Labradoodle Rescue & Goldendoodle Rescue
Need Help With Fear Issue
Miley is my new foster and is fearful of almost everything. While we are making great progress on several things. Miley is scared to cross the door threshold on her own. This time of year the bugs are bad and cooling the outdoors is something I prefer not to do if possible, lol.
Miley watches Clover and my other dogs go in and out the door. She will come right up to the threshold and even put her paws up on it, but scared to come in. In the evening or first thing in the morning I've been leaving the door open for a while to let her get comfortable, hoping she will come in. Miley has crossed it once to get a small piece of food and darted right back out. This morning she will place her feet just a little over the threshold on the tile, but still will not come in on her own. When I walk her through the door she cowers(?). Has anyone dealt with this before? Any suggestions?
I normally leave a 30 ft lead on her, but when I let Clover out with her to play. Clover tries to walk her and Miley trots right along with her. But Miley will relax and play a lot more with Clover if I step back inside were she doesn't think I'm watching. If she doesn't have the lead on Miley backs up to the fence before you can touch her. The last 2 nights Clover has told Miley she needs to listen to me and not run away. What I mean by that is when I say "Miley, come", then Miley backs away if I step towards her. Clover will walk over to Miley, touch her back with her nose and use her head to get Miley to look at me. Last night when Clover did this to Miley she laid down. Then Clover laid her head on the back of Miley's neck and placed a paw on her back. Miley laid there and waited for me to come over.
Miley has ran up to me and touched my leg several times with Clover by her side. Then when I pet her she realizes what she has done and darts off a few feet. I'm so proud of Miley for being brave.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sue Cooper on
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Tina, When I had Sampson he did exactly the same thing. He HATED going in or out the door - but mostly he hated coming in because he really did not like human contact and of course we were inside. I made the mistake of taking off the long line (30 feet) and one Sunday it took me 2 hours to catch him - we have a 2 acre fenced yard. Like Clover, my dogs came for some "lovin" and helped me catch the little stinker. I had Sampson almost 2 months and he still had issues but they got better and better. When they are that fearful it may take a really long time - years - until they feel really secure. Sampson was not food motivated, either so rewarding him for coming or allowing himself to be caught was not very worthwhile.
I would continue to walk thru the door - both ways - with her and vocally reward her for "being so brave". You will most likely have to use the long line but in time you may be able to gradually shorten the leash. I think as she comes to crave your attention she will want to be with you and please you more and more and she will seek your presence.
Good luck to you and Miley.
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Permalink Reply by Tina on -
Thanks, Sue. We have a big fenced in area too, at one time it was 5 acres. Thank goodness it's about half that size now. I've done my share of the chasing game and totally understand. I should have added a little more detail. Miley is only 10 months old and does want to be near me in the house. I even think she does when we're outside, she is just to scared to do it yet. Miley will stand at the back door and bark if the door is open. If the door is closed, she jumps up and puts her paws on the door barking. Miley clearly wants to come in but just afraid to.
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Good. That will definitely make it easier!! Keep up the good work.
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