Dog wont cross bridges

[Stickerbush]

went with a hike with her today and she was freaked out to cross a footbridge 5 ft off the ground at most. And I distinctly remember her crossing the same one before.

anybody know anything to do about this? She somehow learned to be afraid of it without any reason, I've heard people say babies arent afraid of heights, this could be the same kind of thing...

[superdown]

  put a leash on her and walk her back and forth over the bridge and give her a treat when she gets to the other side she'll get over it (no pun intended) pretty quickly

[Skyvalhunter]

How old is she? It took my dog a while to even go thru a small stream.

[sisu]

Superdown has it nailed. Treats will work. If dog is real scared go treats 1/2 way and at end of bridge. Treats make the dog's world go round.

[Stickerbush]

How old is she? It took my dog a while to even go thru a small stream.

she is 2, this bridge was above a small irrigation ditch that was dry. I tried walking her across but she wouldnt have it, almost jumped right off rather than walking across. its not a big deal now but I can see it being a problem, I'll try the treats method though and make sure shes really hungry too

[PacificNWhunter]

My GSP is hit or miss, I think some of it has to do with how it feels. He hates bridges that shake or have holes in them. He'll cross after a little hesitation, no treats needed he just hates not being 1st down the trail 

[huntergreg]

My lab is almost 3 and she will not walk onto vinyl floors. Or even a concrete walkway with ice on it.

[400out]

Have you guys tried tape on hte paws 

[sisu]

The metal ramps and docks at launch sites that are like a combo of expanded steel and three way plate
similar to this photo but but not 100% closed surface. My Red Nose had to be carried to the boat before otherwise she'd swim to the boat and we'd have to haul her wet butt in. Now the lab he sees the boat and he does not care one iota about the dock's texture. He knows he is going for a boat ride and that is that, but lord save us if he sees a duck or goose before I can grab his collar or tell him NO! WE were going under way one day about 3 years ago, when I saw some water fowl and in he went at bout 15-20 miles per hour. Thank goodness it was off to the side of the boat so he cleared every thing. There were several boats around at the time and they all had a hoot over the abandon ship responce of the dog.

[Stickerbush]

she gets freaked by floating docks too, I think I might fry up some bacon to entice her. She loves meat!

[Rowdy]

My pup does not like the Umtanum walk-in bridge but he powers through it.  Going in he knows what's on the other side is worth it and coming out he's so damn tired he just wants to get back to the rig and sleep.  Its pretty funny though, going across he puts his head down and walks a straight line down the center to the other side.  I usually just let him go ahead and wait at the other side because he gets pretty nervous if I make him turn around. I have a picture somewhere. 

[sisu]

Rowdy, Gus is like that when we are out in the field and come to cattle guards, be they painted or the real thing, he wants to go around, so I let unless there are beef, sheep etc about. Coming back all tuckered out he usually puts one foot per bar and walks across.
Dogs are great partners, a little love, a treat, share some lunch and they are happy.

[Ray]

My dog is going to be 9 years old. He is still wary of crossing a bridge or walking on a dock over the water. Exposure helps and I always use a leash and lead the way.

[shooternme]

went with a hike with her today and she was freaked out to cross a footbridge 5 ft off the ground at most. And I distinctly remember her crossing the same one before.

anybody know anything to do about this? She somehow learned to be afraid of it without any reason, I've heard people say babies arent afraid of heights, this could be the same kind of thing...

What I would do, have her on leash and in a playful mood. Take a long run (50yrds) to the bridge and keep praising her while you do it. The faster the better. The most important part will be you keeping your head forward and not hesitating expecting her to hesitate. She may freeze up on you so don't get frustrated just try again. When she sees her fearless leader take charge she will follow. Always give lots of praise. You want 100% effort and 80% efficency.


Edit: Never force or carry the dog onto the bridge. She needs to get over this without that kind of help. Unless her safety is in jepordy.