Scared on walks?

[imported_Piper77]

I posted earlier in the 'Scared on Thunderstorms' post on Piper's fear of thunderstorms (well, any loud noise really). We have already ordered a thunder CD and plan on starting to desensitize her to the sounds but need help in the interim.

If we have a bad thunderstorm or fireworks, she is afraid to walk for days afterwards. She either sits down and won't budge or paws at the leash so she only has 3 paws to walk with. How should we handle this until we desensitizer her? Should I just pull her along until she is moving again or let her control the walk and just head back home. I don't want her to feel like she is in control of me, but I also don't want to frighten her even more or make matters worse.

I was so frustrated this morning I was almost in tears. Upset because she is not obeying us, upset because she is no longer enjoying her walks and upset because I am not enjoying walking with her as it is always a fight.

I should note that she is doing this behaivour even when it is a beautiful day out - the thunder just has that much of a lasting effect. She hasn't always been like this either, it has maybe only been in the past year or so that she has acted like this.

She does not show a ton of anxiety when a storm is on, she just runs off to her 'den'. I don't see any shaking or drooling or destructive behaviour.

[justadoptedlabsnok]

wow my woody was like this for a little while. I took him to the vet and found out he had a really bad ear infection and we just got lucky. Good luck with her and her walks I am sure she will out grow this.

If you have a fast internet service you might be able to down load a storm on
www.limewire.com. or at least you can search for it there. good luck.

[Trickster]

Poor girl. I would not pull her on and force her to walk. This will make her stress worse. What I would do is pop her in the car and drive to a place nearby but away from your typical walking routes. Try a new park/wood/field or something. Keep her on leash unless the area is fenced in. Don't comfort her if she starts to get stressed...ignore it. Be happy and upbeat...remember YOUR tension travels down the leash and if you are stressed she will pick up on this. Bring toys, treats and anything that motivates her. Just make your walk one happy experience and with some TLC and careful training she should eventually get over her fear. When Piper has regained her confidence you can try taking her on her regular local walks using the same upbeat attitude.