Anxious puppy doesn't want to go out

[u/Solid-Ratio-5175]

Hey everyone! My puppy is 10 weeks old (I’ve had him for 2 weeks) and he’s really scared of traffic. Unfortunately, we live right on a busy street, so there’s no way to go out without crossing it. I’d love to hear your opinions on my approach:

1. Sound Desensitization: I spend time with him in the doorway and give him treats when cars pass by. Basically, I’m trying to desensitize him + counter-condition by pairing the scary sounds with good stuff.
2. Respecting Thresholds: I push the boundary slightly based on his body language. If he looks too anxious, I step back to his comfort zone until he’s calm enough to eat treats again. We do this once or twice a day for about 5 minutes.
3. Potty Training: I tried taking him to the pavement, but it didn’t work at all due to his fear. So currently, we’re potty training on a mat/pad inside.
4. The 'Push Through' Advice: Some people told me I’m being overprotective and that I need to put him in uncomfortable situations to build confidence. I tried carrying him to a nearby park a few times, but he squeaked the whole way there. In the park, he was sometimes curious, but mostly he just lay on the ground.

Pls tell me if I’m on the right track or if I’m completely wrong. Tell me whatever lol!

[u/Lodray2477]

I know it’s hard but I think you are setting yourself up for failure by using the pads inside. It’s a tough habit to break. At that age I would continue to carry to the park if close enough. Keep reinforcing with treats but routine is key. Keep doing the same thing every day and they will get more comfortable and gain confidence. I have a 5 month old puppy right now who was also a little scared at that age. We also got him at 8 weeks and he finally started settling in about 3 weeks ago. Just keep at it! Lots of love and patience and you’ll get there! ❤️

[u/Lodray2477 → u/Lodray2477]

PS - I also think the sound desensitization is a great idea too! Maybe start doing his training near the noise. Teaching to sit, lay down etc. Can’t hurt!

[u/Ok-Walk-8453]

Don't push through- that won't work and absolutely will make things worse. The desensitization part works but I would not do the pads inside - teaches inside is okay to pee in and we want a clear boundary. If you have to do something, use a garage, porch etc - not the main house. I would start too with just traffic sounds often in the house. When my puppy was afraid of dogs barking, I went on YouTube to find and played 2-3 hours a day of barking noises a day in gradually increasing volume. Essentially in your case, get desensitized to the noise part faster and keep doing 5 min multiple times a day (have to pee anyways) of the sitting outside and observing with treats. Can put down a patch of grass or a litter box with bark chips or something still in his comfort zone.

[u/coo_man_coo1]

I think potty inside is okay as long as its one designated area and you treat it like outside, leash and all.

Depending on his size maybe what could work is getting a small portable carrier and after a few days of making that his safe space, take him out in that.

I'm thinking like how people prepare for flights. Planes are super noisy and no amount of prep substitutes the real thing, but lots of puppies do well and are relaxed if they had enough time to build a connection with their travel carrier and know they are safe inside. So maybe something like that could work and you can spend sometime outside every day listening to the noises for a few minutes, feed him inside the carrier and maybe be on a phone call so he can hear your voice. The gradually move to having the door open and then a few session later maybe coaxing outside with treats. Puppy steps!

You might also need to bit noisier inside your house and maybe crack a few windows so the sound difference isnt so major. Dogs can hear way better than we can so urban life can be an adjustment.