Scared of outside! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

linz06 · 04-01-2006, 02:30 PM

So today was BEAUTIFUL and i decided this would be a great day to take Layla for her first walk! Most of the snow has melted, and the puddles are pretty much gone from the sidewalks. She used to hate her harness, but now she's okay with it. She used to hate her leash, and she's not GREAT with it, but she will walk around with it trailing behind her, and most of the time she will walk beside me when i'm holding it. So I thought there would be no problems. WRONG. She's so scared of being outside. I got her in front of the house and she wouldn't move, so I thought maybe I'll just carry her for a bit and get her used to being outside. So by the time we got to the corner I set her down and she refused to move again. She started to walk to a rock, and sniffed it, and jumped back like it was going to attack her. Then she just stood there shaking and crying! When i reached for her she backed away from me. I picked her up and brought her back home and let her walk around the little deck in my backyard, but she was crying there too. I was so sure she'd be excited to go outside! She's always excited in new places.

chachi · 04-01-2006, 02:38 PM

My Jewels was a little apprehensive on walks when she was little too but as she got older she got better about it and got used to it. I just thinkshe needs time to grow a little.

mustangbee · 04-01-2006, 02:43 PM

Poor baby!!!
They do get scared outside,
it's a big place to them.
Have you tried to play with her on your deck?
Maybe bring a toy out for short play times.
Hang in there, she will get the idea.

sandraj · 04-01-2006, 04:11 PM

This is a common reaction to being out and about at first. Has she been out much in the garden? Other safe gardens? Try playing with her there first.Meanwhile take her out and about with you and go to a quiet park/grass area and just sit down with her and let her look around.When she is comfortable,let her stand on the grass and sniff around.Don't try to 'walk' her at first, but build it up in stages. Cars really scared my pup.It has taken 2 months to get her used to walking along the street where there is lots of traffic,althogh she has loved walks in quiet areas. A little at a time and Lola will soon be trotting happily out!

SnowWa · 04-01-2006, 04:23 PM

Interesting! Most dogs love going outside.

You know the only way to overcome a phobia or fear is just to be exposed to whatever you are afraid of over and over again.

Let your dog go out gradually. Maybe you will have to just carry her for a while when you're outside. And, then when you do put her down - do it close to your patio or stairs - close to familiar territory.

My Bichon loves to go outside, but he and another dog I had don't like to stay outside for as long when it's raining or even when the ground is wet.

Can you imagine (when the weater gets nice) if the whole family were outside on a blanket in the yard having fun - would your little pup still want to stay in the house by herself - I don't think so!!!

Just take your time. Your puppy obviously enjoys being a house dog - nothing wrong with that, but I'm sure, in time, she will learn to enjoy being outside with you.

Carol Jean

linz06 · 04-01-2006, 04:36 PM

Just after I posted this, I took her over to my friend's house for a little gathering, and another person there had a bulldog. We were sitting on the deck and she seemed much happier with the other dog there! She was running circles around him! She's definitely a very social dog, so I'm going to try taking her out when there's other people around for awhile, then she's a lot more comfortable.

Tophersmom · 04-01-2006, 05:35 PM

My Topher was pretty much the same way the first couple of times I brought him outside. Of course there was also alot of snow on the ground and he didn't like that stuff at all!!
I adopted him at 18 weeks and he'd never been outside at the breeders so he was quite old by the time I got him out for the first time. I just kept taking him out and now that the weather is nice, he loves it. When I mention going outside he hops and runs around and sits down so I can put his harness on him.

It does take time...after all it's a big scary world out there for the little yorkies. Lots of strange smells, too! I'm glad she did better at your friend's house...sounds like she likes having doggie friends with her!

