can anyone help?

hi all just need some advice i normally take ella for 2 walks a day one in the day and one at night but since last friday i stop taking her because of the firework because she was really scared of them in the house.now the fireworks have stop ive started to take her out again on the night but having problem with her it takes me ages to get her to move then we get so far then she stops tries to get out her harness to go back home. the thing is she need her night walk because she get us up 2-3 times in the night.thanks dave

Hi David, how old is Ella?

Poor thing, she's probably anticipating the bangs of the fireworks.

Is she food orientated? Will she respond to treats while you're out?

lots of treats, the best kind and perseverance. My dog wouldnt go out in the rain but treat after treat after treat worked! Good luck

Maybe try clipping the lead onto the collar to get her used to be outside again, that way you dont run the risk of her slipping out of the harness. Treats would be a great way to get her moving again or a favourite toy perhaps.

she is 19 months old ive tried treats she has the treats then tries to run back to the house

I would build it up again gradually. She's obviously been really spooked by the fireworks & it'll take a while for her to get her confidence back. Try going for a walk just up to her limit. When it looks like she wants to go home, stop & get her to sit. Give her a couple of treats & then walk on for a few yards & then stop & treat again. Then go home. For a while you'll have to put up with getting up in the night, but you should gradually be able to increase the length of walk until you're back to where you were.

I hate fireworks!

thanks for the advice its horrible to see her like this

drudge wrote:she is 19 months old ive tried treats she has the treats then tries to run back to the house

OK - did you have her a year ago (ie 2011 "firework fortnight") when she was 7 months old? If you did, how was she then?

yes we had her since she was 9 weeks old last year she seemed fine with them she did bark at a couple of them but this year she was panting and shaking

Get her used to the night walk again. Go as far as she wants and hang around. Dont pull her just act chilled even if its only the doorstep. She will gain her confidence from you being calm and over time will be okay. Just be mindfull that she will be sencing your actions so no pulling or moving her off too soon. What your looking for is her getting bored and wanting to explore then you move with her and remember your body langage is key so lean back if you can as that is a relaxed stance. Bit of practice youll soon tune in to her actions just keep it slow and steady and good luck.
Hate fireworks now, they cause so much trouble with pets. Okay one night only but the systematic fraying of a dogs nerves over a week is too much.

drudge wrote:yes we had her since she was 9 weeks old last year she seemed fine with them she did bark at a couple of them but this year she was panting and shaking

OK thanks. Assuming that last year you didn't make a big fuss of her during the fireworks, then it looks as if something this year (an extra loud/extra near bang?) has spooked her.

Do try Caryll's advice - she knows what she's talking about

Do let us know how you get on.

Update - just read Nathan's advice - he knows what he's talking about as well

[quote="Caryll"]I would build it up again gradually. She's obviously been really spooked by the fireworks & it'll take a while for her to get her confidence back. Try going for a walk just up to her limit. When it looks like she wants to go home, stop & get her to sit. Give her a couple of treats & then walk on for a few yards & then stop & treat again. Then go home. For a while you'll have to put up with getting up in the night, but you should gradually be able to increase the length of walk until you're back to where you were.

I hate fireworks![/quote
Next time i faf around on my phone and i get told someelse has posted since you mucked around so long youve grown a beard ill take notice... I look like a plagurist...damn you caryll and your 80 wpm typing speed ;0)