New Member

Posts: 2
From:Brooklyn, NY
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-16-2003 03:22 PM            

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I have a 6 month old Long Hair Chihuahua. She's very bratty and energetic. However, when we try to take her out for walks on her leash, she gets terrified. She'll lay on the ground and refuse to move. Then she'll skake and start crying. Even when she has to go potty bad, she wouldn't go. I understand she must be scared of her unfamiliar surrounding but what can we do to comfort her and teach her how to walk outside? We tried to praise her, baby talk to her, everything, nothing works! I'm so frustrated!

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Member

Posts: 309
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 06-16-2003 05:55 PM            

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First let me say...these are just my thoughts, I am not a trainer. I have never had this problem with a dog, but I have with horses, which I do a little bit of training with (my own horses with guidance from another trainer). It's so much different though...one is 1200lbs the other is what ? like three pounds? Right off the top, I thought pick the dog up and carry it on walks for a while til it gains some confidence, but I also know that with horses, when a horse is afraid to go past something many people get off and walk their horse past it, I NEVER do this unless it is a total safety hazard. The reason being, is that my experience tells me that, they will only gain confidence to get past scary things when I am standing at their head, I want them to be confident while I am on them as well, so I usually work them through it while still mounted. I do have a 7 month old puppy, 50 lbs of him! He has balked a couple times about going somewhere on a leash but I talked him through it and we continued on. I would be worried that by carrying your dog on outings, she/he would become accustomed to this "safety zone" and not be willing to venture on. Maybe carry for a while then set her down, talking to her all the while in a comforting tone, perhaps take something with you that she really really likes, a treat or toy. Use it to distract her. Get her thinking about something else. Venture a little further each day, keep it short so it's not so overwhelming. Perhaps go on walks with another dog/owner that she is familiar with and likes, if the other dog is confident in walking on, perhaps she will feel better about it. Are you using any training aid such as a choke collar or Haltee? Maybe she objects to that. Anyone else have ideas?

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Member

Posts: 616
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 06-16-2003 10:56 PM         

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Maisey's advice is great. For a tiny puppy going outside is a scarey place to suddenly be. Do as Maisey said and put her down periodically. Maybe if could sit down and let her off your lap when she wants to and have you there if she suddenly gets scared. Enough of this and she will soon be past her fears. Good luck.

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Member

Posts: 97
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 06-17-2003 03:15 AM            

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Does she get upset when you put the leash on her? If so, try walking around your home with the leash on, let it trail behind her for a while, then pick it up. Give her a small treat when she's walking happily.
If she's anything like my Chi you can do just about anything through the tummy. 8-)

When you take her outside, you could encourage her with the treat in front of her nose. Each time she walks a little way give her the treat and lots of praise. Also teach her to Sit, if she doesn't already. As you're walking, tell her to Sit every few steps which will give her something else to think about, then reward her.

In time you can then tell her to Sit but gradually wean her off the treats.

Good luck.

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Moderator

Posts: 364
From:Tennessee, USA
Registered: May 2003

posted 06-17-2003 09:17 AM            

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Sounds like some good advice they are giving you. Absolutely try bringing a favorite treat and toy. When she starts having her moments maybe rub her belly. (whereever she likes rubed) Talk to her all through the walk for a couple times. She needs reasuring it sound like. Try these and keep us informed! ;D

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New Member

Posts: 2
From:Brooklyn, NY
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-17-2003 05:08 PM            

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Thank you for all the suggestions. My Chi does hate having the leash on. We tried putting it on her in the house and she refuses to walk around. We have to encourage her with treats in order for her to take one baby step. It's worst when she's outside, she would freeze up and wouldn't even move. She would cry and shake. When she was even younger, we used to carry her around. We've just recently started putting her down on the pavement so she can learn to walk on her own. I will certainly keep trying though!

Any more suggestions are welcomed. I'm desperate! I want my pup to be an all-around dog.

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