Annie&Badger · 04-01-2006, 10:30 PM

I wouldn't worry and I totally agree with sandraj's post. I was told by the vet (probably incorrectly) to walk my badger straight away but the first few times we went out, it was a nightmare. He walked, but right behind me, shivering and quaking. We have quite busy roads round our house and he was scared of the cars but I was told this was good because he would adjust quickly (at that stage he was about ten weeks). It got really bad though and to the stage where he would cry every time I took him out and I was pretty worried so I called a very good breeder up in Cambridgeshire who's been breeding Yorkies for years and she told me to ignore what the vet and behaviouralist was saying and that Yorkies are a quirky breed (for instance: some Yorkies don't like tiles or wooden floors because they're slippering surfaces or they can hear their nails click and they don't like it). She suggested just letting him get more comfortable round our house and little garden outside which I did. I still took him out with me (because we live in London I think it's important he adjusts to big noises and city life) but I held him which he preferred more because he felt safer but he was still very interested in everything that was happening and otherwise just let him tear around the garden at the back which he had no problems with

We did this for a week and one quite warm Friday night we took him out thinking we'd still have to deal with the crying and so forth but the minute we put him down, he just went shooting off and sniffing everything and being all excited and now, two weeks later, we can't even get his collar on 'cos he's so excited about going out

So I would definitely say it's just an adjustment thing. I don't know how old your little girl is but I think it's a case of them being young and very intelligent (they know they're little) and finding their confidence. Quiet spaces for her to run around in and then carry her in bigger places should work just fine I should think. Also, I think the cold weather affects them alot too. I definitely think this was another factor in Badger's reluctance so if it's particularly cold and wet, I don't take him out. Just because I think he's so little with small amounts of stored energy and also 'cos I don't think they need too much exercise with their small bones not being formed properly

lilannie · 04-02-2006, 12:56 AM

Hehe....sounds like Bailey the first couple of times i took him out, he litterally climbed up my pant leg.....what you are doing worked for me, carry a way , put down, walk two steps, carry a bit, down , walk up , lol ....after doing that a couple of times the spaces between him climbing my pantleg got longer and longer, he still comes to my leg and stands up , then he takes off again.......it will come to her, and then you won't be able to remember her even thinking she didn't want to walk, good luck to you.

lksdolls · 04-02-2006, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linz06

So today was BEAUTIFUL and i decided this would be a great day to take Layla for her first walk! Most of the snow has melted, and the puddles are pretty much gone from the sidewalks. She used to hate her harness, but now she's okay with it. She used to hate her leash, and she's not GREAT with it, but she will walk around with it trailing behind her, and most of the time she will walk beside me when i'm holding it. So I thought there would be no problems. WRONG. She's so scared of being outside. I got her in front of the house and she wouldn't move, so I thought maybe I'll just carry her for a bit and get her used to being outside. So by the time we got to the corner I set her down and she refused to move again. She started to walk to a rock, and sniffed it, and jumped back like it was going to attack her. Then she just stood there shaking and crying! When i reached for her she backed away from me. I picked her up and brought her back home and let her walk around the little deck in my backyard, but she was crying there too. I was so sure she'd be excited to go outside! She's always excited in new places.

Pretty much normal. All of mine were afraid of the outdoors. They would just stand there, shaking away. It took a couple of times but once they found out it was OK, they are like maniacs to get outside. It also has to do with where they feel most comfortable. Anyplace new, even if just around the corner, can be very foreign and scary to them. I'd suggest baby steps, a little farther each time. The more you take her, the more used to it she will become.

Carinhosamulher · 04-02-2006, 07:36 AM

My Matthias was just like that. When he first came home and I put the harness on him he just freaked out. But I kept in on him 24/7 (still do) because it has his tags on it and I do not believe in letting a dog run around without tags. Within a day he was fine with it. After that, I attached the leash to the harness. One of those lightweight leashes. Real cute - with fake rhinestones on it! LOL I allowed him to run all over the house with it dragging him. I wanted him to not be afraid of it, of the feel of it, of having it put on and off. At first he hated it like nothing else. Putting that leash on him was pure hell - he screamed and squirmed - you would have though I was killing him!! I did this for two weeks straight - yes, two weeks. Eventually it got better. Each time I put on him leash, I gave him a treat. Then came the walking... oh Lord, How was I gonna do this. First thing is I walk with a cane. How was I gonna handle I tiny little dog on a leash scared to death of going outside with the leash? I started dropping his treats in front of him one small step at a time. eventually, and it was eventually, we got to the top of our street. When he stopped and realized he was nowhere near our house but was safe still it was better. Now he goes outfront with the leash on with no problems - unless there is a car - parked or moving. That is when I have to bend down and pick him up. He has gotten to the point where if we are standing in our driveway next to our kids, he is fine. but any other car it's a mess.

