deisel truck fear

Question
My otherwise happy, well adjusted 5 month old German shepherd puppy has developed a fear of any deisel truck, which includes garbage, UPS and FED EX trucks. Trash day has become almost unbearable. He cowers in bathrooms and cries. It seems to becoming progressively worse becauce now he has started shaking all over, and will not come out of the house. It is as if he is actually looking for someone to come and get him off the truck.He smells and hears the trucks before we ever hear or see them coming down our street.He is otherwise smart and responds well to training and is wonderful around people. Please help! It is so agonizing to see my beautiful dog so distressed.

Answer
It appears that your pup has been imprinted with fear related to large trucks.  He may be afraid of the sound or  the smell or both.


FEAR IMPRINT PERIOD 8-16 WEEKS OLD
German Shepherd Puppies go through a fear imprint period between 8 and 16 weeks.  Some say 8-12 others say 10-16.  During that period any particularly frightening or painful experience leaves a much more lasting impression than if it occurred at any time in your pup's life.  During that time  it is usually recommend avoiding exposing a puppy to particularly frightening experience.  And it is recommended that pet owners know what to do during this time.

During the puppy's first year their are many things that are new to your puppy and he needs to be socialized appropriately in order to feel confident and secure in any situation.  

What Not To Do

1.  Don't Punish Your dog for being afraid, punishment will only make him more afraid.

2.  It is recommended not to force a puppy into a situation that causes the fear, for example if he's afraid of bicycles and you force him to stand in place while a bike goes by; he will probably become more fearful, rather than less fearful.

3.  Never punish your dog after the fact for destruction or pottying caused by the fear.  Animals live in the present and do not understand punishment after the fact, even seconds later.   Destruction or soiling is a result of panic not misbehavior.  Punishment will create more problems than it will solve

4.  Do not reassure your dog, or coddle the pup when it is afraid, otherwise he might think you approve of this behavior and think you are rewarding him.  He will only continue to show fear to get attention.  Instead, behave normally as if you do not notice he's afraid.

The key to dealing with new fears as they arise is to remain calm yourself (dogs sense fear and tension in you).  It is best to distract and redirect his attention.  

By acting normal and distracting your pup with a toy or a treat to get his mind off of whatever scared him and put his mind on something pleasant.  You can also practice commands you've already taught your pup so he can go on to something more pleasant.  

ABOUT FEARS
Fears usually do not disappear on their own and if left untreated can get worse and stay with your pup for life.  Some fears could decrease in intensity or frequency but not disappear completely.

They way to deal with your puppy's fear is through Socialization, Socializing your pup essentially desensitizes, and counter conditions him and will require your time and patience.

Socialization by Desensitization

1.  Start by exposing your dog to a very low level or small amount of whatever is causing the fear.  

In your case a large diesel truck fear.  Start with your dog on a lead and bring him near say a Ford F350 Diesel truck or a parked truck of the kind your dog is afraid of.  Bring him within 100 feet.

2.   Reward your pup for being calm and without fear.  With Praise - a Good Boy!, pet him, give a hug, or reward with treats. (roll over, Charlie bears, dehydrated liver are some of my pups favorites that they will do almost anything for).

Gradually walk closer to the truck, with each increased movement closer, and as long as your pup remains calm and does not show fear repeat the praise or treat or both.

If at any time your pup becomes afraid or anxious move further away and proceed at a slower pace.

3.  When your dog can remain relaxed in the presence of a parked truck take your dog for a walk where you can get some distance from a busy road, like a field near a busy street. Walking parallel with the road. and practice at a distance from moving diesel trucks.  As above, reward for remaining calm and relaxed at a distance and slowly move closer and closer to the road. Repeat this process as many times as necessary.  Go gradually until you can go for a walk on a busy street with these diesel trucks going by.

4.  Every dog is different.  This process can take several days, weeks or even months and some dogs can cover come this in a day.  You must proceed slow enough that your dog never gets fearful during the desensitization process.

COUNTER CONDITIONING
As you start at 100 feet away from a parked diesel truck ask him to perform some obedience exercises, like sit, down, stand, stay.  With every gradual move closer where your dog is calm and relaxed and performs the commands praise and treat your dog.

If your dog does not know any obedience exercises, teach him some.  They learn fast! Do not use punishment, collar corrections or scolding to teach commands.  The goal is to have him associate pleasant things with the thing that frightens him.

The above should make an impact on your situation.  If unsuccessful over a reasonable length of time, there are other things you can do.

When to Get Help.
A dog that is fearful, feels trapped and can become aggressive so if you are not successful during this process, please seek help from a behaviorist.

Ask Your Vet
Vets carry medications that can assist your dog to feel less anxious but only for short time periods and should never be given over the counter drugs without checking with your vet.  Any medication are not a cure, or a long term fix and should only be used when necessary and in conjunction with behavior management techniques.

Get Educated
If you require further info about raising your puppy check out the info and help section of my website. I also recommend getting come good books reference books to assist you with raising a german shepherd and with all of the stages your puppy will go through.  You will be glad you did.

For more information about dealing with Puppy fears check out the INFO and HELP Sections of my website.  Wishing You And Your Pup All The Best.  Let me know how it goes.

Sincerely
Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com