First off let me say that I love this forum, it has been very helpful to us while my girlfriend and I are training our first dog.

We live in downtown Seattle and our puppy is having issues being comfortable walking around during the day. At night hes pretty good, we try to expand is range a little bit every day, always trying to take him somewhere new on his walks. Every night he gets more comfortable and relaxed. The problem is daytime, he gets freaked out at everything! People, cars, noises, other animals... EVERYTHING! Hes not afraid of those things at night. Even in the alley behind our building, just one person scares him (hes very social at night). When he gets scared he just sits down and refuses to move. If I can refocus him he'll come to me but thats it.

The big problem this creates is that its hard to get him to use the bathroom during the day, he cant relax! Anyone who might have some insight would be very very helpful. I know that persistence and repetition will help, Im just curious what else I can try.

Thanks!

[Yogi]

what kind of dog is this ie: breed and age? Many breeds can have a difficult time adjusting to a lot of commotion others when pups will go through the same thing. I was born in Seattle and currently live in Lake Stevens. We lived in a house though therefore there was a yard and a lot less stress from all the commotion brought on by people and cars going by all day. Certain breeds were created for certain environments and therefore strive in those areas. Not all dog breeds are apt breeds and therefore do not do as well. Other breeds need a lot of time off leash where others can be fine with leashed walks. Terriers generally are not well equipped to deal with downtown apt living and walks on leashes. Just something to consider. Good luck

Im going with boxer/lab.... and about 4 months.... not 100% sure though

[CorkyMax]

Hi! Don't know if I'll be of much help here but, here goes---I know you said all the noises,etc bother him during the day and he doesn't want to 'go potty'. Maybe if when you 1st go outside--you could immediately go to the same spot every time--a close spot --maybe that alley behind you? and just keep repeating same spot (same time) until maybe he will get the idea. 'gross' but maybe you could put his previous poo there for him to get the idea--or even a 'peed on newspaper' if you have something like that. Time and patience might do the trick! I'm no expert but thought it might be worth a try!

[Yogi]

at 4 months this is too much confusion for the dog. Noises such as cars and endless amount of people can create undue stress on a puppy which will cause much of what you are describing. If the dog shows no interest in looking to go it is most likely due to being afraid of all that is going on around it at the time. Is there a park near where you are where there is grass and less people and congestion? That may help some.

[puppylove2009]

You are going to have to desensitize this dog to all the things he is afraid of. With our first dog we lived in a downtown environment and when we brought our second dog in. Lets just say downtown was so much better for them then the suburbs (they have been basketcases since we moved to the suburbs but our apartment complex isn't that great as far as neighbors and their bratty kids but its a nice apartment....but people were so much better in the city)

Anyways look into Clicker Training. Also your dog is as the perfect age for you to be considering puppy classes. I feel puppy classes are very very important. It teaches you how to handle your dog and it teaches your dog to obey you and you get to teach them so much. It really improves the bond between Pet Owner/pet parent and Puppy. I hope you will consider this.


Now as far as the noises and everything going on well you can't control that but you can get your puppy used to it a little at a time. I would suggest starting off at the park and walking around there and then expand. Gradually expose your dog to new things.

Oh and no dog parks.....not until your puppy is older, trained, and has a good recall. Dog parks right now will set you back so far....its not a place for a young pup.....wait until about 8 months to a year and make sure your dog has a good recall.....he needs that. Your dog is going to be a larger dog and if there is a fight you want him to come when you call no matter what.


Other than that I wish you the best of luck....

Here is a picture of my girl on her Graduation day: