Afraid Of Cars

[mercedes]

Mercedes is really afraid of cars. We go for short walks, and their are'nt that many cars around, but when a car goes by, she starts whining and pulling on the leash really hard. Is their any good way to teach her not to be afraid?

[Storm]

Pulling as in trying to get away? If so patience and feeling, rewarding favourable behavior and even trying to form a pleasant association with the sound or presence of cars. Don't force the issue and work from a distance if possible slowly giving the dog a chance to "climatise". Also don't reinforce fearful behavior by consoling her. Slowly working closer to the "distraction" with your attitude been "silly cars" nothing to be bothered about!

[PooPooPie]

She is so young, my guy is nearly six months and still gets spooked.

Always have treats when you walk her, and when a car goes by and she appears less scared, give her a treat.

[Rott-Wiley]

Yup and just keep letting her see more and more of them. Maybe even take her for a walk righ inside a parking lot, someplace where the cars aren't zooming in and out of the spaces if possible.

[camille]

Daisy was worried about cars for a while when she was younger. I used to make her sit when a car was coming, and actually watch it go by. She soon realized that they weren't going to get her. Now we have no problems.

-Camille

[Wrath]

It's also important to not try to soothe her while she's spooked, that will just reinforce the behavior and tell her that she's doing the right thing by acting afraid. Instead, as others have said, save the rewards until she's calmed down or showing less discomfort with the situation.

She'll also pick up a lot from you, so if you're feeling uncomforable around cars (Uh oh, here comes a car, she's going to freak out), she's liable to pick up those vibes from you and do just that. Try to remain calm and ignore the stimulus as much as possible, as if it's no big deal to have a car zoom by.

These guidelines are good for any situation that your pup might encounter that makes them uncomfortable.