[smoke20fan]

my 14 week old beagle is scared of darn near everything.we have had him since he was 7 weeks old and everything that is not familiar freaks him out.for example we walk out the carport to the front yard to potty and we had a large box leaning against the walk we walk by and he just about chocked himself on the leash trying to run back in the house-i had to drag him out and he took off running as soon as we passed the box.then he didn't want to walk pass it on the way in-kept trying to run away.i picked him up and held him by the box and i think he would have wet himself if he didn't already go.and this goes for anything new in the house-even when i walk to the shower with clothes in my hands it scares him.i hate seeing him freak out so much.is this something all dogs do and will he grow out of it?

 

[Murphys Dad]

Well.... there are dogs that are a little jumpier than others.
If it keeps continuing, I would check with a dog behaviorist. The most important thing is not to encourage him or "feel sorry for him" when he is scared. Just keep on doing whatever you were doing, or if you are in a walk, just keep on walking, while pulling him gently by the leash.

G-luck! :thumbup:

 

[angelaH]

Sounds as if he is very nervous. Did you get him from a private home or a breeder? Was he well treated? I ask this because a neighbours dog acted the same way and also freaked out when women bent down to stroke him. It turned out that one of the girls working at the kennels had hit him with some object, since when he was scared stiff of his own shadow and anything unusual.
Give him plenty of cuddles and when he doesnt want to go past some object, walk past the object with him . Dont shout at him, just a gentle tug and a few reasuring words. Have him checked out by a vet, to see what the dogs sight is like. Puppies shouldnt act like this unless they have had a bad experience.
If this fails then yes, a dog behaviour specialist would be a good idea.
Hope the problem is soon solved.

 

[smoke20fan]

thanks for the help.we got him from a private home.the parents were there and looked healthy and happy-the lady was so sweet and watching her play with the dogs and pups and i don't think she could have even yelled at them let alone hit them.i usually will tug him along past the item telling him its ok or if he is off the leash in the house i will pick him up and hold him and sit next to the item.he is learning when i say it's ok that it really is ok but he still freaks at first and won't leave me or hubbys side unless it's to run to his cage.i do think he will be a goodwatch dog one day tho.a/c man came to fix the a/c and walked back into the house(homer didn't see him the first time he came in)as soon as a/c guy opened the door i heard him bark and howl like never before and run off and hide.....lol

 

[Murphys Dad]

Changes to their turf, like the Box are unnerving to beagles who like their routine surroundings. I do think that getting Homer into more situations where he can broaden his experiences like a Puppy Solization class. trips to dog parks and sniff adventures in new areas will help hom deal with his fears. I won't say having a less fearful dog is that much easier. My Bagel corners rattlesnakes, Gila Monsters, tries to play with badgers and is pretty fearless in the desert BUT my Braveheart if something (like that box) appears unexpectedly in his backyard, causes the Bagel to react. He emits a deep guttural growl, the hair on his back syands up and he steathly approaches the offending object. He has successfully challenged the "killer Cooler Pads" and the "giant spider" objects which in reality were just the used zelzer pads from an evaporative cooler and a dirt bike motorcycle stand that appeared in his yard overnight whilst he was inside with me. Hopefully, with more experience abd parental (That's you Natalie) support, Homer will become less frightful, but not as brave as my Bagel.

 

[K & G]

I agree with bob about the socialization, and you should start now. If he's afraid of something, petting him will encourage the behavior. Let him see different kinds of things, different kinds of people, and put him in different kinds of situations. When he approaches things, praise him and give him treats. This isn't something that he'll just grow out of on his own. Your best bet would be to continue to work with him as you have been. Good luck.

 

[kgh]

I agree. Take Homer anywhere that is safe and fun that you can. Don't make any demands on him just make it fun. The puppy socialization classes are great. All his classmates are pretty much the same size and having fun is what it is all about. Don't overwhelm him. I used to take one of mine in the car to fill up the tank and then stop at the Vets just to weight her. She got out and about, went to the Vets with no scary things happening and got a little goodie to top things off. Anyway, that sort of thing. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

 

[bpeery]

One of mine are pretty much scared of everything!
I LOVE YOUR NAME "GO SMOKE"!!!! :thumbup:

 

[RhodaTse]

Same way with Charlie, still is :biglaugh:
Something he is not familiar with, a sudden noise, rattle of paper.
He used to afraid of cars especially big trucks. The trainer suggested not to cuddle and protect, instead let him expereince it out himself, praising at the same time, reassure him that it is ok. I remember I stood at the corner of the street for a long time watching cars drove by with him cowered underneath my feet. Now he is charging along with no fear! A drainage gutter on the street, dripping water scared him. So I stood at the gutter and let him watch the water dripped. He was afraid of the super market shopping cart, again I stood in front of the market and watched people going by with those carts. Kept talking to him, saying he is ok, good boy. Silly huh...but it worked! Now a year later, he is pulling along so hard I have to stop him. :biglaugh:

 

[smoke20fan]

i can't wait to take him places like a park and such.i heard to wait until he gets all his shots before doing things like that and he gets his last shot(rabies)on the 4th of sept and away we go!!