Hangup

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charliebrowne

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My border collie who is one tomorrow has developed a hangup where she won't enter anyones house. She has never been anywhere without me so I know nothing has frightened her in anyones house. Up til about 6 weeks ago she would go in no problem but now it has got serious because I couldn't get her to go in the vets today. I have tried coaxing with food and toys, leaving her in gardens with the door open so she can come in but she won't. Tried to carry her in but she turns into a wild cat and can't hold her. The vet receptionist tried to coax her in today with food but we just couldn't get her in. They had to check her microchip outside. Any suggestions please!!!!
 
Well if it is all houses/buildings, I would only ever feed her in a house. And if that means going hungry until she steps over the threshold, so be it. No coaxing, no fuss, no pressure, no cajoling (which reinforces fear) but just let her know there is a big bowl of food just inside the front door. I would say she will go in when she is hungry enough.
Not everyone's cup of tea though.

I wouldn't guarantee nothing has scared her, even if you were with her, it could be something a human might not even have noticed.
 
She is fine going into her own house it's other peoples houses and our vets looks just like a house. Don't know about other buildings as have no occasion to take her in any and not many allow dogs for me to try. Thank you for your suggestion.
 
Just bear in mind that what us humans see as encouragement and coaxing can be seen as PRESSURE!!! especially by sensitive dogs like collies, so be careful you don't make more of an issue out of this than you need to....try and be very emotionally unattached, don't get frustrated, leave her to it, let her work it out.
 
Get the vet to come out to the car for the jab.

Is their any common feature of the houses she won't go into of doorways she won't go through? - Certain flooring or glass in doors?

Don't over-reassure but have a reward ready when she does go in.
 
I did actually try and encourage the OH to come on here and give some advice as recently he worked with a dog with a huge phobia of going into kitchens:D (he wont) as he is not into giving advice on forums and not so good with communicating with the humans just fantastic with the dogs:D
As suggested by CC I would not use food or OTT coaxing, you are feeding her aprehension for than anything and dogs will generally not take a treat when anxious.
Carrying her is also very un natural and will make her even more aprehensive.
My OH put enough pressure on the make the dog cross the floor and not to back up, once in the kitchen he pulled up a chair (no attention given to the fog) no reward or recognition he just ignored him until he lay down (the whole tie he stood on the edges of his nails (this is how aprehensive he was) once he relaxed and lay down (lots of panting) he then stood up and lead him (yep forcefully) esp he he tried to turn back (across the floor again) he repeated this the whole tie me and the owner where in the living room chatting and by the time we left the dog (golden retriever) 8 yrs old was walking back and forth over the floor, in the end we gave him his towel (something he walks around with in his gob) each time he walked across the floor.
I would exercise her well (and confidently walk her on through, no fuss/treats or voice recognition, let her know there is nothing to fear through your body language and your handling.

Walk her on in to said house/room and take a seat, ignore her for as long as it takes to settle and only when she is settled and relaxed if you want to treat, thrown one down (no talk) otherwise low key.

This only came about as they had lost the key to the door they let him out to the toilet (they had just come back of holiday and we where returning him) after boarding him. They where panicking as he wanting to be out and we said "let him out the back door" through the kitchen, and this is when they said "he wont go through the kitchen/or any kitchen", but he has been in my house, as he stayed in my kitchen:D
 
Thank you Cayla. Managed to get her into my daughter's house by tightening the collar and forcing her through the door. Once inside she was absolutely fine and was quite happy. Took her out again after having a cup of coffee but had to force her in again. This obviously worked but must look awful if anyone is watching and can look quite cruel. Should I keep doing this until she goes in willingly.
 
Is your daughter's doorstep a safe place for the dog to sit?
If so the next stage is to have her (the dog) on a long line & walk in & sit down. Allow just enough line for her to wait at the step - obviously the door has to stay open. You may need to pre measure line length as you don't want to be pulling but do need to prevent her s*dding off.
Let her sit on the step for at least ten minutes. Repeat this a few times over several days and I'll bet she'll creep in - have treats for when she does.
 
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