What's wrong with my dog?

Question

She's a 5-year-old boxer/lab mix that we've had since she was just a few weeks old. She's very sweet, but she's appears to have some sort of anxiety disorder. For instance, at the first clap of thunder, she starts to shake, she won't leave your side, and she won't eat or drink anything for hours. This is true also for fireworks, and now even rain and construction work. When we take her on walks, if she hears any sudden sound, she stops in her tracks and pulls to go back. She behaves as you might expect an abused dog to behave, but we've had her for most of her life and have never laid even a disciplinary finger on her. What should we do?
Thanks

Answer 1

she may be suffering from separation anxiety disorder. since you say you got her at a very young age, she didn't have enough time for mom to teach her the ways of the dog. you may want to get an adult female... one that has had at least one litter and is now fixed... and let her teach the little one what she needs to know.

Answer 2

Dog balls...the pup's self esteem? Ha! The damn things are plastic and the animal gets no benefit from having them in his scrotum. The vet sold you a bill of goods so he could profit from your ignorance. And if it was your idea to have them implanted he should have tried to dissuade you. Dogs (especially pups) have no inkling of what happened in the vet's office except he fell asleep and has some discomfort down by his penis. But he does feel less aggressive and now the mutt across the street doesn't seem to be so much of a threat to him. Go to him and have the dog treated for the inflammation and swelling, if you still trust him. Good luck J

Answer 3

watch cesar milan on animal planet, you need to work slowly and consistently everyday on desensitizing poor poochy. I don't know what cesar would say, but doggy may have learned the behavior from watching the pack leader (you) flinch or shrink back from loud noises or had some unknown trauma, so he will follow your lead, act as naturally as possible and start with someone making a clap or something, doggy will look to you for your reaction. Work up from there. And cesar always says to exercise your dog everyday, don't let the dog lead while walking. Cesar helped us (watching the program) with our lab.Check it out!

Answer 4

Alot of dogs do become scared of loud noises but you can help overcome it. Something could of happened to her while you were at work to start this fear. It sounds like you have become anxious with her since she started this fear and that she is feeding off that energy. When you walk her try walking like you have to be some where at a certain time. Walk with your back alined, shoulder back, assertive, and if you see a construction site just keep walking. As soon as she goes to pull back, instead of pulling her forward try to pull her up and forward. Do all this but do not stop walking. Do not stop and turn to her. Dogs do not understand words they feed off your body. And this will help.

Answer 5

Has she always been like this?
If so do not worry about it. You can just do as you normally do and give her love.

If it is a newer thing take her to the vet and see if she has a ear infection. Maybe the noise really does hurt her ears because of that. (meaning she just isn't startled)

Answer 6

nothing is wrong with your dog...its natural for any dog to get nervous around loud noises, ive grown up with dogs my whole life and every dog we've had hated thunder and fireworks etc. even my cat does as well. just pet her and talk to her when she is scared..there's nothing else you can really do.

Answer 7

Try DAP
an anxiety wrap
http://www.petexpertise.com/dog_problems/anxiety.htm
Good tips for you
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_FearfulDogs.php

Answer 8

dogs hearing is a lot different to humans. what you are hearing imagine it magnified. Most dogs are scared of what you mentioned.

Answer 9

her owners a tool

Answer 10

I DONT KNOW