Scared of the Dark

Poor Millie is scared if the dark. She hates fireworks and yesterday when we were on our walk some went off. She really panicked and I carried her home. This meant that today when it came to going out when it was dark, even though there were no fireworks, Millie was terrified. She kept shaking and panting so I got her home quickly and snuggled her up on a bed upstairs.

 

 

We had dog training this evening and I decided to take her to see if it distracted her. It was actually very good for her. It was full up inside the hall so we, and some of the young dogs waited outside. In the dark. However, Millie was distracted by the other dogs so wasn't scared of the dark. There was a young Rottie there which she was scared of, but inside we sat next to him and Millie accepted his presence! We did socialisation with the dogs and Millie happily sniffed nose-to-nose with a lovely Setter. She did all the exercises well and as we went out she willingly socialised with a little terrier. Outside in the car park she sniffed nose-to-nose with a gorgeous but boisterous red Labrador. That was really good!

It worked and took Millie's mind off of being scared of the dark and helped with her socialisation and becoming less scared of other dogs. Well done Millie!