Dog afraid of Backyard

bellz666 · 08-09-2008, 08:58 AM

Just like the post says, my three year old Bichon-Poo has recently become terrified of the back yard. When we first moved into the house a year ago she freely ran around the yard, marking off the areas where she would pee and poop.

Approximately 6-8 weeks ago, she has become absolutely terrified of the yard. She has to be carried down the stairs and when we put her down she freezes in place, shakes and overall shuts down until she gets a clear path back to the stairs and runs up them cowering by the porch door.

She will only go to the bathroom indoors, which is becoming frustrating to buy pee-pee pads for a three year old dog. This behavior only seems to occur at our house. If we bring her to an open park or a friend's yard she runs around freely and relieves herself as she had before this strange terror began at our house.

How do I break her from this fear of seemingly nothing, or is she completely screwed up?

Help!

Shmee · 08-09-2008, 09:33 AM

Hmm.. I could use some further info on her, but something has obviously freaked your bichon mix at one time or another that had a direct connection with the backyard. Is the backyard fenced in? Any kids around the neighborhood that might have been playing her while she was unattended? Other dogs nextstore that might be interacting with her? You might not findout what caused this trauma to take place, but if nothing changes, it certainly wont get any better. If the property isn't fenced off, I would take steps to do so, as it's possible that something or someone is causing your dog stress with her outside time and with the fence, she may find it more comforting and safe knowing she's abit more confined. Woodstockade will give her the most privacy. Chainlink's going to allow a possible catalyst to enter into view causing stress. How is she on a leash?? Are walks a possibility for you?
Once all those factors are addressed, treats will work wonders and I would first find a treat that she would do anything for. (Pan fried liver is pretty much the irresistable magic doggy food). Then slowly lure her down the steps with the a piece at a time, one step ata time. Working your way eventually outside. Depending on what the source of trauma was (or continues to be) will determine how long this is going to take.

If you have anymore details i'm sure one of the globalpaw crew would continue to offer further assistance..

Goodluck with your Bichon,

-Shmee

08-09-2008, 08:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
bellz666 Bianca and Lily's Dad Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Smithtown, NY Posts: 14 Rep Power: 0	Dog afraid of Backyard Just like the post says, my three year old Bichon-Poo has recently become terrified of the back yard. When we first moved into the house a year ago she freely ran around the yard, marking off the areas where she would pee and poop. Approximately 6-8 weeks ago, she has become absolutely terrified of the yard. She has to be carried down the stairs and when we put her down she freezes in place, shakes and overall shuts down until she gets a clear path back to the stairs and runs up them cowering by the porch door. She will only go to the bathroom indoors, which is becoming frustrating to buy pee-pee pads for a three year old dog. This behavior only seems to occur at our house. If we bring her to an open park or a friend's yard she runs around freely and relieves herself as she had before this strange terror began at our house. How do I break her from this fear of seemingly nothing, or is she completely screwed up? Help!

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08-09-2008, 09:33 AM	#2 (permalink)
Shmee Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: South Jersey Posts: 245 Rep Power: 27	Hmm.. I could use some further info on her, but something has obviously freaked your bichon mix at one time or another that had a direct connection with the backyard. Is the backyard fenced in? Any kids around the neighborhood that might have been playing her while she was unattended? Other dogs nextstore that might be interacting with her? You might not findout what caused this trauma to take place, but if nothing changes, it certainly wont get any better. If the property isn't fenced off, I would take steps to do so, as it's possible that something or someone is causing your dog stress with her outside time and with the fence, she may find it more comforting and safe knowing she's abit more confined. Woodstockade will give her the most privacy. Chainlink's going to allow a possible catalyst to enter into view causing stress. How is she on a leash?? Are walks a possibility for you? Once all those factors are addressed, treats will work wonders and I would first find a treat that she would do anything for. (Pan fried liver is pretty much the irresistable magic doggy food). Then slowly lure her down the steps with the a piece at a time, one step ata time. Working your way eventually outside. Depending on what the source of trauma was (or continues to be) will determine how long this is going to take. If you have anymore details i'm sure one of the globalpaw crew would continue to offer further assistance.. Goodluck with your Bichon, -Shmee

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