My Weim Doesn't Want to go on a Walk.....how can this be?

sistersoul · Puppy Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 3 Fur Kids: Chase

Our Weim, Chase, gets two walks a day. Recently we went on a walk and passed a house which started to shoot fireworks as soon as we were next to the house (not on purpose - they did not see us coming) - Needless to say Chase was terrified. He pulled me all the way back to the house. Now he doesn't want to go for a walk - I tried a different route in opposite direction of the firework scene but he will not go for a walk - He gets excited for the walk but as soon as we get to the end of the driveway he turns and wants to go back inside......what do I do? I can't believe my Weim doesn't want to walk.

AmyB · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:12 pm Post subject:

That's really awful. Poor Chase Sad

Have you tried loves of yummy treats to coax him? He needs to be distracted. Maybe take him outside in the front yard to play and then gradually walk up the road. Play with a toy at the end of the driveway (does he like tug-o-war?) and them back into the yard for a minute, then in the stree a little. Take baby steps with him.

Also, Welcome to the board! I see this is your first post. I can't wait to see lots of pics of Chase!

AmyB · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:40 pm Post subject:

Also, when he starts pulling away I wouldn't pacify him by petting him and telling him "It's okay." That is just a positive reinforcment for his behavior and it'll get worse.

weimdawgs · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:52 pm Post subject:

Poor Chase. What unfortunate timing.

Amy is right...don't encourage him to be afraid. Walk right back down the street an pretend that nothing happened. It may take a little encouragment...but the enjoyment of his walk should overcome his fear.

Also, I would work on some noise tolerance with him. Maybe start with a whistle or a cap gun..or maybe just banging on a pot.

I believe that it is how we react to things a lot of the time that determine how our pets react....

A perfect example is: I have NEVER owned a dog that was afraid of loud noises; thunderstorms, firecrakers, fireworks, etc. ..and my brother has NEVER owned a dog that wasn't afraid of all those things. It is because of the way HE acts when there is noise.

blankenship7 · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:47 am Post subject:

Oh wow, that is so sad for both of you! Geez send him here, 5 kids would cure the noise fear quick! Laughing

Maybe if you play hard before the walk and get him excited and start your walk in a jog he won't notice as much-won't have time to think about it!

wrigleys · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 8:59 am Post subject:

I was in puppy class last night and one of the ladies has a similar problem with her labradoodle....our training suggested that she take her for the walk and right when you get to the house she is fearful of start treating and coaxing her with rotisserie chicken...the really seasoned kind...as soon as you are past the house stop treating...she said that it would help distract her and get her past it but not to reward once she was past it (you really have to be right on the mark with timing...so she isn't getting rewarded once she is past the house or it loses it's meaning to the dog)... Good luck sorry to hear about chase's big scare!!

Cathy · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 9:48 am Post subject:

weimdawgs · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 9:50 am Post subject:

anne · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:14 pm Post subject:

Great advice by all.

Going a bit off topic but this is a good example that ties into another discussion on this board....
We have talked about ecollar training here in the past, and this is a great example as to why ecollars can be very dangerous. A shock at the wrong time would be similar to unexpected loud noises. The dog doesn't always associate with the "correct" thing.... This particular dog should be afraid of the fireworks if anything, but he has WIDELY associated the loud noise to the street, the house, AND the walk.

anne · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:15 pm Post subject:

Sorry one more comment. The more socialized a dog is the narrower they tend to associate things when bad things happen.

sistersoul · Puppy Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 3 Fur Kids: Chase

Just wanted to give an update on Chase - I tried cheese and treats to coax him along - this did not work - He is now going on his morning walks fine with no resistance on the same path. He will go on an evening walk but not on the same path the fireworks were on.....Thanks for all the input.

luana80it · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:06 am Post subject:

I AM GLAD THAT EVERYTHING WORKED OUT