Our Dog Is Afraid Of Everything!
June 20, 2001 10:25 AM
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Sebastian, the miniature schnauzer, is afraid of everything. We took him into our home when he was four months old and we've spoiled him. He's afraid of the ringing doorbell. When company comes, he hides under the bed. He's also afraid of things outside and anything new -- like our new ceiling fan.
Before we had him, he spent two weeks at a pet store and there was a family who had Sebastian a short time before we did. Maybe that's how it began. Sebastian's fears break our hearts because we love him so much. What can we do? -- G. R., Las Vegas
This is a tough one. It's difficult to tell how long that list of fears is. If you can desensitize Sebastian to individual fears, this will help enormously. Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Wayne Hunthausen of Westwood, Kan. says muffle the doorbell (if that's not possible tape record your doorbell and play it for him at a lower volume). Begin at a soft level that doesn't bother Sebastian and ring away over and over and over again, while Sebastian eats and/or plays a favorite game. Slowly, ever so gradually, increase the volume of the bell. If the bell begins to frighten the pooch, it's too loud. Tone it down and begin the process again.
Because this process is so laborious, if Sebastian is as fearful of the world as you describe, desensitization to every noise in the world won't be practical. You'll never know how Sebastian became so fearful. Genetics may have played a role, or he may have developed his fears at the pet store. Perhaps, the home he lived in for a short period of time was abusive, or maybe those owners inadvertently encouraged his fright. Don't make the same mistake. While spoiling Sebastian is fine, Hunthausen cautions, 'Be sure not to reinforce the fears by coddling him, playing up to his anxiety and making a big deal out of it. If he begins to act afraid, interrupt the behavior by telling him to sit. Then, play a jolly game to take his mind off his fears.'
Take Sebastian to an upbeat and fun obedience class. Talk with the instructor first and explain Sebastian's problem. Consider a puppy class because the pups will be less intimidating to Sebastian. Take Sebastian to the park early in the morning when there aren't as many scary sounds and teach him that the world isn't all that bad a place.
Be patient. However, if after two weeks you note no progress, ask your vet about an anti-anxiety medication (please, not Valium). The medication will take some time to kick in, but once it does, with a trainer's guidance, you'll teach Sebastian to kick back and enjoy life.
artice taken from here (http://wtae-tvpet.ip2m.com/index.cfm?pt=itemDetail&item_id=3077&site_cat_id=106)
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