Long scared puppy update

Well, things didn't go so well.
And you have to remember that Koda is only 3.5lbs and the pit's are at least 150lbs and they don't just bark they come running as fast as they can to the fence growl as if they were going to attack and never stop barking the entire time we are in the yard. But really they are sweet dogs that's just how they are. They don't bark at me alone in the yard just when they see Koda.

I have steps down to the yard and you have to carry Koda down the steps(he's not quite big enough to make it down them yet) well the neighbors dogs were out and they of course barked and growled so Koda ended up going all over both of us before we could make it down the steps.
The next time to dog's weren't out and Koda didn't have any problems other then him constantly looking at the other yard to make sure the dogs weren't coming.
But then they were out the next time, and the next. We would only spend about 5 minutes outside with Koda crying and screaming and refusing to go potty ( I didn't comfort him, pick him up, just tell let's go potty like I always do), then we'd come in and go to his crate, where he would cry for another 10 minutes, I'd take him out again and he still wouldn't go he would just cry and scream. Finally Koda ended up going all over the crate( which he's never done before).

Well, that night he cried all night and he hasn't done that since the first night, and on Wed morning he didn't eat his breakfast or even drink much water. He would go outside with no problems when the dogs weren't out but he would not go potty no matter how long you stayed out there. He ended up going potty in his crate as soon as you put him in there. That night he had about 2 bites of dinner and some water but still would not go potty outside. All he wanted to do was sit and wiper and cry all night both in and out of his crate.

So on Thurs morning after not eating again we went to the Vet. She checked him out and gave him his next round of shots and said he is physically OK and it might just be stress, and that I should talk to the trainer on call. I did and she suggested that maybe making him face his fears is not the way to go with him. Since he's not scared of other dogs (he was giving kisses and playing with a Great Dane at the Vet's office and loves my sister-in laws dogs) to take it a little slower with him, and gave some suggestions because in reality we are not only training my dog but the pit's as well. So they need to get use to each other.

So when we got home I took him out front to go potty and he did with no problems then we walk around back to get his potty treat and go in the house. I spoke to my neighbor and found out what their usual schedule is of when the dogs are let out (very nice people and willing to help out in any way). So Koda and I go outback to potty and play when the dog's are not out and outfront when they are, but walk around the house to the back yard to get his treat and let him in. And to try to spend as much non potty time out back when the other dogs are out as we can (2 minutes at first and work our way up slowly).

Well, I'm happy to say that Koda slept all night last night and no potty in the crate today. He ate all his breakfast this morning and we've been outside today many times and he has potty'ed when need. So taking it a little slower for him seems to be the key

 

VERY glad you can work it all out and have a schedule...sometimes that is the only way to work things. I'm going to have to have a chat with my neighbors so I can get my Boerboels their out time as well... I have a rental so a privacy fence is not really something we can do (it's my BF's aunts place so we may this summer be able to...but she's kind of weird about that stuff...) They have three dogs and aren't home enough to get the Boerboels used to them AND they are afraid of them...the whole family... So I will see if I can have a chat with them... Although they don't seem all that nice to me... And see what can be done... Their newest dog is a cow dog with tons of energy and he raises his hackles at us and our dogs...NOT something Riot is really too keen on... ugh...

I'm glad it worked out for you and that you are on your way with your new puppy! THANKS for the update!

 

OK, I just want to cry over the sweetness of that little baby being scared and so brave! What a good mommy you are! I applaud your trying to find a proactive way to resolve this and to not just let it be ok for poor Koda to be scared witless!

 

glad to hear you are making progress. sounds like hwat she cant see but hear is what scares her, the sounds of teh unkown. and how nice of the neighbors to work with you

good luck

honeybear

 

Has Koda been introduced to those other dogs? I wonder if that would help? You'd have to be careful about neutral territory and such and make sure they aren't dog-aggressive.

 

I'm glad to hear that things are going better now. Its great that the neighbors are willing to work with you and I think Jamiya has a good point about Koda meeting these dogs (if they are dog friendly) on neutral ground.

 

That's a good idea I didn't even think of that. I'll talk to my neighbor tommorow and see what she thinks about the idea.
Thanks guys