my dog is scared

[clafoutis]

I have a dog who is german shepherd cross, I got him when he was 4 month and from a family that beat him, he was doing better but recently he is more scarred then we first got him, to the point that he wont move and pee on the couch or floor, we tell him his ok theirs nothing to be scared especially when there is abosulty nothing just the wind or the door that creek he freaks out, hes now getting scared of my cats they walk by and he freaks out, when he goes out side he freaks out hides under the trailer and barks like crazy i talk to my vet they said its not normal but right now it dont sound like an emerageancy (sp) so when i get the money to bring him in. Ill be getting money next month but in the mean time i want more opions i figured if he gets worst then ill bring him anyways and make arrangement then.

[clafoutis]

well i had teh vet check him physically everything is fine his very healthy, we got him fixed but unfortunatly he seems to be even more frightened now.
he stays in a corner in the living room dont dare move we have to escort him outside in the yard but sometimes even that dont help he's so scared that he pees befor making it to the door. This doesnt look healthy to me is there anything i can do?

[clafoutis]

Ill have to try the lavander and yeah im hopping after he gets fixed he clams down. Ill call the vet tomorrow morning and find out whens a good time to go =D thank you for your replys ill let you know any updates

[ginger899]

I would say that if he is suddenly losing fur to a great extent, it might be a good idea to go to the vet now, rather than wait for Feb. 7th. It may be stress-related, yes. Or it might be caused by some other thing. It's best to get it checked out before his surgery.
It also is just possible he might settle more after he has been neutered?? Just a possibility. I had a cat once who behaved in a very stressed-out way, then suddenly after he was neutered, he was fine !
I also meant to mention before, but forgot -that lavender oil is very soothing and calming. DON'T put it on his skin, or let him lick it! But if a few drops are put into a diffuser, and go into the air in the room, it has a very calming effect on humans and animals too. Make sure it is good quality (aromatherapy quality) oil.

[clafoutis]

so I have been doing what ginger899 has recommended it seem to have worked but only for a few days his behaviors is worse and now his loosing patches of fur and its not shedding my mom said thats a sign of stress so now im really concerned feb 7 is when he has a appt to get neutered should i wait then and ask the vet to check his behaviour too or should i call them and see if they want to look at him sooner?

[ginger899]

It might sound like the opposite of what you should do, but try not to give him attention or affection whenever he behaves scared or nervous. To a dog, receiving affection is like receiving a treat. In that way he is getting the "OK" from you to feel that way....Can you see what I mean? It will reinforce his behaviour.
Instead, try to ignore him completely when he is like this (I know it will be hard to do. You will just have to try) Don't even talk to him.
ONLY in those moments when he behaves anything like normal....then reward him with affection. Keep a careful watch on his moods. If you see him relax even for a second -gently stroke his head and speak kindly and gently to him saying "good boy!"
Don't do this too noisily at first or he might get shocked and freak out again.

He will start to relax more if he gets this positive reinforcement. Also as time passes he will get used to knowing nothing bad is going to happen to him with you.
I hope he comes around soon, and starts to be happier and a more relaxed dog. Do try training rather than drugging him in any way.

[Darpesh]

Dear your dog need to get more acclimated with goodness which will give him confidence!!!

Few Easy Tricks which you can try:

Whenever you want him to take outside  take with neck or complete body belt which should be comfortable during walking.

Take him to open areas/gardens where pets are allowed at your place!!!

When ever you sit outside tie the belt rope with your sitting banch  or else where he can't hide easily. do this regularly. get him feel that he is safe with you.

Please note that this is note a one or two day job. you have to give him sufficient time to be brave step by step and pl don't expect too much at a time.

I hope this will work or you can ask any time for further help

Dr. Darpesh
India