How to calm and walk a scared dog?

[losingit31]

I have a rescue maltipoo, he just turned 1 and I've had him for 4 weeks. He's an absolute star but has clearly been ill treated in the past as he has some anxious moments. Usually he is fab on a lead, but a couple of times a loud, sudden noise has spooked him and he's panicked. He starts to pull like mad and scurries along low to the ground, panting as he's pulling so much against the harness. Even when in this state, he is very responsive to stop, wait and sit commands but as soon as I try to move off again he's back at full speed - like he just has to get away. Even with a lot of reassurance, it takes 5-10 minutes to bring him round and typically it happens when we are far from home! Today he calmed when distracted by another dog and a friendly little girl who fussed him, then walked normally the rest of the way.

Any ideas for how to give him the reassurance he needs while also instructing him to walk without pulling? He only pulls when panicking. Thanks.

I’ve got a nervous Jack Russell cross and we’ve worked a lot on anxiety during walks. Firstly I’d recommend the ADAPTIL collar, it really helped mine to not get to the heightened level of anxiety. Second I’d suggest slowing down yourself, when he gets spooked, stay still and give him lots of praise and treats when he’s listening to you for sit/stay etc, or simply just not pulling. Choose the tastiest treats for these situations like cheese or chicken. When you go to move off, if he pulls, stop again and repeat. Do over and over, he only moves forward when he’s not pulling. It will be hard at first but he will get the hang of it.

You may need some professional input - did the rescue give you any guidance when you get him. There are behaviourists who will work on anxiety but you would need to get him checked out by your vet to exclude any physical issues first. I would also recommend this Facebook group which is run by professionals www.facebook.com/groups/dogtrainingadviceandsupport

I love the absolute dog stuff
and I’d stop the walks daily and do every other or third day. They need time to decompress if they find it very stimulating g

Unless he needs to go on walks for the toilet, I would stop walks completely and work on building his confidence in the house and garden for now.

It can take rescues three months to decompress - in that time they need lots of space, peace and quiet to relax and explore their new surroundings - a walk can just be a bit too much for them at this point.

Then, build up with short, local walks so that if he panics, you can get him home quickly and safely. At first, it could just be round the block or to the end of the road and back. Eventually, you'll be able to go further afield as he becomes more confident and trusting.

Thanks, some good suggestions here. He only gets spooked 1-2 times a week and he's walking 3x a day, which he loves, so I'm reluctant to stop them. He also can't pee or poop in the house!