My dog is fearful of things falling near her, any suggestions?
Urgency:Need to know
Category: Behavior & Training
For: dogs
Asked by: Stephanie B. (stephanieb) 10 months ago
My one year old dog was run over by a car about six months ago. Ever since, she has had a tremendous fear of things around her falling or touching her. This fear is getting worse over time. If a paper flutters to the floor in the wind and she is in the room, she runs out whining. If she is on the couch with you and a book you are holding touches her back, she runs away as fast as she can. Can anyone provide advice as to how to desensitize her to things falling or touching her? Or can anyone provide insight into this fear? She had to have hip surgery after the accident and I am afraid that in her frenzy to get away from falling objects, that she may hurt herself.
Answers from Zootooers
Answered by: Sarah (PsychologyCat) 10 months ago
Animal Planet's Underdog to Wonderdog recently did an episode on the recovery of a dog who was hit by a car. The website may have information for you.
Answered by: bcagility07 10 months ago
Play the catch game with food start so ur just feeding her get her to watch u. gradually start bring the treat farther away from her nose so its falling keep it up and she'll be a world known cookie catcher...also while you have her focus have someone drop something like a peice of paper click and treat...clickers are awesome to train dogs with it may help
Answered by: Lucie H. (PetWear) 10 months ago
Finding a good behaviorist would be helpful since observing and reading your dog's responses as she is worked with would be helpful. You might want to look into a product called 'anxiety wrap' as well. It might help her with the sensation of something touching her. I am sure the website talks about how to use it and how/when it can be helpful.
