I have a very timid poodle (scared of cars and other animals). Does anyone have info that could help?

Question

She barks and goes crazy at other cars - it is clearly stressful for her. Other dogs are even worse - she will get very aggressive if she comes across one yet if they chase her she will scream like a baby. Has anyone dealt with this issue with a dog and had a successful outcome?

Answer 1

Have you ever watched that show on the Animal Planet, the Dog Whisperer? Cesar Milan is the host and he deals with dogs like that all the time. I suggest catching an episode or two or maybe googling his name and checking out his website. He's amazing and I bet he could help.

Answer 2

Yes, I have, twice. You're in for a lot of hard work for the next six months, after that she should be over the worst and more like a normal dog.
I'm adding a web address that you need to get support for you both. Its impossible for me to describe the whole process here, its too complicated and there's too much info; but basically you need to need to deal with both these issues as seperate problems. The car problem will be the easiest to treat. The dog problem is probably caused by a lack of proper socialisation whiole she was a puppy, she is socially inept.

The trick to dealing with a phobia in an animal is to take it very, very slowly, step by step. You start by removing the frighteneing thing altogether. You teach her to associate a pleasant feeling with a certain toy and keyword from you. Then you get her in a good mood with the toy, and introduce the frightening object a long way away, never so near that she feels threatened and kicks off. Your goal is to get her mind off it, not to see it as a threat.
Eventually and very gradually she'll be able to tolerate the frightening thing a lot closer. If she ever reacts badly you've pushed her too far and too fast, back off and ignore her behaviour.
The problem is that you need the help of friendly and understanding dog owners, so I'd suggest finding a nice local dog training club, have a chat with the trainer and see if they'll help you. The more friendly dogs she meets the better. She has to practice saying Hello without freaking out.
And, bizarrely, she may be better with dogs in your living room than on the street. You'll need to borrow a laid back Labrador with a very understanding owner who can put up with your hellcat making a fuss. Just act unconcerned, make a fuss of the other dog, get him to settle and let her get on with it. Give them both a dog chew and hae a coffee and a chat. The more often you can do this the better, when she starts to accept it you can go into other rooms, then the garden.
It will take her time to learn how to socialise with other dogs, but she can do it. But you need professional help and I would strongly advise that you get a behaviour therapist to help you both through the process.

You don't say what she hates about cars, is it when she's riding in the car and sees others driving past? If thats the case she thinks she's defending you and her yapping is making the other cars go away! That one is more difficult to treat because every time the other car leaves she sees it as a victory. It'll involve "negative reinforcement", which is difficult when your driving; so look into hiring a citronella collar. It'll puff out a whiff of citrus scent every time she yaps, you don't have to do anything except put it on her when the car thing is a problem.

Your first step is to contact your vet to get a refferral to a behavioural trainer; any one worth their salt will only work on refferral from your vet. Also, visit the website of the Association of Pet Behaviour Therapists and see if theres anyone in your area.
If you have pet insurance the cost may be covered by that.
Good luck, and don't quit!

Answer 3

If the dog has been abused or had a traumatic experience before, then this may well be related. Even if you have had the dog from the word go, something minor could have happened to spark this off.

You need to slowly introduce her to the things. You can also see if related things set her off. It sounds like anything that moves frightens her. Does she go the same with a hoover for example? Then again it could be the noise.

Try the hoover, or get a teddy and make it move to see what see does. If this is the case then you need to slowly introduce her to them. Make sure you assure her and reward her good behaviour with a treat, such as a biscuit.

It's a very gradual conditioning process, but when you have conditioned her behaviour to become used to it, then it shouldn't be so bad.

I'm not a dog expert, but that's just some things I've picked up from psychology.

Answer 4

DO NOT TAKE HER TO A DOG CLASS.

If she is scared of other dogs and noise then a dog class would be far too traumatic for her - it's the last thing you want to do to her. If she is aggressive to other dogs it would also be grossly unfair on the other dogs and their owners.

I've been involved in dog training for many years and I know exactly what I am talking about.

What you need is one on one training with either a dog trainer who uses positive, reward based training methods or a consultation with a dog behaviourist.

In the UK try the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) or the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Consultants - I think).

It is possible to change her behaviour to some extent and the more her behaviour improves the calmer she will feel. If she feels calm and confident then she is more likely to behave better so it is worth a try.

