She is new to our family and came from a animal rescue center.
2007-03-24 12:32:42 · 7 answers · asked by maggie 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If she has never been camping (how fun for a dog :) ) she doesn't have any idea what that "thing" is. It's hot, it moves, it makes noises...what is it???? Your dog probably thinks the fire is going to harm her or her new family and so she is being protective.
Be supportive of her when she barks at the fire and tell her "It's OK" and pet her gently. If she is going too close to the fire gently tell her "No" and then be praiseful when she moves away. You can try to distract her from the fire with a toy or treat but this may not work. If she is intent on "getting" the fire just keep telling her that "It's OK" and give her lots of positive attention (pet her gently). Hopefully she will decide the petting and playing is more important than the fire and she will forget about it.
Don't play around the camp fire as your dog may try to "save" you. Treat the fire with all the respect it deserves and let your dog know that everything is OK. Hopefully in a short time (be patient) she will be curled up next to you sleeping peacefully in the warmth of the fire.
2007-03-24 12:43:15 · answer #1 · answered by PK211 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she is anxious and nurvous. dont try to coddle her or "shh" her that will just make it worse. if your dog trusts you, take her near the fire(not too close) and just be very calm and correct her when she tries to attack or bark(or any other sign that she is distrught e,g whinning, becoming tence, etc.) by either tugging at her leash firmmly(but not to hard) just enough to distract her from those feelings. This may take a while to master but she will eventually understand that its nothing to be afraid of. Always remember she can feel how you feel more than she can understand your words so just remain calm and domminant and she will come around.
2007-03-24 21:13:54 · answer #2 · answered by peanut_245 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She senses danger! All dogs sense danger when fire and smoke are present. You have to teach her to relax around the campfire.
2007-03-24 19:36:57 · answer #3 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe her last owners did something bad to her that included fire
Or perhaps shes never seen fire before and just wants to protect her new famly
2007-03-24 19:38:23 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fear---animals are instinctively afraid of fire. Dogs tend to attack things they are afraid of.
2007-03-24 19:41:54 · answer #5 · answered by MOMMY585 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she has not been exposed to one,, she is not used to it,,, animals fear fire by nature..just keep her away from the campfire if it is scaring her too much
2007-03-24 19:37:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's unfamiliar to it, and as a pup she probably had a bad experience with fire with her previous owners who were probably a.ss holes
2007-03-24 19:37:32 · answer #7 · answered by ~♥The Hon♥~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