Hi Lemmings!
I have a 3.5 yo Pit Bull Terrier/Mini Pinscher mixed breed that is always anxious and scared of her own shadow.
For the past year she has lived with me in my new home, which unfortunately backs up to a landscaping supply company that operates machinery that makes a lot of noise during the day, and also is on a fairly busy road that sees a lot of traffic (and people with horrible muffler systems that would wake the dead).
When she first came to my new house she would have accidents, which is understandable. She eventually got comfortable enough with going out back to use the bathroom, and would let me know that she needed to go. In fact, if I do t respond within a minute of her sitting at the back door, she will bark so I notice her. I love it. I couldn’t be prouder.
But, during the day especially, when she goes outside she gets scared by the landscaping supplier noises, cars backfiring/diesel trucks, or neighboring dogs barking, and will immediately turn back to come inside. I have to then go out with her and command her to “go potty”. And even then, she will often try to fake like she peed, or she will flee mid poop and run back to the door. During the evenings, she’s not as scared, and is even adventurous with exploring the back yard.
She is even scared of most of the house itself: something about the kitchen terrifies her, which sucks because to get from the living room to the rest of the house she has to go through the kitchen. And the only places she really feels comfortable are in the bedrooms.
Lately she seems to have regressed with the household accidents; mostly if I leave her unattended for any length of time; e.g. grocery shopping, dropping off or picking up my kids from somewhere, etc. if I crate her when I leave, she’s fine. However, she is not comfortable in her crate — she slinks all the way to the back of the crate, and curls up into the tightest ball she can and trembles the entire time.
She is difficult to train. It originally took 2 years to get her house broken, and in that time she’s only learned sit and lie down. I have hired a dog trainer, and have tried PetSmart training for the social aspect. Both instances were lackluster. She is not food motivated like other dogs. Or, at least maybe I just haven’t found the right food to motivate her with.
I am starting to feel overwhelmed by her accidents and inability to focus through her fear; I’ve even lost my temper a few times and yelled at her for it. I understand that does not help her situation, and I do not want to give up on her (or me). At least not if there are still things I can try to help build her confidence.
With all of that said, my question is for any advice that I can use to help build her confidence, break through her ~~fight-or-~~flight reactions, and get her feeling safe in her own home.
From a behaviourist’s point of view there are 3 things you can do to help her:
1) Reward bravery, and ignore fear. Dog is trembling? Don’t use a soothing voice and pet her. You’re literally encouraging her to be frightened if you do. It’s tough I know as it goes against what ‘feels’ right. Ignore her. If she jumps up for attention/pets/cuddles let her be near you but don’t pet/console. Do your own thing while also letting her hang out if so inclined. If and when she seems no longer afraid then pet her or treat her however is appropriate.
2) Gradually acclimate her to noise Have a TV or radio on in the house to generate ambient noise. Set the volume low to begin. Raise the volume as high as you reasonably can until you get a concerned response from her. Tone the volume down a tick below that and go about your day. Increase the volume a tick after you see her relaxed for a long time repeatedly. If you can have the TV or radio on at a level that doesn’t bother you or your neighbours that is good progress
3) Lead by example. Act unconcerned and unafraid of noises. Is she afraid to go outside? Go outside, look around, and call her to you. When she comes, shower her with praise/reward. Then go do something in the yard that doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with her. If she flees back inside don’t call her back immediately as that may be rewarding her fear with attention. Wait and call her back out after a bit. The longer you hang out outside while it is noisy the more normal it will become in the dog’s eyes.
Combine all these strategies in escalating difficulty as she improves. For example, feed her nearer and nearer to the TV/radio, etc… Do you take her for walks? Perhaps as final challenges start walking nearer and nearer to ongoing construction, or the busy street. If you do this last thing don’t keep getting closer until she panics. Walk a little bit in the direction of noise and turn 90deg walk a bit and then walk away for that day.
Good luck. This is something that will take a lot of thought, work and patience on your part but she sounds worth it.
Thank you! I’m guilty of attempting to console her when she’s upset. I will try your suggestions out. And yes, she is totally worth it. ❤️