Terrified Dog

Question
I put my appx. 3 yr. old neutered male dauxie mutt out to eat his supper a little after dusk last night.  In less than 5 minutes, he was clawing at the door to get in--  something he has previously done only during severe thunderstorms.  Since then he has been terrified to leave my side-- whimpers and quakes if he's not touching me or one of the kids, calms down but listens intently and sniffs constantly if he's next to them, between my feet, or in my lap.  Unless needles or water are involved, fear is not his way; he's fiercely protective of the kids and strangers (even some acquaintances) are anywhere from leery of him to outright scared.  Saturday he picked a fight with the Dane/hound mutt up the road (more than 4 times his size, and my little guy had been spoiling for the fight for over a year), got his shoulder beat up a bit-- limped about 10 steps and took off running back for more.  I had to drag him away.  

We're out in the Arkansas woods-- not far,  but far enough to pay attention to wildlife.  I've always been told this behavior is a sign that there is something dangerous in the woods nearby, on the level of an aggressive bear or mountain lion or a rabid something of considerable size.  I can't get out right now, owing to front wheel drive, major ice-storm leftovers, and a steep dirt road.  Won't be able to for at least a couple more days.  A couple other neighbors who are here all day say some of their little dogs have been extra-clingy, and some of the big ones have been extra-barky.  So do I call the neighbor with the 4-wheel-drive, beg transportation to the vet, and risk getting myself, my kids, and my dog hurt by drugging my dog out of his instincts??  Or do I call the neighbor with a gun suitable for hunting predators and really excellent aim, and risk getting my dog hurt by not recognizing a neuromedical situation when I see one???

Answer
Dear MC,

Thank you for writing to me about your doxie's state of terror at going outside at night.

I live in a small hamlet about 2 minutes from the center of the village.  The houses are spaced close together, yet we have dangerous wildlife, such as coyotes that lurk at night.  It is apparent to me that your sweet dog has been terrorized by a dangerous preditor.  He is not the only one, as you've described neighbors dog's have having changed behavior.

You described the ice storm and the results of a pretty dramatic winter.  This alone could have forced preditors to come closer to your home than they normally would..they are hunting for food in new areas since the storm has ravaged their usual hunting grounds.

If you went for a walk and some maniac started stalking you with a knife and this happened every time you left home, your reaction would be similiar to what your dog is currently experiencing.  You would not want to go out by yourself and if someone made you do that, you would be in a contast state of terror..just like pooch is.

A friend of mine from Colorado was walking with her small breed dog one evening and a coyote swooped up the dog and ran away with it, killing it before her eyes.  She no longer lets her dogs off leash at night.

My suggestion is to go out with your dog and some form of protection.  Get a long leash or tie two leashes together so that your dog has some freedom but you can reign him in immediately if there is danger.  Do not make your sweet munckin face a hungry preditor alone..he may not come back one day and you would feel terrible if that happened.  Your dog looks to you for protection and his behavior is a cry for your help.

When you have a chance, pick up some Rescue Remedy or order it on line.  Place 12 drops in your dog's water bowl and rub some on his gums.  This will help to aleviate some of his anxiety.

Small dogs are prey to many animals, including hawks, so keep your dog safe.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis