I opened the door. Gus went out about two paces down the ramp then shot straight back in and cowered behind the door. I listened hard – there was a low rumbling noise some distance away. I don’t know if it was thunder (which I think Gus thought it was) or blasting at the quarry. Whatever, it worried him – those huge ears heard everything. After a cuddle he came out for a short while but went back in much sooner than normal.
If your dog is worried or scared by something, please do give them a cuddle and lots of reassurance. The saying that you will “feed their fear” is total rubbish. You cannot make an emotional reaction worse by reassuring your dog. But you can help them by showing that you are there for them.
Feeding treats helps too, if they will eat – if the fear is too great and they won’t take treats your first move should be to move them somewhere where they’re calmer as quickly as possible. Eating treats, along with your reassurance and matter of fact chatting away to them will, repeatedly and gradually over time, help them cope better.
Gus was fine a few minutes later and he’s been for a walk quite happily.
Today for Tall Tails Thursday and pre-bank holiday, share your videos or stories about your dog being goofy and happy doing something. And please also share your feelings about lockdown and where we are. Psychologically we’re coming into a recognised stressful phase about what might happen as we lift lockdown, so it’s OK to feel anxious and worried about it.
Keep training and keep safe,
Carol