My corso and motorcycles :(

[Mack's mommy]

When my baby boy Mack was very young, I think maybe 3 months, we were taking him for a walk and he was doing great, well some IDIOT on a motorcycle (Harley) came zooming by us and revved his bike over and over and over right by my baby... He completely flipped out to the point we actually had to carry him home. Now at 5 months if he is even in the back yard peeing and hears a motorcycle go by he runs totally frantic to the back screen door and starts jumping up and clawing at the door for his life like he is about to die. I mean TOTAL PANIC.

Ok so not that I have ANYTHING against people that ride motorcycles, I have many in my family that do.. But this guy was just a complete jerk off and I wish I could find him and knock his stupid teeth out. There was absolutely NO need to do what he did...we were even walking him on a back dirt road. And he was laughing too at the way Mack was reacting to what he was doing. UGH, some people just need tormented like they torment others.

So now my question, what on earth can I do to cure his fear of motorcycles?? He is just absolutely petrified. please help ray:

 

[Ben Curtis]

I am of no use on how to correct your issue, but my Corso hates motorcycles along with planes, and chases both away from our property. He has been quite successful with both, or at least they both don't end up stopping.

Good luck.

 

[Mack's mommy]

Awe. Well thanks for replying

 

[cookiedough39]

I think you should call over one of your family members with motorcycles and have them come over your place. I'm thinking maybe 4 or 5 visits and Mack should be able to realize they are not a treat. Mack needs to confront his fears and you should should be there to encourage him through it. I'm no expert but that's what I would do.

 

[Mack's mommy]

Thanks cookiedough, and trust me he doesn't think they are a "treat" in any way shape or form. Like I said he runs for his life at the sound of one.

I will try that though, I have already but only once... Had treats with me and everything and had him come sit next to the bike, And then give treats so he isn't so afraid... Well he just acted like I was sacrificing him up for slaughter or something and I felt so bad I didn't do it again. But maybe I should... I dunno... I dunno what to do

 

[Ben Curtis]

Along those lines we had a similar issue with the vacuum just not to the extreme you seem to be having for obvious reasons. I ended up turning on the vacuum and just leaving it running, and went about my business. I also started putting prizes near and on the vacuum. It took him a while to approach it, and to get somewhat used to it. He now still barks at it, but is not scared at all.

Maybe if you do have someone over with a cycle, I would start by putting prizes around it not running. As your pup gets used to being around it, have them start it and leave it running, and see if you can get him to approach it. I don't think this is a quick solution, but over time his fears I believe will lessen.

 

[Mack's mommy]

Thanks Ben! That's a good idea... My family that ride are in another state but I do have a friend that rides too. So I'm gunna have to try that. He is just fine around them it seems until the noise starts. So I guess I will see what happens thanks for the advice!!!

 

[taisa899]

You might want to start with something a little smaller or quieter like a mini or dirt bike or even a lawnmower and then slowly work your way up to the louder bikes such as Harleys

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[Mack's mommy]

Good idea! Thank you!!! This is why I love this forum! So many great ideas

 

[taisa899]

Just remember to take it slow. Because the first experience to them was so traumatic it's going to take some time. Kind of like if you fell off a roof it would take some time till you were completely comfortable on all areas of that roof again

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[jersey girl]

I agree, you should expose him to a motorcycle and have him work through his fear. If he starts to freak out it's important that you don't...stay calm and quiet. Don't tell him "it's okay" or "poor boy" or pet him. Just ignore the behavior and try and distract him with some training. Does he know sit, down? Work him during this time and reward him for doing the work. You will more than likely have to repeat this process over time, but he should come around and realize the bike is not a threat. Remember this is a smart breed and good luck

 

[Mack's mommy]

Thank you guys so much... Yeah I do give in an do the whole " awe my baby, it's ok mommy's here" bit :/ so once again it's not just the dog that needs some training but his human too

 

[taisa899]

My girl is a rescue and she's scared of almost everything new, because of her fear she has aggression issues. I'm working with a trainer who has had Cane Corso's for most of his life. The way he and I are working on my girl Baby's fears are to, when she reacts to something I say to her "I see it" and then with her on lead I take a few steps towards it then make a turn and say to her "pay attention" so she focuses on me. I continue walking and turning with her never staying going in one direction for too long as I slowly move closer and closer to the object. Seems to be working as she is a bit less fearful of new things.
My situation is a little different than yours as I am working on correcting 2yrs of another persons mistakes

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[Mack's mommy]

Thank you so much... That is wonderful advice!

 

[DennasMom]

... I felt so bad I didn't do it again.

1. Don't feel bad for trying to help him over his fears - you're doing him a great service!
2. DO it again!!!!

This time do like jersey girl said - don't reward or reinforce his fears, tell him "hey, it's no big deal" and see if you can get him to "check it out". You show him by walking up to the bike that it's safe, then see if he'll follow you... treat quietly every step he makes toward the bike. Try it first when it's not running, then again when it is running... once he can do that as "no big deal"... then you can help him be ok with it when it starts moving.

It could take a number of short sessions to get him over it. That initial experience would be enough to make ME hate bikers, too!!!

Good thing you know people who ride and have motorcycles... otherwise you'd have to hunt out places where they frequent so you could work on it.

 

[Mack's mommy]

Thanks DeenasMom!! I am definitely trying my hardest!! I just feel so when he acts like I'm torturing him. I know it must be done tho! And such wonderful advice from all of you! Thank you soooooo much!!!

 

[Mack's mommy]

Feel so bad*

 

[marti1357]

Some dogs dislike motorcycles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCWm2xmUVUs