“My Rescue Dog is too Scared to Go for Walks”

If your rescue dog is too scared to go for walks, it’s important to approach the situation with patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement. Here are some tips that may help:

Create a positive association with the outdoors

Start by creating a positive association with the outdoors for your rescue dog. Spend time with your dog near the door or the designated exit point and use treats, toys, or other rewards to create a positive experience. Gradually increase the duration of time spent near the door or exit, and reward your dog for calm behaviour. Keep your dog’s stress bucket in mind, allow time for decompression and observe your dog’s behaviour and body language.

Related Blog Posts that you might find helpful:

• The 3-3-3 Rule for New Rescue Dogs | What to expect in the first 3 Days, 3 Weeks & 3 Months
• Understanding Dog Anxiety: How Decompression can help alleviate Stress
• The Importance of Decompression for Dogs: What it is and How to Implement it
• Dog Decompression Stages | 3-3-3 Rule for New Rescue Dogs
• 5 Signs Your Dog Needs Decompression and How to Provide It
• Decompression Tips for New Dogs

Slowly desensitise and counter-condition

Gradually expose your dog to the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors in a controlled and gradual manner. Start by simply standing outside with your dog on a leash without actually going for a walk. Reward your dog for calm behaviour and gradually increase the distance and duration of your outdoor sessions. If your dog becomes anxious or scared, take a step back and decrease the intensity of the exposure. Also check out: Decompression Walks for Dogs

Use positive reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward your dog for any steps towards progress. This can include treats, verbal praise, toys, or play. Avoid punishment or forcing your dog to go for walks, as this can exacerbate fear or anxiety. See also: “Do No Harm” Dog Training® by Linda Michaels

Find a safe and quiet walking route

Choose a safe and quiet walking route for your dog, away from busy streets or loud noises. This can help reduce sensory overload and anxiety for your dog, allowing them to gradually acclimate to the outdoor environment.

Gradually introduce leash walking

If your dog is not accustomed to walking on a leash, start with loose leash training indoors or in a calm, familiar environment. Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward your dog for walking by your side and gradually progress to outdoor walks.

Seek professional help if needed

If your dog’s fear of walks persists despite your efforts, it may be beneficial to seek professional help from a qualified veterinary behaviourist or certified dog trainer with experience in fear and anxiety in dogs. They can assess your dog’s behaviour and provide tailored guidance and training techniques to help your dog overcome their fear and become more comfortable with walks.

Remember to be patient, understanding, and compassionate towards your rescue dog as they work through their fear of walks. Each dog is unique, and it may take time and effort to help them overcome their fears. Respect your dog’s pace and comfort level, and celebrate small steps of progress.

Here’s also a video on how I trained my Arabian Village Dog Panda (street dog from Oman), which you might find helpful. We also have a full section focusing solely on Rescue Dogs, which you can find here.