erk108 Posted March 1, 2009 Report Share Posted March 1, 2009 (edited) I have a 13 week old jack russell as my first dog.He is great but the only problem i have with him is he is scared to go for a walk.First time he went out he was ok but now he would only go as far as my drive and then just lie on the floor.I tried pulling him and giving treats(which works for couple of feet then he is back on the floor again).I am sure he is scared of noises around him but dont know whether to continue taking him out.Will taking him out when he is scared make the problem worse?.I appreciate anyone with advice as i am sure i am not the only person to have this problem. Thanks. Edited March 1, 2009 by erk108 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomstick Posted March 1, 2009 Report Share Posted March 1, 2009 First be sure he is ok with the lead - do this on familiar ground such as in the kitchen or wherever you keep him. Until he is ok with the lead do not bother! If he's ok with the lead and it is just a matter of fear as you say, then there is a very simple solution; feed him where he is afraid. I did this with my girlfriends dog (who was afraid to leave the kitchen!). Essentially they get hungry, and so get brave, realise the place aint so bad and then associate it with food. Keep moving that bowl further and further until he past the gate. Soon he wont care about the big wide world being scary Be sorted in NO time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhunter Posted March 2, 2009 Report Share Posted March 2, 2009 At 13 weeks he's going through a fear stage in his development,(all dogs do, this is why its always better to get a pup at around 8-10 weeks. then introduce them to as much as possible as soon as you can) What you must not do with this type of behaviour is reward him for doing what you don't want him to do. If you give him a treat when he's not walking you are actually rewarding him for sitting down, thereby encouraging the behaviour you don't want. Its a timing thing, only treat him when he's walking. Better still, just say 'good boy' and then treat him if he keeps going. You would probably be better doing this in either the house or garden at first, somewhere you are going to have success in getting him to walk on the lead. When this is going well progress out of the gate but remember the timing of both praise and any treats. Only do either when the dog is doing what you want him to do! Good luck GH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erk108 Posted March 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 Thanks for your replies puppy is now ok.I thought he was scared but now worked out he just did not want to be pulled with the lead.Kept on taking him out and now he has given up fighting and walks where i pull him.When he just laid down on the floor i assumed he was scared. Really enjoying my walks with him now. cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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