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ratterrierluvr

Rattie

06/15/2008 3:44 PM
Milo is afraid of everything. he's afraid of the wind blowing, birds chirping, any noise. when i have him outside he will run from me! when i go to get him he screams like he's being murdered and i never did anything to him. he's been like this since day 1. i thought he was just scared but he's been here for over a week now and he's only gotten worse. i don't know what to do anymore. i have to bring him out on a leash when going outside now and he always has his tail down. people always ask whats wrong with him. he's not what i was expecting for a puppy. he never plays at all. so how do i fix this? i can't have a dog the runs from me or anyone else and when you go to get him he screams i just can't have that. i'm not going to give up on him just need tips on how to work with him thanks

-ashlie

Mitzy's Mom

Alpha Feist

06/15/2008 3:55 PM
First of all when he's loose outside is this within a fenced area? (He should not be allowed to be off leash outside a fenced area.) First of all, for now while you're there with him keep a lead on him in the house. That way you can catch him easily. Spend a lot of time with him, give him treats, pet him, etc. Start calling him to you with a treat. Sounds like he really needs to be socialized more so once he's more comfortable with you, take him out to more places, make it a good thing by giving treats. Make sure to do this with a very secure collar or harness on him so he can't get loose. I'm sure the others will have some more advice. Thank you for wanting to make it work with him!

Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids Georgia Foster Mom www.ratbonerescues.com; www.newrattitude.org

ratterrierluvr

Rattie

06/15/2008 3:58 PM
he is in a fenced area. he's not hard to catch in the house he just screams. it isn't just with me its with my boyfriend or friends. but its worse when he's outside. he's handled daily and i even let him sleep with me but he's getting worse. nothing bad has happened to him. so i don't understand it

-ashlie

yogis mom

Ratastic

06/15/2008 6:12 PM
Wow! What a pretty guy your pup is!!!! Was he a timid guy when you first got him? Maybe that's just who he is? Timid? Like people, some dogs are just naturally timid about the unknown. Hopefully you and family do NOT try to reassure him when he's fearful...it will validate his "fears". Like when a dog goes crazy over thunder...the leader/human is supposed to act like they didn't notice the behavior and ignore the fearful acts...walk away. Never cuddle them, or treat them like a child...it reinforces their idea that their fear is valid. Socializing him in groups..doggie daycare, play dates, any scenario where he will be influenced by more assertive outgoing pups might help him come out of his shell... Also...I would have his sight and hearing double-checked.....ya just never know?! He's really sooo cute!!! And great name!

ratterrierluvr

Rattie

06/15/2008 8:39 PM
thanks he was afraid when he first came home but its only gotten worse. i do ignore his behavior. he gets no attention at all when he behaves badly. he recently had a vet check up and his sight and hearign are good. thanks though

-ashlie

dtls224

Terrier Terror

06/24/2008 3:51 PM
How is Milo doing this week??

tina224...live...laugh...love...and bark at the moon He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." ~Unknown

rattytatty

Training Moderator

06/26/2008 8:23 AM
Wow... this is a tough one! Without being there to SEE what's happening, it's so hard to give advice or help you figure out what's triggering the behavior. If Milo is physically ok... I'm thinking genetics are involved and perhaps something in his personality has been inherited? I think whatever you do... will have to be done gently and with a huge amount of patience. I would try some things... When you take him outside... have him on a long line (which allows you to have ultimate control). Get some cooked chicken and chop it up into itsy bitsy bites and keep a suppy of this in a ziplock bag in your refrigerator so it can ALWAYS be handy. Wear pants/shorts with pockets and as often as possible, keep treats in your pockets. The key I believe with this little dog is to reward GOOD behavior and ignore bad behavior (do NOT try to correct any behavior at this point). Get down on Milo's level.... or better yet if you have a brick retainer wall.. or picnic table... put him on it so you can work with him on HIS level and you won't be towering over him which is often intimidating for small breeds. Don't try to get him to do anything... just keep calling him to you and when he comes give him a treat... and show him affection. If he doesn't want you patting him on the head... take your hand and bring it up underneath his chin and stroke his chest or scratch it with fingertips. If he comes to you in the house on his own... give him a treat and praise him for it. You've got to let him know that coming to you is a GOOD thing and a SAFE thing. I wouldn't work on ANYthing else for now... not until he's comfortable coming to you and being handled. Keep the treats handy at all possible times. I hope too that you are crate training him. Once he's used to the crate, he will feel safe there. He's a cutie... and I wish you all the luck in the world as you work through this..

~Nora~ Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, OA, OAJ

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