my dog is scared

[bladelowe]

as i asked in members intro does anyone have any ideas why my boy is so scared and timid could this have been passed down through breeding but these dogs are meant to be one of the bravest he is only 10 months old but wondered if there was anything i could do to help him he looks so frightened when out walking if pushchairs,people,bikes,children,plastic bags,or even a pile of leaves rustle

thanks for any response

[molliesmum]

Hi hon. I don't really know if it can be passed down. I do think however, that you should carry on taking him out on walks and things. He will have to get used to these things. Tread carefully though. One thing at a time.
Also, is he going to training classes? This could help.

Maria. x

[CorgiDad]

Sounds like my boy!! He went out to pee the other day and brushed up against a hedge bush. When it sprang back at him, he jumped!!:D I often wonder if some dogs are just naturally spooked easier than others. Continued exercise, exposure to different places, people and other breeds can certaily help. Don't keep him away from things that freighten him as that will only foster and nuture his anxieties about them. I feel your pain as I'm still working on my boy. He even trembles in the rear end when I get him out of the car to go into PetsMart. Once he gets in there, it subsides after a minute or so. Keep exposing him as you'll do more harm than good sheltering him from falling twigs and butterflies.

[CerbiesMom]

Are you giving lots of treats and praise when outside? Maybe start bringing his favorite toy out on walks, to make walks the most fun thing ever? Are you nervous at all when walking him? Or are you having fun? I had to run, skip and jump and play with Brigit to get her to walk. I looked like a jackass, you can ask my neighbors, but my dog walks now.

[bladelowe]

thanks very much for that advice i intend on keeping doin what im doin with him on walks and have considered on lessons but not yet thought he would be ready

[bladelowe]

thank you good advice to and made me chuckle bit to

[bladelowe]

hi good response but he's happy out walking goes mad to get going when he heres his lead being picked up,i do have fun with him mostly when he's off lead im not nervous at all in fact very at ease as i know this can as they say travel down the lead to your dog,its just if he see's something move or coming towards us on or off the lead he's just the same
very grateful for response

[buggis]

Corgi's Dad gave you some good advice. Continue with exposing him to different situations. Do not give into his fears, or your will only reinforce them. (Looks who's talking here -- my Bear won't walk up our stairs!) :)

[BetterDog4U]

........ Are you nervous at all when walking him? Or are you having fun?

CerbiesMom Hit it on the head, This is important. Dogs can feel (sence) your mood and they react to it. If you show fear, nervousness, anxiety, anger or anything else ... your dog will react to it.

Before you start the walk you need to be calm and confident.

Before I start my walks with Neka I take a moment in the yard to relax myself and the dog. I use walk-time as a way to forget everything else in my life and I ONLY think about happy things. We have very few problems on the walk and she pasionately looks forward to them everday.