[gennnniiikk]

Just recently I've changed our routine and have started walking Diesel at night time, being here the UK its perhaps a more sensible time any way. However the last few nights he has seemed very spooked, hackles up the whole time, he's very suspicious of anyone walking or riding by and won't engage in ball play. Also he stays very close to me, he's generally fearless so I'm not sure he's scared maybe trying to protect? It's all a bit odd. The first few nights he was fine and he walks to the shops and to my friends in the evening quite often so its not a new experience..any one else had a similar experience? He's fine now we're home and all tucked up

[PheliarearY]

I can't figure it if he's used to being out at night. Anything bad happen or did something startle him?

[gennnniiikk]

No not that I noticed. Not sure if he maybe saw something in the trees or bushes, normally he's growl at something he doesn't trust. For example at fireworks, cats, the hoover, the postman etc. Something seriously spooked him. He was really on guard

[tobia]

I walk/run at night all the time and they never act like that. Its on campus, so theres always lots of stuff going on. They are also smart enough to know the difference between students being silly, profs, campus safety, etc. and random townies that are NOT supposed to be there (its a private college).

I guess work on a lot of positive reinforcement stuff with him and get him socialized more to the differences in walking at night.

[Casyimipist]

I walk the dogs a night all the time. In fact, it's about 10:30pm, and we are going to the park.

[WrinnaArraple]

Waaaait, you mean people walk during the DAY?

I would just keep taking your dog out and see if his behaviour continues or if it improves. Maybe change the area you walk? Could be something that he doesn't like along the way.

[gennnniiikk]

Thanks for the input I'm just beginning to think he saw a badger or something in the trees and got spooked. Night time walking is way better, less dogs and people around, so he'll just have to get used it. I'll try some other parks.

[FloareTraurne]

I know my lot are alot more alert when we are out at night, especially on leads they become protective and more aware,well mine do anyway.



Tracie.x

[DJElizardo]

His vision in the dark is limited, so he's a bit afraid he's gonna lose you.

as simple as that!

When walking my ast in the evening he always comes to check where am I. At the daytime he just looks at me to check where am I

[lierro]

I tend to think there's something in the environment he is keenly aware of.

I know my dogs are at their most active and alert, just at the time of darkness. They are much more reactive to subtle sounds and I've observed they rely on and use their sense of smell more too.

In general, there is not only a heightened activity level across the city with dogs barking far and near as working folks get home and interact with their pets ... but night creatures stir and are about. All to pique the dogs interests.

As you note, a badger or some other critter of a undetermined nature to Diesel, may have wandered into the area.

[valiumnopresc]

yes, my dog is much more alert and protective at night. happy to greet everyone during day, but suspicious at night. nothing to be worried about, just don't run up behind me at night!

[PheliarearY]

How are you when out at night? Do you feel relaxed and safe or are you a bit nervous? Are you worried about someone seeing him and taking him away from you due to breed? Are you worrying about how he will act? If you aren't relaxed, maybe he is responding to your tension or stress.

[gennnniiikk]

Yeah literally all of you have good points, I'm walking him a lot on the leash while out at the moment and seems better. His behaviour I think was due to a badger or something originally and then heightened by the dark.@MJ hmmm I think I'm quite at ease at night and to be honest I don't tell anyone his breed except people I trust. Also most people here don't know what an apbt is it seems

[GSgCGxsF]

One thing a SAR guy showed me is that dogs can see much better at night then people can, and once the dog understands that you can't they tend to get more alert for you. So chances are he's seeing, smelling, and/or hearing something he's not fond of.

For anyone curious about Canine sight at night time:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1108140336.htm

[Xxmlqevq]

That's just strange. Most dogs love running around at night. That's the only time I could cut my dogs loose during grad school. We turned it into cat hunting time. Too bad he's upset because that's also a great time for you to walk and think.

[redDoodia]

Tegan still enjoys her walks at night (the only time I can walk her unmuzzled - I know, I know, Shh!) but I find her to be much more protective of me. She is never scared or aggressive, but definitely alert and aloof with strangers.

[Xxmlqevq]

Yea, I totally get what Tegan does, but admit it's a little strange that the OP's dog is afraid. That seems abnormal, right?

[redDoodia]

It does, yes. I am at a loss for any remedies, though.

[Xxmlqevq]

Yea, sounds about as strange as someone saying, "my dog is afraid to walk during the day."

[gennnniiikk]

I think its all been a bit misunserstood, he behaved oddly once, but he was so out of character that I wondered what had caused it and whether anyone had had a similar experience. Normally in the dark he is fine and since I've just kept him on the leash to watch his responses.

---------- Post added at 05:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:07 PM ----------

Sorry actually its happened twice, I realise I said a few times on the original post. My bad