Hang in there. You gotta remember, these are small dogs. It's not like taking a Rott out for the first time. A Rott is secure on it's walks because of it's size. A Yorkie is so small in such a large world with all these noises and things going past at such a face pace. It's scary. But he'll cling to you and you'll protect him and he'll become secure. It just may take a little time. Just remember, from my personal experience, to reward him everytime he does something good - good behavior or something that you wanted him to do.

Good luck and don't give up. I can't go for huge walks too often, but when I can manage it, there is nothing like having my baby boy along too.

linz06 · 04-02-2006, 09:13 AM

Thanks for all your replies! I definitely think I'll try taking her out again a few times this week. I'm also planning on going home to my parents' house at the end of the month, where there's a huge fenced yard and another dog, so hopefully she can get used to outside there! Oh, and she's 6 months old right now. A little old to be going outside for the first time, but it's been freezing since I got her in december!

ssmiles1980A · 04-02-2006, 10:00 AM

I recently took rocky outside for a long walk on the leash and he was so scared at first and then he got so use it and now he Loves it

So keep trying

Hugs to you

Rhanna · 04-02-2006, 02:34 PM

Lindsey, Isn't this great weather in Saskatchewan. Nice to see all the snow melting. My little guy has been walking all winter but now that everyone else is coming out he is a little bit nervous. You could try taking treats with you to encourage her.

linz06 · 04-02-2006, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhanna

Lindsey, Isn't this great weather in Saskatchewan. Nice to see all the snow melting. My little guy has been walking all winter but now that everyone else is coming out he is a little bit nervous. You could try taking treats with you to encourage her.

Yeah, I'm always happy the first day of the year I get to wear shorts! I actually did try taking treats with me. She goes crazy over carrots, but she wouldn't eat it outside. She started coming close to my hand but wouldn't come close enough for it, so I gave it to her anyway, and she just sniffed at it on the ground but wouldn't eat it.

04-01-2006, 02:30 PM	#1
linz06 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,154	Scared of outside! So today was BEAUTIFUL and i decided this would be a great day to take Layla for her first walk! Most of the snow has melted, and the puddles are pretty much gone from the sidewalks. She used to hate her harness, but now she's okay with it. She used to hate her leash, and she's not GREAT with it, but she will walk around with it trailing behind her, and most of the time she will walk beside me when i'm holding it. So I thought there would be no problems. WRONG. She's so scared of being outside. I got her in front of the house and she wouldn't move, so I thought maybe I'll just carry her for a bit and get her used to being outside. So by the time we got to the corner I set her down and she refused to move again. She started to walk to a rock, and sniffed it, and jumped back like it was going to attack her. Then she just stood there shaking and crying! When i reached for her she backed away from me. I picked her up and brought her back home and let her walk around the little deck in my backyard, but she was crying there too. I was so sure she'd be excited to go outside! She's always excited in new places. __________________ Lindsey and Layla, Lucy, and Kash

04-01-2006, 02:38 PM	#2
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	My Jewels was a little apprehensive on walks when she was little too but as she got older she got better about it and got used to it. I just thinkshe needs time to grow a little. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

04-01-2006, 02:43 PM	#3
mustangbee Donating YT 9000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: North Carolina :) Posts: 10,616	Poor baby!!! They do get scared outside, it's a big place to them. Have you tried to play with her on your deck? Maybe bring a toy out for short play times. Hang in there, she will get the idea. __________________ Friends are God's way of apologizing for our relatives. "Love & Support Our YT Members" Gina & Princess Member of the SSLS

