Help my dog now has a phobia of the dark......

[PugwasHDJ80]

Our beardde collie has always been very very sensitive about loud noises- doesn't like bangs, and as for fireworks, they send him totally loopy.

We try not to take him out around bonfire night because it will scare him so badly (this year he spent 3 entire nights curled up under our bed shivering with fear).

Unfortunately twice this year we took him out around bonfire night and kids set off fireworks in the same street at streetlevel- very very loud, and scared me half out of my skin, let alone the dog.

He has now assocatied darkness with big scary noises- he won't leave the house unless i physically drag him (which i haven't done for fear of re-inforcing the behaviour) and quickly mnaged to get out of his tight collar and disappear home if we are more than about 5m from the doorstep.

What do we do?

[brad.noble]

Firstly, stop dragging him out.

This wont be easy, and will take a moderate amount of time, since you have been dragging him outside....

You need treats, im not talking a bakers biscuit that he gets every now again, you need something really special, any type of warm cooked sloopy meat should do.

Then, when its dark, open the door, and talk to him/her like he's being a good boy, give him a piece of the treat near the door if he's backing away, as if he's going out, then close the door.

Next night, repeat the above, then step outside the door, and give him a treat constantly talking to him gently, then let him back indoors and let him know what a big brave boy or girl he/she is.

Night after next! Repeat steps one and two and keep getting him further outside....

Dont make a big deal out of it, like having a partner watching to see how your getting on ect.

Keep me/us updated.

[PugwasHDJ80]

we haven't been draggin him out- don't worry

and he will go out in the dark into the back yard to wee- just not out for a walk!

Thanks for the tips though, we will give that a go and see how we get on- and of course keep you updated.

[AdiT]

Have you tried taking him out before it gets dark and stay out until it gets dark? That way he he won't be suddenly faced by setting off into the dark. Gradually timing the return slightly later each time, starting with a return as the sun sets and working up to staying out until fully dark.

[Mrs Grumpy]

I've had a bit of this with my very damaged boy His is the other way around though as it was when he went into the garden a couple of times that some fireworks went off.

Cured him by allowing him to take his time about stuff. Also scattered some bits of his favourite sweeties in the garden - Fish4Dogs swirls

Is it safe for you to work with him with the front door open? If so, I would do a similar thing with him. Leave the door open and put a bit of a trail of yummy stuff up to the door, then just out of the door, etc. Do it for a few minutes over several days so he doesn't have any pressure on him Also he will trust you that he doesn't HAVE to go out, it's his choice