[BeckC]

Our dog is really really strange. She is afraid of random inanimate objects for no reason. We have had her since she was 8 weeks old and we got her from a family member. We know that she has never been abused.

She is deathly afraid of the most random things. Vacuums - we understand that because of the noise. She is also terrified of mops and brooms and the feather duster, cell phones, toilet paper holders, hard boiled eggs, DH's electric razor... I have no idea why.

Today we met a new fear. She is afraid of spray bottles. I cannot even fathom why. We have never sprayed her with anything, even water. And I actually called MIL to ask her and she said that no, they never did that. DH brought an empty spray bottle home from the hardware store and when he took it out of the bag she freaked out. I tried to let her smell it to show her that it wouldn't hurt her but as soon as she got close to it she freaked out and hid behind me. WTH?

Seriously, what is wrong with my dog?

 

[Arduinna]

Have you had her vision checked?

 

[BeckC]

We've never had any reason to think she has iffy eyesight. She doesn't bump into things, she spots squirrels out the window all the time, and she does great in new places.

 

[jlutgendorf]

I can't tell you why she freaks out (other than the object somehow must look or smell scary to her), but you do want to work with her to build her confidence and overcome her fears.

Both of our dogs are sometimes afraid of new objects. For our big dog, it's statues that look like people or tall tippy things. The little one doesn't like reflective objects.

I've worked with them using the command "go say hi" which is normally used to release them to greet people, but when it comes to scary things, the dogs know it means the object is "ok" and they should go investigate.

For REALLY scary things that elicit barking, running away, hackles, etc. I use treats to lure the dog as close as I can (preferably to the point that they're eating the treats off of the object) and then I stand there and I greet the object as if it's a good friend. Yes, this means standing there happily chatting away with water pipes, scooters, reflective windows, public art, etc. Every few seconds I ask the dog to go say hi as I keep talking and touching the scary thing. Usually, this is enough to get them to come over and at least sniff. Sometimes we have to visit the scary thing many time, other times if they can get a good sniff in, they're ok.

Also, make sure you're not comforting the dog when the freak out "oh, what's wrong! are you scared, don't be scared, you're a goooood giiiirrrlll." What the dog hears from you is that you're praising her for being afraid, that the object really IS scary and she did the right thing by freaking out.

Hope some of that helps. I know what a pain it is to suddenly have your dog freak out over normal things.

.

~Julia

 

[tomsTXmom]

How old is she? Puppies go through several fear periods, perhaps she is in one now? Or, perhaps she went through one and she needed more guidance than she was given?

What breed is she? What training/education have you given her?

Tracy

 

[BeckC]

She's 4.5 years old. She's a mutt - mini poodle/minpin/chihuahua. Let me tell you, that makes for one neurotic dog. lol

 

[battymama]

My old dog used to this, she was petrified of tweezers, my dress making dummy, pictures on the wall, my harry potter rubish bin and furbies amongst other thing. We have no idea why she did this, she was just odd i guess.

 

[tomsTXmom]

Beck,

Yup, that certainly does make for a neurotic combination! I think if you could find the right trainer, training would certainly be key. But, you can also try stuff on the periphery. Some suggestions might be:

*avoid wheat, corn and soy in all foods/treats (those are the most common allergens, and we do see a difference in behavior if those are an issue)

*seek chiropractic/acupuncture to correct nerve pressure (which can impact behavioral issues)

*controlled leash walking (creating daily walking or exercise routines where focus needs to occur, will likely create a calm in the brain. For that size, a good 20-30 min power walk would be right for a dog in good health)

*TTouch (google it. it's a trademarked therapeutic dog massage - really does work)

*homeopathy or floral remedies for "known fears"

Tracy

 

[AkRotts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlutgendorf I I've worked with them using the command "go say hi" which is normally used to release them to greet people, but when it comes to scary things, the dogs know it means the object is "ok" and they should go investigate. For REALLY scary things that elicit barking, running away, hackles, etc. I use treats to lure the dog as close as I can (preferably to the point that they're eating the treats off of the object) and then I stand there and I greet the object as if it's a good friend. Yes, this means standing there happily chatting away with water pipes, scooters, reflective windows, public art, etc. Every few seconds I ask the dog to go say hi as I keep talking and touching the scary thing. Usually, this is enough to get them to come over and at least sniff. Sometimes we have to visit the scary thing many time, other times if they can get a good sniff in, they're ok. Also, make sure you're not comforting the dog when the freak out "oh, what's wrong! are you scared, don't be scared, you're a goooood giiiirrrlll." What the dog hears from you is that you're praising her for being afraid, that the object really IS scary and she did the right thing by freaking out. Hope some of that helps. I know what a pain it is to suddenly have your dog freak out over normal things. . ~Julia

Excellent, Excellent advice!!!

We too have taught our dogs the "go say hi" command. It tells them that the person/object is "ok" and they have nothing to fear. I have also taught my dogs to "touch". When I tell them to "touch" something that item immediately becomes "ok". It has worked like a charm

 

[wannabemoms]

I have a dog like this. It's annoying, but not disruptive for her. Some things that spook her: the broom, large rocks, hay bales, um...the neighbour's tarped snowplow... and recently the doorway to the laundryroom

 

[mamallama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabemoms I have a dog like this. It's annoying, but not disruptive for her. Some things that spook her: the broom, large rocks, hay bales, um...the neighbour's tarped snowplow... and recently the doorway to the laundryroom

Y'know, I think there's something to this.

I have a scary smart dog. He loves to learn. He knows a bajillion commands and tricks...really, it's all I can do to keep his mind busy (when he invents his own diversions, they're never things I like

)

He remembers things--he stores away all those little goof ups. Like, in the middle of the afternoon on the 4th of July he's standing there next to the tarped chipper/shredder and the neighbor lights a firecracker--the association is made and now he's finished with tarps. Stuff like that. Smart (in that he remembers and learns,) yes. Logical associations, not so much.

 

[Jane]

Subbing to find ideas for my cat. She's afraid of everything on the floor.

 

[wannabemoms]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamallama Y'know, I think there's something to this. I have a scary smart dog. He loves to learn. He knows a bajillion commands and tricks...really, it's all I can do to keep his mind busy (when he invents his own diversions, they're never things I like ) He remembers things--he stores away all those little goof ups. Like, in the middle of the afternoon on the 4th of July he's standing there next to the tarped chipper/shredder and the neighbor lights a firecracker--the association is made and now he's finished with tarps. Stuff like that. Smart (in that he remembers and learns,) yes. Logical associations, not so much.

Never thought about the association aspect...and Gracie's a scary-smart too...she doesn't forget much. Ever.