04-01-2006, 04:11 PM	#4
sandraj YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Zealand Posts: 370	This is a common reaction to being out and about at first. Has she been out much in the garden? Other safe gardens? Try playing with her there first.Meanwhile take her out and about with you and go to a quiet park/grass area and just sit down with her and let her look around.When she is comfortable,let her stand on the grass and sniff around.Don't try to 'walk' her at first, but build it up in stages. Cars really scared my pup.It has taken 2 months to get her used to walking along the street where there is lots of traffic,althogh she has loved walks in quiet areas. A little at a time and Lola will soon be trotting happily out! __________________ Sandra J and Holly

04-01-2006, 04:23 PM	#5
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	Interesting! Most dogs love going outside. You know the only way to overcome a phobia or fear is just to be exposed to whatever you are afraid of over and over again. Let your dog go out gradually. Maybe you will have to just carry her for a while when you're outside. And, then when you do put her down - do it close to your patio or stairs - close to familiar territory. My Bichon loves to go outside, but he and another dog I had don't like to stay outside for as long when it's raining or even when the ground is wet. Can you imagine (when the weater gets nice) if the whole family were outside on a blanket in the yard having fun - would your little pup still want to stay in the house by herself - I don't think so!!! Just take your time. Your puppy obviously enjoys being a house dog - nothing wrong with that, but I'm sure, in time, she will learn to enjoy being outside with you. Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

04-01-2006, 04:36 PM	#6
linz06 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,154	Just after I posted this, I took her over to my friend's house for a little gathering, and another person there had a bulldog. We were sitting on the deck and she seemed much happier with the other dog there! She was running circles around him! She's definitely a very social dog, so I'm going to try taking her out when there's other people around for awhile, then she's a lot more comfortable. __________________ Lindsey and Layla, Lucy, and Kash

04-01-2006, 05:35 PM	#7
Tophersmom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada Posts: 860	My Topher was pretty much the same way the first couple of times I brought him outside. Of course there was also alot of snow on the ground and he didn't like that stuff at all!! I adopted him at 18 weeks and he'd never been outside at the breeders so he was quite old by the time I got him out for the first time. I just kept taking him out and now that the weather is nice, he loves it. When I mention going outside he hops and runs around and sits down so I can put his harness on him. It does take time...after all it's a big scary world out there for the little yorkies. Lots of strange smells, too! I'm glad she did better at your friend's house...sounds like she likes having doggie friends with her! __________________ VAL, TOPHER AND SOPHIE http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=295683

04-01-2006, 10:30 PM	#8
Annie&Badger YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London Posts: 284	I wouldn't worry and I totally agree with sandraj's post. I was told by the vet (probably incorrectly) to walk my badger straight away but the first few times we went out, it was a nightmare. He walked, but right behind me, shivering and quaking. We have quite busy roads round our house and he was scared of the cars but I was told this was good because he would adjust quickly (at that stage he was about ten weeks). It got really bad though and to the stage where he would cry every time I took him out and I was pretty worried so I called a very good breeder up in Cambridgeshire who's been breeding Yorkies for years and she told me to ignore what the vet and behaviouralist was saying and that Yorkies are a quirky breed (for instance: some Yorkies don't like tiles or wooden floors because they're slippering surfaces or they can hear their nails click and they don't like it). She suggested just letting him get more comfortable round our house and little garden outside which I did. I still took him out with me (because we live in London I think it's important he adjusts to big noises and city life) but I held him which he preferred more because he felt safer but he was still very interested in everything that was happening and otherwise just let him tear around the garden at the back which he had no problems with We did this for a week and one quite warm Friday night we took him out thinking we'd still have to deal with the crying and so forth but the minute we put him down, he just went shooting off and sniffing everything and being all excited and now, two weeks later, we can't even get his collar on 'cos he's so excited about going out So I would definitely say it's just an adjustment thing. I don't know how old your little girl is but I think it's a case of them being young and very intelligent (they know they're little) and finding their confidence. Quiet spaces for her to run around in and then carry her in bigger places should work just fine I should think. Also, I think the cold weather affects them alot too. I definitely think this was another factor in Badger's reluctance so if it's particularly cold and wet, I don't take him out. Just because I think he's so little with small amounts of stored energy and also 'cos I don't think they need too much exercise with their small bones not being formed properly

