I have an eight month old dogue de bordeaux who is scared of everything, nightmare to walk cause she so scared

Question

of noises, people, other than family. I do not know which approach to take with her. If somebody visits she growls and tries to hide, I am concerned that she may get aggressive if cornered. Her walks are getting less and less because she becomes so stressed. Any advice will be appreciated. Apparently she was mistreated by small child before we got her.

Answer 1

If not a one on one trainer - then what about puppy socialisation classes - or obedience classes. There may be an advert in your vets (or the library) & if you want along then maybe they'd be able to help you with the problem. Because after all, you're going to need understanding people around & a class might be the best place to go. Gives you support & encouragement too when you see other people who also have problems with their dogs.

Good luck with her.

Answer 2

Hi!!
A dog that is frightened of people usually has his targets well defined. For example, it may be men with a large stature or a man with a really deep voice that induces fear in your dog.

Children are also a common source of fear for dogs. And some dogs are just downright scared of strangers regardless of their sex, age, weight and other physical characteristics.

Dogs that are scared of certain people avert their eyes, lower their head, flatten their ears, tuck their body and tail and may roll over to expose their underbelly and urinate.

Dogs have anxiety because 1) they live clueless in what is for them an alien world, 2) clueless, they live by trial and error and have only their instincts to govern their behavior, and 3) instinct-driven behavior often appears to be "problem behavior" and is punished by those they love. Constant uncertainty, scolding, and punishment increase anxiety. The anxiety-driven behavior may appear to be exuberantly energetic, destructive, or threatening.

The best advice we can give is to pinpoint whom it is that might induce fear in your dog. This will help you avoid any unpleasant situations. If the puppy appears to become too distressed then calmly walk away from the distressing situation and perhaps return to it at some other time.

Jason Homan

Answer 3

I would definitely take her to a qualified trainer