Dog traumatized after witnessing accident

[anndruu12]

To make a long story a little shorter, about two weeks ago I took my dog outside before bed to use the bathroom. While we were out there, there was a bad single car accident that happened right next to where we were that involved a lot of noise. I was the only one there, so I called 911 and had to wait there for emergency crews to arrive, who of course came in loud vehicles with loud sirens.

Since this happened, my dog is absolutely terrified to go outside for walks or to use the bathroom. Any little noise sends him over the edge. When I take him out, he immediately uses the bathroom, and then sticks the tail between the legs and pulls and fights to get back inside. He is a very well behaved and obedient dog at all other times. I have tried walking him in different areas away from where the accident was, it doesn't help. Any ideas on how to calm him down, or is this just something that time will heal? Thanks for any tips!

I should mention he is a 3 year old pit/boxer mix that I rescued. Also, we live in an apartment building and since this has happened, he has started peeing in the hallway or the stairwell on our way to go outside. I assume he thinks this will keep him from having to go outside. He NEVER went to the bathroom anywhere but outside before this happened.

[Jerry_NJ]

Do you have an access to a "dog park"?  Getting you dog outside in a social environment with other dogs could help.

Can you take you dog somewhere in your car that will be a change of "outside scenery"?  A park - somewhere away from cars and traffic.

[veronicaalex13]

You have to push him through it, he is nervous about being outside but you cannot nurture the unwanted behavior. You also cannot be hard on him because it will upset him more. My suggestion to you is to find a toy that motivates him and if he is half pitty then he most likely likes to bite and pull (they are very play driven) find a tug get the dog interested. Have fun with him in your apartment first! lots of praise, then start taking him outside with the tug, make it a game, like baby steps towards going outside with the reward being the tug, or treats but in my experiance a treat only gets you so far and its better to use a play item for a dog with drive. You can also find a recording of some sirens and play them when he is deeply into his game. If that fails and he becomes worse find a REPUTABLE trainer and for a sensitive dog find one that insists on striking balance and uses praise!, also please take up a OB class, your dog is not trusting the decisions you are making, you need a bond with him :)

[amielynn24]

Encourage him to go outside.. not just to potty but for playtime.  Give him treats when he goes to the door, treats when he gets outside, etc.  Positive reinforcement - lots of praise.