Dog wont come in from walk

Milk_Tray

Has anyone else had this problem? Bring my puppy out for a walk every day and when she sees the car in the drive way the brakes are ON! She will not move and will sit there for as long as it takes. Iv tried food, toys everything but she wont come into the house unless we lift or drag her in! Shes going to be heavy as an adult so lifting wont be an option. Anyone ideas? Is it she is just loving out doors too much or is it a fear of the hall door? When shes in she is fine, I was thinking it could be the front porch/door that spooks her but noting will budge her (and tail goes between legs)

brendane

How often is she out during the day? Is this her only walk/activity of the day? She may just be bored of inside and wants to be outside

volchitsa

Sounds like she wants to be outside. Our dog was like that initially, she'd been outside a lot with her mother, on a farm, and loved being out, even on her own. Now she's 14 months and has become a bit of a princess, she loves going out with us, and does still stay outside on her own when necessary, but generally prefers to be with us inside than outside on her own. And as for when it's raining, even when it's to pee she hates it! Such a change from the hardy little pup we got who barely noticed the rain!

Is there a safe place in the garden where she can stay outside with some toys on her own?
We closed off part of the garden initially, so it could be kept safe for her and she couldn't wander.

Bredabe

Has she had bad experiences with a car? maybe she is scared of that. Do you know anything about her background? it may come from here.

tk123

My friend's pup was afraid of doorways we were at puppy hour and they held her lead and had us walk ahead and call her - she followed us no probs and wasn't afraid anymore

deadlybuzzman

We've had two experiences that might be of use. When we got our pup first wed bring her on regular walks, nothing too long as we read it's important for future joint health to go easy until they're bigger.
Over time she was less and less happy about having to come back into the house and it was obvious the walks were taking nothing out of her.
Now that she's older we bring her either to the beach and run her into the ground chasing two balls (much much more effective than one ball) or I'll let her tow me up and down hills for an hour or two. After that she'll happily trot into the house and chill.
The other experience was that she became afraid of A door! A handle fell off it and the noise it made when it hit the ground startled her and that negative association stayed for a few days. Then one day she was so excited to get out that door she forgot about being afraid and has been fine since

Milk_Tray

My dog did have her lead handle fall when walking into the house and it let a loud bang, she pee'd on the floor in fright and I am thinking this is what is leading to the fear of coming in.... i just dont know how to get her around it

deadlybuzzman

Milk_Tray wrote: »

My dog did have her lead handle fall when walking into the house and it let a loud bang, she pee'd on the floor in fright and I am thinking this is what is leading to the fear of coming in.... i just dont know how to get her around it

If she the kind of dog you can get really revved up and excited, wind her up to the last and get her to chase in that door after something, a toy, food etc.
A dog trainer told me it's all about having positive associations with things and it's a mindset that I've found really useful with our dog

Bredabe

Dog Behavior Training on fb has all kinds of dog related tips/video's.

aonb

Milk_Tray wrote: »

My dog did have her lead handle fall when walking into the house and it let a loud bang, she pee'd on the floor in fright and I am thinking this is what is leading to the fear of coming in.... i just dont know how to get her around it

Theres your answer - she associates the door with a fright/fear!

I would sit on the ground outside the door, with the door closed, call your dog onto your lap, give her a treat, and lots of praise
Next, sit in the doorway, with the door open, same routine
Then sit just inside the door, treats and cuddles when she moves through
Keep moving inwards, lots of treats and fuss and praise
Stand up and start the process again, with her coming to you for treats/praise as you progress closer then at then inside the door

Take some time over it, dont rush it. You'll soon get her over her fear of scary things happening in that door - she has to forget about the fright and associate the door with you/treats/praise/cuddles!