Anxiety

[Reewel]

I have a small kelpie cross who is about 9 months old. She is a rescue dog so I dont know about her history. I have had her now for just on 2 months. She has made great inroads and is progressing wonderfully considering how anxious she was when I first brought her home. I am just wondering what the best way to help her with her fear of doorways. She is petrified to walk through a doorway, especially our back door to the back yard. She is fine once outside, and plays happily with our other dog. But getting her out there is a challenge. She is pretty well house trained now, but is being held back by her fear of going through the doorway. Any ideas on how I can help her with this??

[Lando's Mum]

Oh I had the same issue,but mine was gates. Oh dear was it an issue. The trainer at puppy school taught us to walk up to the gate or door in your case, on lead and make her sit, feed her a treat and pat her. We then would hold a tight lead and slowly walk her through the gate saying " good girl" and then on the other side we would treat again and give her lots of pats and "good girls" we did this at least three times a day for 3 weeks but she gt there. hope that helps. )

The other bonus from this is she always waits at doors now, it's great!

Edited January 6, 2012 by Hez's BC's

[**Super_Dogs**]

Oh I had the same issue,but mine was gates. Oh dear was it an issue. The trainer at puppy school taught us to walk up to the gate or door in your case, on lead and make her sit, feed her a treat and pat her. We then would hold a tight lead and slowly walk her through the gate saying " good girl" and then on the other side we would treat again and give her lots of pats and "good girls" we did this at least three times a day for 3 weeks but she gt there. hope that helps. )

Over the break I watched a whole lot of Cesar Milan shows I had recorded - this reminds me of one of his shows. I would also so as Hez's as said. On lead, food rewards so the door is a positive experience and be patient!

[megan_]

Reewal - what is she like out in the big wide world? Is she fearful then? If so, I'd focus on addressing this rather than a specific problem (ie see a behaviourist). I have a fearful dog (she was abused) who used to be really timid and now has fear aggression. I forced her to do too many things when she was giving me the "I'm scared" signals and I would never do that again.

If it is just the doors that are a problem, then I'd:

* teach her a marker (either "yes" or a clicker). To teach this just say "yes" and shove a treat in her mouth. Repeat many times in many different places. To test if she understands say "yes", hold back on the treat and she if she looks at you.

* then I'd start marking looking at the door. She'll soon get the idea that door = treats. If she goes closer, mark and treat. Basically mark anything to do with the door.

* if she's struggling, stand closer (but not next to) the door, call her and if she comes "yes" then treat. Don't use the treats as bribes, use them as rewards.

This method takes longer to teach but you'll establish a marker which can be used throughout her lifetime and she'll associate the door with good things.

[Reewel]

Thanks guys, some great ideas. Sounds like treats will do the trick..... She is fine once outside, and sometime she

forgets and will go outside by herself. Its more if there is a "different" sound out there, like wind in the trees, or the guy next door mowing the lawns. Yes she is very anxious when out walking (only if people are about). She loves going for a walk and is not bothered by cars, dogs or such, but if she sees a person, she freaks to the point she will often "pee herself". I have not been forcing any of these issues, its such early days yet for her and just trying to introduce "new" things and people gently as and when I can. Its just the back door problem is an issue as she wants to go outside and sometimes as I said she will "scoot' through the door quickly and is fine once out. But if there is a noise outside she just wont go out and then has accidents indoors.