly lots who would say it is wrong but I'd try to distract him if you can.. Like try and play something with him? Tug? Idk. I'd do the same think to the jet ski that I did with the vacuum cleaner if it were more plausible It works whenever he's nervous about a dog at a park. We rush over to the dog and pat and cuddle it and we're like "OMG HUGO CHECK OUT HOW MUCH FUN WE'RE HAVING WITH THIS DOG :D" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory the Doted One Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Dory doesn't like being left behind. We are desensitizing her to that and she is getting better and better in most circumstances. She also doesn't like buses, air compressors (she's pretty good with the oxy welder pop and hiss now), she's not overly keen on thunder, but she doesn't freak out too bad. She's not keen on vacuum cleaners but she suffers through it. Hates...hates....HATES...the BF's van and 4wd. We suspect it started off with his driving and the fact that she gets bounced around when he drives (plus she isn't allowed to sit in the cabin area). She hates it so much, that when I have to borrow the 4wd you can see her get all conflicted between her fear of you leaving and her fear of the car. It's a 50:50 split. In all cases, I try to desensitize and not make a fuss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spudd Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 My 7 month old has always hated the vacuum cleaner. I'm not fussed to fix it though, she just takes herself outside. My old boy HATED the lawnmower, but he had good reason, a rock flew out one day and ruptured his eye. I never tried to rehabilitate him, as I'd be emotionally scarred for life too. It was easier to take him away (like for a walk) when mowing as he became overly concerned for anyone else around the mower. He would desperately try to herd/ round up people and my deaf dog away from it. The urgency in his eyes was really sad, plus the deaf girl invariably couldn't understand the sudden onslaught from him nipping her and would ark up at him. His eye ended up with a 6mm tear in the cornea and looked like a shriveled pea. It did refill and heal, but he had a scar across it. Dogs are so wonderful though, he still remained a competitive agility dog. Keep dogs away when mowing!! Have learnt a lesson there.. Lucky he didn't loose his eye! Poor little man Spudd tries to attack the vacuum cleaner, shavel, broom, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpets Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 When my boy (JRTX) who isn't really scared of anything was 8 he developed a fear of banging doors. Now when it's windy he becomes very stressed inside & we have have to make sure all the doors & windows are closed so a door doesn't blow shut. He's not scared of the wind as he is his usual fearless self on walks in even the strongest wind. Our other small dog was terrified the other night when the smoke detector started to beep that the battery was low. I would hate to see her reaction if it went off because of a fire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzy82 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Obi is terrifed of wood smoke. No idea why, I first noticed it when he was a tiny puppy, we went out in the backyard for him to pee, and he smelled smoke, tucked his tail and ran for the door and would not calm down. Then another 2-3 times there has been smoke and he's a shivering mess. I haven't done anything to fix it, as it's not really a regular occurrence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dxenion Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Four dogs at the moment, only one has never developed any fears that needed working on. Rain - I took the other dogs out and had a huge play session with them, leaving the pup to his own devices and ignoring him until he joined us out in the rain. I did this over a few sessions. The pup is now so comfortable in the that I have to encourage him to come in out of it. Shower - I sat in shower and played water flicking games with other water loving dogs, ignoring the pup. If the pup came close, I held out my hand so he could sniff/ lick it. Gradually progressed to gentle water games. Pup is evidently over it now because he opened the shower door when I wasn't looking and joined me under the water. Dog pool - Played with other dogs, ignoring the pup until he joined in of his own accord because he can't stand missing out on fun. Nail clippers - First I got rid of his excess puppy energy and set up the clipping station in the nice warm afternoon sun (just right to induce snoozing). I then let the pup sniff the clippers and gave him a treat. I put the treat bag right near his head, did one small clip and gave a jackpot treat from the bag. Lots of small clippings, lots of treats, varying the treat and the quantity (ie one or two and then a jackpot). The pup quickly associated the sound of the clip with a treat. He's had a few sessions now and the frequency of treats is being reduced. I think we did particularly well this one (pardon the pun). Gas heater with fan - Fed the other dogs near the heater. The pup's hunger overcame his concern and he was well rewarded for each step he took closer to the heater. Repeated this over a one week period. The pup now sleeps in front of the heater. Thunder - Ignored the behaviour (no comforting pats). I also bought a thundershirt and put it on the dog at the first signs of rapid panting (she hears it well before I do). Instant transformation from rapid panting and trying to wrap herself around my legs to a calm elderly dog sleeping peacefully on her bed or even initiating play with the pup during the storm. Vacuum - I got the pup and other dogs to down/ stay on their lounge while I vacuumed around it. I reinforced the stay with treats and a quiet happy voice. The pup's behaviour was also reinforced by the behaviour of other dogs (unconcerned, sleeping). I gradually got closer over a 3 week period, adding higher value treats. Now the pup does not move and I can even vacuum him. Two with a fear of strange dogs (after being on the receiving end of dog attacks)- Look at that Game (a work in progress) Still working with the pup on water out of the hose and learning to love the bath rather than just tolerate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cannibalgoldfish Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Wylie is scared of motorised wheelchairs. Lucky I dont come across too many in our walks.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogfan Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Abbey is scared of water, brooms and Genghis. Whenever a broom/mop is near her she tries to bite it and attack it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bisart Dobes Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Feathers . . . 43kg Black Male Dobermann who jumps all four feet off the ground about 5 foot in the air if he comes across a feather on the ground . His daughter Emme was running around with one in her mouth the other day when they were running together and he was beside himself - like he had to save her - ????????????? have no idea what started this or why but its hilarious. Need to take the video camera . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weasels Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Feathers . . . 43kg Black Male Dobermann who jumps all four feet off the ground about 5 foot in the air if he comes across a feather on the ground . His daughter Emme was running around with one in her mouth the other day when they were running together and he was beside himself - like he had to save her - ????????????? have no idea what started this or why but its hilarious. Need to take the video camera . . . Maybe he was terrorised by a pigeon? or savaged by a chicken? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krustie22 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Children......... my 4yo staffy x kelpie is unpredictable around children...it is strange as i have had her since 10 weeks, and she was well socialised as i coached junior sports and she used to hang around a lot (she is a velcro dog)...but a couple of years ago one of the kids walked her out of line of sight with me, and she freaked out, snapped at the kid and bolted to find me. Since then, she has growled at a couple of others, especially at the dog park as kids seem to love to run and squeal in dog parks! I have to put her on lead and leave. Not sure how to fix it. I know how desensitization works, but don't know how to apply it to kids as it is too dangerous to "test the waters"...i have a behaviourist (one that I saw was well recommended on here) coming on Saturday so hopefully we will be able to work something out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now