The secret to improving your dogs behaviour is having someone teach YOU how do deal with her when she is stressed. We often get so upset by our dogs bad behaviour that we make the situation worse.

An experienced dog trainer or behaviourist will show you how to reward the good bits and stay calm during the bad bits!

All the best.

Answer 5

How long have you had her? Was she \ kennel or home reared puppy? Home reared puppies get used to hearing everyday noises, such as hoover, washing machine, cars etc. Kennel reared puppies do not so it is always a very frightening thing for them when suddenly exposed to something (Noise) they do not know. They feel under threat so react by barking, in her case chasing danger away as well.

This is dangerous for her because she could well get hurt by a passing car and she has obviously not been socialised, reason why she reacts as she does with other dogs. As for screaming like a baby when being chased, she is very frightened and feels lost!

There are no miracle cures and it is going to take a long time. You will need to work with her. She will gradually need to be exposed to sounds/other dogs she fears. I always advise to have a good playtime with the dog beforehand, get the dog a bit tired. Then sit with the dog, cuddle and pat her. When a car goes past do not let her fret, just hold and reassure her, give her a treat as you speak to her. Doing so regulalry will condition your dog to accept that the noise is acceptable becaude associated with a treat and a cuddle, thus less threatening. She will gradually come to accept it, then learn she is not under threat.

Do you have a friend who owns a dog? He/she would have to be placid, laid back if you like (Dog)! Arrange with your friend to meet in a park, somewhere neutral, where your own dog doesn't feel threatened by an intruder. Hold your dog on the leash, speak to her calmly, reassure her and as your friend comes with the dog, tell her to stop for a while, until your own dog calms down (Treat again) then ask your friend to come closer and stop, repeat calming, praising and treat, and again until your friend is a lot closer. As your dog begins to bark and panick, hold the leash firmly, say 'No' Speak firmly so she understands that her behaviour doesn't result in praise and treats. When your dog appears distressed, stop the exercise. Your friend goes before you take your dog home. Repeat the exercise twice a week. Your dog will eventually understand that this other dog is no threat. Afterwards it will be a slow process to make her accept that other dogs are no threats to her either.

It takes a lot of time but can be achieved with much patience, understanding and dedication.

You asked has anyone dealt with this issue. I have, both as a dog pyshcologist (Qualified canine behaviourist) also with a rescue dog who couldn't be re homed simply because of his phobic behaviour

Cars/dogs/men/phone/hoover/microwave/washing machine etc)

It took two months gradually exposing the dog to what he perceived as sources of danger to himself but he is now quite happy in his new home. He is still a bit nervous with strangers, will always be but he doesn't bark/chase or attacks anyone or anything. When feeling a little too nervous, he retires in his owner's bedroom, lies on the bed and waits until visitors leave.
You should really ask a dog psychologist (Canine behaviourist) To help you out. We are not that frightening! And one visit is usually all we need to help owners learn softer, yet efficient ways to deal with their dogs.

I personally wouldn't like to think that you were going to take your dog to a training class, not until she feels reassured. It would be far too traumatic for her.

Good luck

Answer 6

although dogs are fairly maliable and can be trained out of many bad habits, they do have their own unique personalities and may require different approaches to help them over some of the more serious habits

the best advice I can give based on my experience is that your dog's reaction is very much enhanced by your own behaviour at these moments and retraining your dog will almost certainly involve an amount of retraining for you.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Almost all poodles act like that. Its from being over bred to get their size. After the gene pool gets so small, you start having some problems.

Answer 9

We tend to think of dog training as a series of steps for teaching particular behaviors. To teach a dog to stay in a particular position, you reward her as she remains in place for gradually longer times, at gradually greater distances, with gradually increasing degrees of distraction. Read more https://tr.im/rn8fI

Now, this is fine, training does involve teaching dogs specific behaviors with a step-by-step approach. This week, though, I’m going to discuss three mental habits that will not only enable you train more effectively but also make life pleasant for both you and your dog.

Answer 10

dont feel bad my dog barks at people, cars, animals, and nothing sometimes!!! he needs some kind of toys and alot of atention to keep him occupied! then he/she wont even notice when a car goes by! if that doesnt work then shut the blinds!!