Dog help please!

[java]

Well update.
One time tight leash and just walk continuing in regular pace and she went up after just one pull. _ no talking lots of praise.

Next time same deal- except she went bananas at the step. Pulled me and almost broke my hand off as I had her leash wrapped to hold her tight. (I won't do that again) But as I yelped in pain I think it triggered something in her and she walked up.

So I'll keep it up and try for the best. I am thinking we may have a bear. That's what happened the last time she did this. She was smelling the area like crazy this last time we went out. I'll have to keep my eyes open for bear.

 

[daisax]

That's an interesting thought -- do you have a crawlspace or something where there could be something dead nearby?

You just reminded me -- I went to a friend's house a couple of months ago. She was my dog's handler and so when we got there, she was very excited because usually when we go there she gets to go on a trip and she adores showing.

I opened her crate door and the moment she got out of the car, instead of enthusiastically heading for the house, she clamped her tail down and sniffed the ground and looked seriously spooked.

I went inside and asked my friend if they had coyotes close by or something, because SOMETHING was freaking the dog out. She said her dogs had behaved strangely there that morning as well. She asked her husband, and it turned out that he and his brother had hung up a deer to take pictures or something right by there.

So to the dogs, the smell was DEATH and it was fresh and they were scared.

Maybe you're on to something with the bear smell.

 

[mishasmom]

I can totally sympathize. Our youngest dog is scared of everything! She will run from the room if you make a sound she doesn't like (or if my DH has gas ). And lately any kind of whistles, bells or banging sounds coming from the TV make her run! She was fearful from the day we brought her home as a puppy. My husband wore a suit for a job interview and she started barking 'cuz she didn't recognize him in a suit.

Good luck, and I hope it's not Lymes disease!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Well update.
One time tight leash and just walk continuing in regular pace and she went up after just one pull. _ no talking lots of praise.

Next time same deal- except she went bananas at the step. Pulled me and almost broke my hand off as I had her leash wrapped to hold her tight. (I won't do that again) But as I yelped in pain I think it triggered something in her and she walked up.

So I'll keep it up and try for the best. I am thinking we may have a bear. That's what happened the last time she did this. She was smelling the area like crazy this last time we went out. I'll have to keep my eyes open for bear.

Java, don't have the leash tight at all. Be careful on the stairs. Use a flexi if you have one so you can go down the stairs first.

The idea is to keep repeating it over and over.

Like you walk to the stairs and if she stops and freaks you go back in and then keep doing it over and over until she walks down them freely.

Please be careful!

 

[daisax]

I would not use a flexi on a panicked animal. Well, I wouldn't use one ever, but ESPECIALLY not in a situation where there could be major resistance.

Those things snap with a certain amount of frequency, and the damage they can do is extensive.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would not use a flexi on a panicked animal. Well, I wouldn't use one ever, but ESPECIALLY not in a situation where there could be major resistance.

Those things snap with a certain amount of frequency, and the damage they can do is extensive.

That is true. A long lead would be better.

 

[manning]

Dog whisperer.

He has covered this several times.

 

[java]

Improving already. This time only one sharp tug and she came right up with me.
Fingers crossed she doesn't forget tomorrow!

Don't get me started on the Dog whisperer.

Thank you all again!!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Improving already. This time only one sharp tug and she came right up with me.
Fingers crossed she doesn't forget tomorrow!

Don't get me started on the Dog whisperer.

Just please be careful OK! You had me worried.

Think it in your mind. I am telling you dogs are psychic.

 

[java]

So far so good today! No problems jumping up the stairs. She remembered!
Thanks