Quote:
|
Originally Posted by tradintraci Diezel is now 14 weeks and were trying to socalize him as much as possible. He's overcome the dreaded drill my husband uses, the lawnmower is his friend now but Mr. Vacuum is still his enemy. He freaks out even when I bring it out. I've left it out (off) and reasurred him and petting him it's ok but he would rather not eat than to have Mr. Vacuum within eye shot. Any suggestion.
Dirty carpet  |
No petting while pup is exhibiting fearful or hesitant behavior! That will only reinforce the fear / hesitance.
Leash your pup (so he cannot high tail it out of the room). Bring him into the room where the vacuum is already, with a handfull of hot dog bits... (or FAVORITE yummy)... start by distracting your pup with a few 'sit' exercises and food rewards... get closer to the vacuum... if he reacts to it at ANY time... tell him how silly he is.
Now it's time for YOU to be silly. Talk to the vacuum. Drop tidbits of food around/on it. Let your pup get over it on his own. Each time he takes a treat near or off the vacuum praise him and get silly. Pet the vacuum, sing to the vacuum, do whatever it takes for your pup to acknowledge that what doesn't kill him makes him stronger.
If your pup tries to exit stage left, simply hold the leash and go 'neutral' on him.
You may have to do this in several sessions - especially if you've reinforced the fear unwittingly up to this point. Start a few feet away from the vacuum, if he conquers that; do something else for a while and go back to it - you want him to leave the situation each time 'Triumphant'.
Once he's OK with the vacuum off, start out slow with the motor running - pup distracted by play with another family member in another room, etc...
baby steps.
Hope this helps.