Scared Of The Dark?

[Guest DeniseL]

Hello! I just brought my first home last week and I have noticed she does't like to go out when it is getting dark/twilight. The last 2 days have been bad because of the fireworks, but she does seem hesitant evey night I have tried to get her out to go to the bathroom before bed. Anyone else notice this? Does it go away as they get more aclimated? I'm not too worried, considering it is still the first week and my baby is still adjusting...

[TheFullHouse]

She's still adjusting. Try walking outside with her and just hanging out while she does her business. If you have a light that shines on your yard, just turn it on so she can see if bit better.

[Feisty49]

My girl, whom I have had almost a full year, is hesitant in the dark and things that she doesn't look twice at in the daylight make her suspicious in the dark or even twilight when shadows are threatening (those darn flowers!.. LOL). I've always thought that their eyesight, which is so keen and upon which they rely so much, is compromised in the dark and therefore it makes them more careful.

 

Got any pictures of your girl?

[Roo]

It'll take a little adjustment for her - my boy was the same way. Every night, he'd press himself up against my legs while we were walking. Now he wanders off as far as the leash will let him! Just go out with her and she'll get used to the darkness pretty soon.

[Jerilyn]

I’ve had Lila for 2 years and the fireworks for the last 4-5 days have made her unwilling to go out in the dark. She normally runs to the door when I ask her if she wants to go out but now she runs the other way and tries to hide. I have been having to leash her up and walk her in my fenced backyard. We have been through this before and it will take a few days of quiet nights before she is happy to go out again.

You mentioned fireworks, so maybe this is what is going on with your girl, too. Be patient and kind with her, it will probably pass. Yummy treats delivered out the dark probably wouldn’t hurt either.

[Guest DeniseL]

Great feedback! Thank you! She was still a little shell shocked first thing this morning, I guess from the fireworks last night. The second time she went out this morning, she was much better, inquisitve and her ears were pricked up like she was having fun, so I will hope for the best tonight, be patient with her, and hopefully it was a combo of firecrackers and darkness and that she will be better with the dark tonight. Unless of course, the maniacs are still lighting them off...even though its NOT the 4th of july anymore, ugh.

 

Here is our new baby:

[PrairieProf]

I don't know that it would address the core issue, but I have started wearing a small inexpensive headlamp when I walk my girl in the dark, and I really like it -- I don't know how I managed before that. My girl isn't scared of the dark but she is a little edgier I'd say. And if you're in the city your dog is dealing with a lot more sound and activity than I imagine she's used to, even without the fireworks, so I can well imagine that might be scarier in the dark.

[jetcitywoman]

I have one word for you: Puplight

 

Despite the pictures showing all little dogs, they do fit large dogs also. I have one for each of my hounds plus a spare and LOVE them for walking in the dark.

 

Also, as someone else said, for the first week or two you should escort your pooch out for yard potty breaks. It will help her to both learn that the yard is safe but also teach her that you're her leader and there to protect her. Bond, baby, Bond!

Edited July 6, 2012 by jetcitywoman

[greysmom]

She's never been outside in the dark before, I would say. She'll get used to it over time. Walk a little ways out with her if she's free in the yard. If leash walking, having some sort of light will make things better.