Toby is a Beagle mix with a finely tuned startle reflex.
Everything, and I mean everything, makes him jump. Noises, lights, movement, the slightest breeze, will cause him to panic, wince, then flee.
If you’ve ever watched the film The Shining and been on the edge of Stephen King’s prickly terror, you have an inkling of the thin wire that Toby balances on each day of his tense little life.
Poor Toby. What a way to barely function. Talk about disturbed sleep. For him AND his human companions.
What can his owners do to help their strung-out pup relax?
If you have a Toby, here is what NOT to do:
Don’t touch, carry, coddle, soothe or otherwise reassure your dog. Doing so will only make him more nervous.
Do not yell “Relax already! Take a Chill Pill!” at him. It may make you feel better, but will likely either inspire submissive urination or cause him to hide under the bed.
Do not try to insulate him from the world at large. Not exposing him to everyday sounds and activities doesn’t solve the problem. It just temporarily manages the symptoms.
For help with your nervous or timid dog, read The Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears by Patricia McConnell and A Guide to Living With & Training a Fearful Dog by Debbie Jacobs. And of course, seek professional help from your favorite dog trainer.
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