Scary snowmen?

Is mine the only dog in the world that is scared of snowmen? He ran around the corner of the street last week barking and growling at something. I assumed it was a cat or a fox, but as I turned the corner it was a snowman that someone had built on the pavement and put a tweed cap on! He didn't stop growling until he got close and sniffed it.

So I thought it was a one off but tonight in the park he started going bananas at something I couldn't make out in the dark. This time it was just the snowball from a snowman that had melted down to one ball. There was another on the other side of the path and he started running to that too and barking. Good job I had him on the long lead as the path was icy and he could have pulled me over.

Snow joke!

Re: Scary snowmen?

My oldest didn't mind this one last time it snowed:

Re: Scary snowmen?

Mups not only is your dog totally lovely, but also very sensible to recognise an inanimate object. Or do snowmen develop a temporary spirit?!

Re: Scary snowmen?

Thank you Annie.

I imagine it was the element of surprise that upset your dog.
He rounded a corner and it was suddenly there in front of him.
Self preservation makes them either investigate - or attack.

My old gal saw me building this one bit by bit, she was with me all the time, so I guess it didn't frighten her.

Re: Scary snowmen?

Mups I guess I will have to hope for either snow so we can overcome Teddy's phobia together by me building a snowman, or no snow ever again so he never has to face his dreaded bogeyman!

Re: Scary snowmen?

Yes, if we have some more, I'd perhaps roll a small snowball for him to play with, then gradually make it a bit bigger and take it from there.
I'd perhaps also pretend to talk to the snowman, introduce him to your dog even. Involve him.
I know it sounds crazy, but if he sees you are 'friends' with Mr. Snowman, it might help him see it is nothing to be afraid of.

I can understand him being wary if this odd looking gremlin suddenly appears from nowhere, right in front of him, especially if it was big.

Re: Scary snowmen?

Of course they do. Have you not seen that film about them.

Re: Scary snowmen?

Lovely photo Mups

I hope you don't mind but your dogs photos always look like little baa lambs to me. Such cute looking dogs.