My dog is scared of my feet

[LimpidPools]

What do I do?

She's a rescue dog, and we got her 4 years ago. She didn't show any signs of being ill treated and we were told she hadn't been. In fact she was very well trained.

But she is afraid of my feet. Just my feet. My DP's aren't a problem.

She looks scared, her eyes roll and she will growl and snap at them if they come too close, but doesn't usually make contact. She has slightly punctured the skin once, when I must have put a foot on her when we were both deeply asleep. I don't think that really counts.

She is absolutely not agressive and neither am I! She is clearly scared, but I have never and would never kick her. Obviously I don't know about her past and it looks like someone else has.

What can I do to teach her that my feet are not dangerous?

[llamadramawoes]

We have this!

Rescue dog too. Ok so we haven't cracked it, but it's much better now. We assume he was kicked. So that's the root of the fear.

We then give warning when feet are about to move. We reward for all calmness and non-reaction to feet being moved. We also try and position ourselves where we won't make him jump if we move. Good luck!

[LimpidPools]

Thanks llama. I like the idea of warning her before I move my feet.
I like the idea of positive reinforcement too, though I'm nervous of risking my toes!

What breed is yours? Mine's a Jack Russel.

[llamadramawoes]

Collie so pretty predictable really!

[Wolfiefan]

Stupid question! Does it make a difference what's on your feet?
Throw treats on floor when you move? So moving feet equals good things!

[y0rkier0se]

My rescue Yorkie is the same - X-ray revealed her paw was broken years ago (before we had her)

[Ramblerkat]

My dog is scared of my feet too, he growls and freaks out if my feet touch him and he has NEVER been kicked or abused in any way. I have had him since his birth. So I don't get it. Strange

[OverFedStanley]

This is not usually fear but more a chase herding type behaviour. The dogs will chase herd what moves and in this case it is your feet.

Distract distract and distract. So if you are walking throw treats behind you or to the side of you and then move. Have a tuggy in your hand to divert attention up from your feet. You may find walking on noisier ground worse eg gravel if so avoid this for the time being.

Teach a hand touch and get the dog to follow your hand rather than concentrate on your feet.

If may be more fixated on your feet as you may move quicker or more animated than your DH or you just have prettier feet