how do i desensitise the dog ?

zaksmum

When I first took Lucy on at the age of 3 - she was my daughter's rescue dog originally - I knew daughter's ex husband had failed to supervise her adequately and she'd run out into the road and been hit by a car.

Fortunately no lasting physical damage but plenty of psychological!

Poor Lucy was absolutely petrified of traffic. She would shake and cry near roads and sometimes refuse to even move if she could hear cars nearby.

Since we live near major roads I had to help her somehow. I took her on lead to the local shops every day and gave her a treat when we crossed the road and again when we went back. Taught her to sit as we approached the road and praised her when she cottoned on.

She's nearly 11 now and still not best pleased around traffic but the terrible panic has gone. If it was up to her she'd avoid traffic like the plague but at least she can cope with it now.

So I'd say put your dog close to the fire and make it a nice experience for him. Lie down with him, stroke him, cuddle him, give him a treat so he associates the fire with good feelings.

With a bit of luck he will be shoving you out of the way soon so he can get closer to it!!