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  1. #1
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    Puppy is terrified of outside

    Hi everyone.

    We got our chocolate lab puppy from a farm in PA a few days ago. We live in a city and I know its a completely different environment. Aside from being terrified of everything, she is also very scared of 'outside' and she won't pee or poop outside, only inside on occasion. When we bring her outside, I have to carry her, and when I put her down she shakes and tries to back away from almost anything that comes near her.


    How do we acclimate her to her new environment so she isn't scared of everything?!


    Please help. Any suggestions would be great!

  2. #2
    Puppy
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    She's 3 months old.

  3. #3
    Real Retriever 3ChocMom's Avatar
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    Socialize, socialize, socialize! It sounds like the people you got her from did a very poor job of this in first few weeks of her life and that's unfortunate. Take treats outside and feed them to her. Act like it's no big deal. Do not coddle her, do not try to soothe her, just say "Come on, go potty!" and start walking. When she follows, even if it's just a step or two, give her a treat. If she does potty outside, praise her like crazy, give her a treat and tell her what a good girl she is. I would get her out and about as much as possible, obviously be smart about it if she has not had all of her vaccinations, but take her to coffee houses, stores like Lowe's, etc., and give people treats to feed her. She's young enough that you should be able to reverse this, but you have to start now.

  4. #4
    Best Friend Retriever emma_Dad's Avatar
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    Do you know the history behind her? did you talk to the people you got her from? Was she ok at the previous place?

    As far as getting her used to things take it real slow and give her treats in a continues stream, so she begins to associate all these new scary things with good things. if you see its to much bring her back to where she feels safe and try again.

  5. #5
    Puppy
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    Thank you! She was running around like a normal puppy when we went to pick her up but as soon as we put her in the car she's been wearing a coat of fear and anxiety.

  6. #6
    Puppy
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    She's usually too afraid of everything outside that she won't eat treats...

  7. #7
    Best Friend Retriever emma_Dad's Avatar
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    Maybe take her to a field, and see if that helps? I'd avoid places that dogs frequent since she's not fully vaccinated. So like a baseball or soccer field could work. Like said above she's still young so she can get over this, but she must have not been socialized much if at all where she was born.

  8. #8
    Senior Dog
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    Hi, sounds like big changes for your pup. Might have gotten socialization (running around the farm) but not socialization to "city life". Think that's a big change for anyone, especially a pup. Agree with 3ChocMom, don't coddle her, or she will think this is a correct behavior. Take her outside, get her used to her immediate surroundings first. Talk to her, and when she does anything, cheer her on. You have to be her rock. Will take time, but think you can turn her around and make her understand "city life".

    Wishing you luck. Please keep us updated.

    KAZ

  9. #9
    House Broken Lobo's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by emma_Dad View Post
    Maybe take her to a field, and see if that helps? I'd avoid places that dogs frequent since she's not fully vaccinated. So like a baseball or soccer field could work. Like said above she's still young so she can get over this, but she must have not been socialized much if at all where she was born.
    THis. I would pack a lunch and lots of cold water and find a place that does not have any people, animals or other distractions. Put a collar and leash on and slowly introduce the puppy to the area with you by its side. Keep on doing it until it begins to venture out a little and gaining some confidence.

  10. #10
    Senior Dog Charlotte K.'s Avatar
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    Is there a friendly, healthy, vaccinated neighborhood dog who could show her around? Do you have ANY yard at all?

    Also, get a dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) ADAPTIL collar or Comfort Zone spray made for dogs. If you can't get the collar, use the spray on her collar and lead a bit before you take her out, about 10 minutes before. Not while they are attached to her, though. I specifically like this brand. It is the one with veterinary testing behind it. It emits a calming scent like that the pup's mother produced.

    Also, take her out while she is a little hungry, before her meal, so that she may be more likely to like the food.

    What does your breeder say?

    Have patience. This, too, shall pass. She must feel as though she is on a foreign planet. Some respectful pups will not go where strange dogs have gone, as that would be infringing on their territory. So when she wets inside, take a paper towel with no cleaner on it, and soak up the mess, and put that in a ziplock. Take that with you to the place you want her to go and put the familiar scent there, so that is smells right. Scent is so important to a pup. You could leave a bit under mulch if you have such a place where you live. If you don't, squeeze a bit of her urine out there, using the bag to cover your hands.

    Indoors, use something like Nature's Miracle to clean the scent.

    Carrying her up and down stairs is fine at first. It is beautiful weather this weekend. Have a picnic in your yard. Give her real meat or cheese from your sandwich. Spend the time there, as suggested.

 



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