04-02-2006, 12:56 AM	#9
lilannie Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 338	Hehe....sounds like Bailey the first couple of times i took him out, he litterally climbed up my pant leg.....what you are doing worked for me, carry a way , put down, walk two steps, carry a bit, down , walk up , lol ....after doing that a couple of times the spaces between him climbing my pantleg got longer and longer, he still comes to my leg and stands up , then he takes off again.......it will come to her, and then you won't be able to remember her even thinking she didn't want to walk, good luck to you. __________________ "To err is human, to forgive, Canine." Proud Mom of Bailey and Copper

04-02-2006, 07:36 AM	#11
Carinhosamulher YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 308	My Matthias was just like that. When he first came home and I put the harness on him he just freaked out. But I kept in on him 24/7 (still do) because it has his tags on it and I do not believe in letting a dog run around without tags. Within a day he was fine with it. After that, I attached the leash to the harness. One of those lightweight leashes. Real cute - with fake rhinestones on it! LOL I allowed him to run all over the house with it dragging him. I wanted him to not be afraid of it, of the feel of it, of having it put on and off. At first he hated it like nothing else. Putting that leash on him was pure hell - he screamed and squirmed - you would have though I was killing him!! I did this for two weeks straight - yes, two weeks. Eventually it got better. Each time I put on him leash, I gave him a treat. Then came the walking... oh Lord, How was I gonna do this. First thing is I walk with a cane. How was I gonna handle I tiny little dog on a leash scared to death of going outside with the leash? I started dropping his treats in front of him one small step at a time. eventually, and it was eventually, we got to the top of our street. When he stopped and realized he was nowhere near our house but was safe still it was better. Now he goes outfront with the leash on with no problems - unless there is a car - parked or moving. That is when I have to bend down and pick him up. He has gotten to the point where if we are standing in our driveway next to our kids, he is fine. but any other car it's a mess. Hang in there. You gotta remember, these are small dogs. It's not like taking a Rott out for the first time. A Rott is secure on it's walks because of it's size. A Yorkie is so small in such a large world with all these noises and things going past at such a face pace. It's scary. But he'll cling to you and you'll protect him and he'll become secure. It just may take a little time. Just remember, from my personal experience, to reward him everytime he does something good - good behavior or something that you wanted him to do. Good luck and don't give up. I can't go for huge walks too often, but when I can manage it, there is nothing like having my baby boy along too. __________________ Carinhosa Mulher - Loving Mother to my daughters and furry kids! bheuston@gmail.com or carinhosa@comporium.net

04-02-2006, 09:13 AM	#12
linz06 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,154	Thanks for all your replies! I definitely think I'll try taking her out again a few times this week. I'm also planning on going home to my parents' house at the end of the month, where there's a huge fenced yard and another dog, so hopefully she can get used to outside there! Oh, and she's 6 months old right now. A little old to be going outside for the first time, but it's been freezing since I got her in december! __________________ Lindsey and Layla, Lucy, and Kash

04-02-2006, 10:00 AM	#13
ssmiles1980A My Yorkie Angels Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plantation Florida Posts: 2,889	I recently took rocky outside for a long walk on the leash and he was so scared at first and then he got so use it and now he Loves it So keep trying Hugs to you __________________ Aubrey Nessa & Bridget Spanky & Rocky RIP my sweet baby girl ella http://www.ytrainbowbridge.net/

04-02-2006, 02:34 PM	#14
Rhanna Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 143	Lindsey, Isn't this great weather in Saskatchewan. Nice to see all the snow melting. My little guy has been walking all winter but now that everyone else is coming out he is a little bit nervous. You could try taking treats with you to encourage her.