New rescue dog refuses to walk

[MagdalenaWasikowski]

I got a new rescue dog who is between 2-3 years old. Sweet and playful in the house and sometimes in the backyard. She is not able to step more than a couple feet outside of my front door. She is very nervous but basically refuses to walk. I'm working on giving her treats to get her excited to go out the door and my other dog stands by as a safety net to help motivate her to move forward as well, but no luck. I'm wondering if just being patient and letting her get more comfortable at her own pace is the only and best option? Or are there other methods that could help in helping her gain confidence quicker to be able to enjoy walking time.

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Dear Magdalena,

Thank you for opening your heart and home to this rescue dog!

 

The outside environment can be overly stimulating to some dogs and in some cases even a tad bit intimidating if there are many sights and sounds that dogs are not used to. Here's the fact, indoors, sounds are muffled, smells are subdued and there are not many sights other than from behind a safe window but they are not 360 views. Once dogs step into the outside world suddenly everything becomes very interactive and potentially scary too.

 

Your problem is not at all unusual. Many new rescues are scared of the great outdoors. Too much going on and they're not ready for it. As tempting as it may be to pull the dog on the leash, I have found that this causes more harm than good. The dog only learns that it's scary to give into leash pressure and this may also put a dent in the process of building trust.

 

I think you are on the right track in being patient. You are also on the right track in allowing her to get more comfortable at her own pace. However, left to their own devices, I feel that some dogs would rather never leave the comfort of their homes and therefore may never show any initiate in going out. I think finding a middle ground by providing opportunities for reinforcement nearby the door and outside while letting her work at her own pace my offer a win-win. Here are some tips you can try once she seems more settled in your home.

 

-Encourage play and provide opportunities for reinforcement in the backyard. Chances are, in the backyard she may hear/see/smell some of the same stimuli she may encounter once outside on walks, yet she may feel safe and be under threshold.

-If you have windows and screen doors, open them. Play with your dog, have fun with her while she has another opportunity to get used to the sights/sounds and smells of her new neighborhood. Yet, again in a potentially safe and secure environment.

-Of course, avoid the above tips when there are overwhelming things going on like the trash truck passing by in the initial phases.

-Many dogs reluctant to go on walks, are scared of noises. If you find out a noise she is scared of and that repeats with a certain predictable frequency, you can try this behavior modification protocol: https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/fear-noises/

-Severe cases may require calming aids like DAP collars, Thundershirts, calming supplements or even prescription calming drugs from a vet or veterinary behaviorist.

Here's a read on dogs scared to go on walks:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/fear-going-walks/

 

Good luck and bless your heart for helping out this girl!

Adrienne