my puppy is terrified to go for walks

Canada
February 26, 2013 6:11pm CST
My puppy is about 11 weeks old now. we keep trying to take her out for walks but she is so scared. she is scared of the noise of cars, she is scared of other people. we get her away from the house about 10 feet and she keeps running back towards the house. i don't want to stress her out by taking her too far until she gets used to it but i also don't want to let her win that she will think she gets her way and doesn't have to walk.
5 people like this
13 responses
• United States
27 Feb 13
Awww, she's just a tiny thing yet. I would take her out like you said, not far from the house, but plop myself down next to her on the grass and just keep telling her it's ok. I would either hold her or pet her while doing this. She'll get used to it eventually but it will take time because she's so young. She just needs some reassurance and I'm sure the noise is scary for her too.
@blackrusty (3519)
• Mexico
27 Feb 13
it will take some time mine is 10 months now and she is just now handling the walks but she is still not good with all the dogs in my area just take your time and she will be just fine
1 person likes this
@MoonGypsy (4606)
• United States
27 Feb 13
this post is quiet cute actually, because my little chiwawa (i don't know if i spelled the name right and spell check won't let me) is the same way. give it time, she is only 11 week old. she will get use to it.
@allknowing (130064)
• India
27 Feb 13
I checked for you It is pronounced as chiwawa but is spelled as Chihuahua.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
28 Feb 13
Unfortunately, leash training and getting our dogs used to going for walks is something that will take quite some time. Considering the fact that your puppy is still very young, I really do think that you are doing the right thing with her. One of the things that we always did with our dogs when they were puppies was that we would put them on the leash and take them out in the backyard and walk around back there so that they would get used to being on the leash without having all of the other distractions that you have when taking a walk down the road.
@atv818 (1980)
• United Arab Emirates
24 Sep 15
That is really tough! I know how you feel because our cats are the same way. Whenever we have guests, these 2 cats will run to the ends of the room just to hide away from plain sight. If we catch them to be showed off to friends, you can feel their heart pounding soooo fast that we fear they might die of fright. The only upside to this is that we can be sure that they won't get lost by roaming out of the house.
@wetnosedogs (1533)
• United States
5 Oct 15
I hope that problem is remedied by now.
@youless (112123)
• Guangzhou, China
27 Feb 13
I am very surprised to hear that because most dogs like going out to have a walk. Perhaps you shall hold her in your arms at first and let them to get to used to the environment. Then as time goes by, she shall loves going out.
@allknowing (130064)
• India
27 Feb 13
Your puppy is not yet ready for her walks. Give her time and get her into it gradually. I hope you are petting her and with your warmth she will feel secure.
@saphrina (31552)
• South Africa
27 Feb 13
Hi sweetoe. Depending on the breed of your puppy. Some breeds learn faster than others. First of all at least you are trying to take her for walks. Second of all, she is a bit young. BUT, you can leash her and use your front or back yard or the house if you like. Getting her to get use to the leash and moving around with it is the most important part. Now, for the "giving her her own way". Get some doggy treats. Every time she take a few steps, give her a treat. Be very carefull not to spoil her with those treats or you will have trouble training her. After a few days she will realize that what she is doing is good and that you are satisfied. If you really want to take her out of the yard into the street, take the treats with you. She has to learn to get use to her surroundings, not to get spooked by noises. Just be carefull as most dogs think they can get away with anything, just for a treat. Good luck and have fun.
@jricky1 (6800)
• China
27 Feb 13
Puppies are so cute and maybe he is just too young and afraid to go out.I don't take my little puppy go out since he is also so young,while i'll wait for the right time and bring him out for a walk,it would be wonderful to take a walk in summer night.
• Greece
27 Feb 13
She has to grow up a little more I think, take it easy. You cannot overcome her fears for her, she has to overcome them herself. It is good that she knows where home is and obviously feels safe there. You could take her mind off things by having some dog treats in your hand, apart from that I would just advise lots of love and patience.
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
27 Feb 13
that's strange... wow. maybe you can introduce the walking out to her. bring her.. then bring her home after a few steps. then slowly you will bring her a bit farther from the previous.
@miryanag (346)
• Bulgaria
27 Feb 13
The puppy is too young. She will get used to go for a walk if you make her think that the walk is something positive.Give her a treat when she is doing the things the way you want her to do them.And don't worry she is too youngit's normal.