Expert: Jill Connor, Ph.D. - 4/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello we have just acquired a 13 month old springer spaniel (she was previously a working dog so was used to gun noise) when walking her on leash she is very nervous of other people and dogs coming towards her. She goes into a panic and tries to get away from me.  How can I help her overcome this problem.

Thank you

ANSWER: Buy a Halti collar and a lightweight leash for it.  Do NOT lead the dog by its nose.  Instead, use the Halti to change the dog's direction, an about face.  While you are doing this, slap your side (to get her eye) and praise when she makes eye contact and comes with you.  Keep the dog's attention on you and keep changing direction (using the Halti) to avoid direct confrontation with other dogs/people.  It's obvious this dog was never socialized to this sort of interaction and she is terribly fearful and panicking.  Within approximately a dozen successful physical redirections with the Halti (and her normal collar/leash...NO CHOKER COLLAR EVER), the dog will most likely begin offering the redirection herself.

Meanwhile, train a sit command (indoors, then bringing it outdoors with little traffic and then slowly busier places) using positive reinforcement (go to Karen Pryror's web site or buy Paul Owens' book "The Dog Whisperer"..NOT cesar milan.)  It will take some time to build a 100% reliable response to "sit" (but don't use that word, make one up), and many trials in public places before she will be able to give you a solid response (at least several weeks.)    Do NOT use the new command for 'sit" during this redirection until you know she can successfully execute it in public.  Once she has demonstrated this, begin changing direction (going in the opposite direction) and add two or three short circles before asking her to "sit".  This will engage her problem solving abilities and will begin to associate different thoughts with the approach of people and dogs.  If your relationship with her develops trust (as it will with this positive reinforcement training), and given non-threatening exposure to what she now fears (using the redirection followed by praise and reward for her "sit"), you should have successfully rehabilitated her fight/flight response.  Given time, she may respond positively to approaching people and dogs, but your aim is merely to eliminate her state of panic.  If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to repost.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi my 13 month old springer is also wetting and the other inside the house as she was penned outside by her previous owner.  We are praising her when she does it outside but if you can offer any further advice we would be most grateful.  Tnak you.

Answer
Your dog was a KENNEL dog (and poorly socialized, most likely haphazardly bred as well.)  House training this dog will take time (several months).  Go out with her, praise and food reward her appropriate elimination; put her on house tab (long lightweight nylon or cotton training leash) so she can't get too far from you.  This will promote her bond with you and prevent her from going off to eliminate indoors.  Give this dog plenty of time, love and patience and she will repay you with her trust and loyalty.