WHY IS MY DOG SO SCARED OF GOING TO THE PARK OR OF MEETING OTHER DOGS?

Whatever the cause, Im afraid your dog has become traumatised by something.  Well balanced dogs don't suddenly become aggressive or fearful over going for a walk.  An attack from a bigger dog may have caused this fear or there may have been a loud noise that terrified them, but here are some simple ways to get them back to being happy, playful dogs again.

Security ....First your dog needs the reassurance of having a strong pack leader.  That's you.!  Giving your dog affection at a time of emotional instability makes them feel secure and confident.  When walking with your dog, keep saying "Good boy/girl!" You will notice that they will keep looking back at you while on the lead.  Constantly praising them, it makes them feel safe. You can almost hear them saying "Am I? Am I? Everything is going to be OK isn't it?.

Exercise... Some dogs are so terrified that they will hide rather than go for a walk. You have to be hard and literally drag them out for a walk. A quick pee at the nearest lamp post isn't exercise. The more you get them walking around the block, the quicker you will rid  them of that fear of the unknown.

Dominance... Your dog is not the pack leader, you are. Learn to recognize the earliest signs of unwanted behavior and correct it immediately. This includes nervous, fearful behaviour. Correction should be a quick tug against the leash or a "prod" made to the side of the neck with two fingers. You want to use enough force to get attention, thereby changing the dogs state of mind, but certainly don't do it so hard you injure the animal. Remember, its necessary to correct unwanted behavior immediately, not after the dog is in a cowering snarling frenzy of fear. As soon as they lock onto their "target" or some imagined fear and the ears start rolling back, prod and firmly say "That's ok, relax. I'm here. Good boy/girl!" You have to pay attention to the body language.  Tensing up is a sign of fear or about to be aggression.

Be calm and assertive. In other words you are the boss. Don't respond with anger or frustration because if you do, the  dog will pick up on that energy and start digging in its paws.
Once you've established yourself as the pack leader you are nearly there. 

Dogs are not humans. Before they receive love and affection, they need excercise, clear direction, and leadership. Giving them love alone doesn’t create balance in their lives. Its important to be the leader of the pack!

Carry a bag of treats in your pocket and when a scary situation looks like cropping up for your dog, distract them with a treat.

My magic cure for a scared, nervous, traumatised dog is to keep a bottle of Bach Flower Rescue remedy in your pocket - 6 drops in the side of the mouth before any walk- will give your dog supreme confidence to handle any situation.

Dogs try and show us through body language how they are feeling.  Tune in and make your dog a happy, secure animal.

This 'n that .......................................... did you know?

Dogs can smell disease

If your doggie chum is acting strange there might be nothing wrong with them - the problem could be with you.
Research at the Schillerhohe Hospital in Germany found dogs have an incredible ability to recognise the smell of a range of organic compounds that show the human body isn’t working as it should.
That means your dog can actually diagnose your cancer, something scientists are eager to explore further, as well as diabetes and the early signs of an epileptic seizure.
 
  This will make you smile - a compilation of clips showing animal thieves.
( I'd love to know what that monkey did with the hub cap!)

                                                         

 
                                                                    Until the next blog, Byeeeee!

                                                                                        Dawn (*^*)