Scared Toy Poodle

[Jamesmc]

Our dog of 13mths has suddenly become scared of crossing at a particular crossing on a main road. He used to have absolutely no problems until last week end we got to that crossing and there was a tri athlon going on, with hundreds of bikes and people rushing past. He was petrified and the next few times we have gone near that crossing he freaks out. It is the only nearest safe crossing so we don't really want to try some where else. Any suggestions.

[raineth]

You could counter condition him.

Approach the crossing but stop before he gets stressed and give him a jackpot (by which I mean a reasonable chunk of treats that he really loves).

Then later in the day do it again.

Gradually get closer to the crossing. But it is important to keep him at a distance in which he is not stressed.

It might take a little while to fix, and if you rush it, it won't work.

I reccommend you keep a good eye on the signs he gives when he starts to get stressed. They probably include lip licking, yawning, hunching up, and tucking his tail in close to his body. The best time to treat is before you see these things happening. So if you see these things happening, take note and move him further away :)

poor little mite, best of luck with him :)

[Jamesmc]

Thanks raineth, sounds like good advice

[bedazzledx2]

Counter conditioning him is a good idea but before diving in I would give him a fairly long break from that particular crossing. You run the risk of cementing in the behaviour if it goes pearshaped.