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Our 4lb. Shih Tzu Is Scared Of Everything!! Advice???

17K views 16 replies 10 participants last post by  Durbkat  
Anything moving overhead is scary for every living animal, humans included...think of what we do when bats are around. Zoo keepers try to desensitize by hanging bottles, and whirlywigs over the compound before opening the exhibits for public viewing. My 8 year old female Sheltie has never gotten over that natural fear even with training. She doesn't run from the kitchen anymore but, is still uneasy. As for the kids, they need to learn how to approach calmly in a non-threatening manner. Ideally, let the dog approach the kids....not the other way around. One thing you can do that is really simple.....yawn...yes, yawn when you see she is nervous about a common noise. Dogs understand that body language clearly and correctly. It won't make the fear disappear magically but, over time and with repetition, she should learn to accept the noises as common place. Don't try words or petting to comfort her....that only confirms that she was right to be afraid and can make her even more sensitive/reactive to noises.