Ever since Ernesto blew through town...

[SeptSapphire]

my dog is scared of going outside. :confused: He won't go out for more than 30 seconds. He went out twice today. I'm a little worried. It's not raining anymore, just a little muddy. There's no wind. I'm wondering if it smells different to him and he just can't make himself go out. I'll carry him outside (he's a chihuahua), but he just shakes and shakes, and runs inside as soon as I set him down.

Is this normal after a tropical storm? This is the first I've been through with him, so I don't know if this is fairly normal after a big storm. Anyone else have animals acting a little funny? :confused:

[MidwesternGal]

Well, I don't live on the coast, so now hurricanes/strong tropical storms. . . but. . .

When we get a really nasty storm, my lab will get anxious. If it's in the middle of the night, she'll jump onto bed with us and snuggle right in!

After the storms, my dog smells EVERYTHING and it takes her awhile to go to the bathroom. She also doesn't like her feet on the wet grass! :rolleyes:

Obviously, my dog has about ohh, 65 pounds on yours, so I wouldn't be surprised that your little one is scared to go outside. I'm sure the smells are quite different.

Do you take her out on a leash? If not, try doing that. It can maker her feel more secure, that she is "connected" to you.

Good luck!

[jajacobsen]

I think you will have to work ongetting your dog over th efear. First, try to get him to stay outside (with you) for 2 minutes. Stroke and praise him dueing that time. Try to distract huim with a toyy. Work on building this up to 30 minutes. Some dogs are just more nervous than others, especially during storms.

[SeptSapphire]

He's always on his leash, because there's no fence. :)

Update: He will go out to other areas of the yard, or the front yard. But I have to carry him to the other areas before he'll get down and explore.

This is such a change for him, it's sad! He's usually fearless, superquick, and always exploring. He goes out in 16" of snow! But for some reason he doesn't like going out in our little yard area.

Weirdo.

But I won't worry too much now, because he will go out in other areas and do his business. I'll just baby him more for a while. :)

[NotDesperate]

That is strange. I know that dogs (and most animals) will be able to sense the change of energy in the atmosphere when a storm of some sort is approaching. Maybe he sensed it and it freaked him out? I would continue with increasing your times outside and distracting him with toys and treats.

But as far as babying him, I would strongly advise against it. You will only be reinforcing the behavior. You will be telling him it is alright to be scared. You would be better to ignore the behavior. Then distract him with toys and treats and when for a moment he is not scared, reward him.