PAWUP Freeze Dried Chicken Heart Pet Treats, High Protein Freeze-Dried Pet Food for Dogs, Cats, Fresh Ingredient, 3.2 oz, Rawhide Free, Gluten&Grain Free

Hi! It must be terrible to see your baby so spooked and unable to enjoy something he used to love! I'd recommend some positive association. I also have been walking one of my kitties since he was little, and we have encountered everything from large 20+ person groups of joggers to off leash dogs. Your kitty needs to know that you will keep him safe during these walks, and some positive reinforcement to show that he will be okay! Step 1: Get a little training clicker (often used for dog training) and some of his fave treats! Click the clicker, and every time he hears the click he should get a treat. This teaches your kitty that every time the clicker goes off, he will get a treat! I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F6FTTM7?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title Step 2: Start slow. Use the clicker and treats when just putting him in his harness/on his leash. (If you don't use these, I would demand, if I could, that you do. This will help you protect your kitty from any other threats or off leash dogs as you will be able to keep him close so you can pick him up and out of harms way!) Using the clicker and giving the treats while he wears his walking gear can teach him that he doesn't have to associate his walking gear with negative memories, and instead can associate it positively with yummy treats! Step 3: once you start seeing his behavior change around his walking gear, continue to take it slow and take him outside. Some important notes here- 1. You need to remain calm even if he is distressed. Again he needs to know he can count on you for safety! If he looks up at you and sees that you're calm and safe, it will help de-escalate his anxiety. 2. Show him that the outside is good via the treat system & clicker. Once outside, reward him for being a big brave kitty! Don't rush him through the process. Just be stable, be there, and bring the positive reinforcement! 3. Don't try to walk him at this point. This stage is just to show he he doesn't need to be fearful of the outdoors! If you push him too fast, it'll show him that you don't respect his boundaries and will only create a sense of fear with you instead of the safety we want to encourage! Step 4: Once he starts getting a sense of natural exploration back, allow him to explore/walk at his own pace, and reward him whenever he shows progress, curiosity, and bravery! Step 5: Once you start getting on regular walks again, continue to use the clicker whenever he gets spooked to change a scary encounter to a happy one! If the treat is yummy enough, it might even help him take his attention away from whatever is causing him anxiety! other tips: When walking your kitty, if you notice another person or dog on the road, hold your kitty tightly by the leash and hunker down by/over him (like how dog owners will have their dog stand alert between their legs) This will give your kitty a sense of safety as he can hide under/besides/behind you! Wait until the "threat" passes you, and reward your kitties bravery with a treat! Also, if another animal is charging your kitty, pick them up and hold them tight in your arms to get them away from the threat. Keep in mind!: When cats feel threatened they get tunnel vision! This means they may lash out at you in a blind panic. It is important to remember that even if your cat is freaking out you must stay calm so to not add to their panic. They don't intend to cause you harm, they are just scared! You need to be able to show your kitty that you are someone they can trust their lives with, and someone that will protect them. If there is another off leash dog situation, do what you need to do to keep the dog away from you or yourself away from the dog. Use your legs to push the dog aside, or simply shouting for the owner while trying to remove yourself from the situation are both good options. If kitty hates a leash/harness: Try using a kitty bag! I'd recommend one like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086TRPX7Y?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 which offers visibility and lots of air circulation so they don't bake in the kitty bag. Treat recommendations: Since there will be lots of treats used in this endeavor, I recommend a healthy treat like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM94HGCH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 Since they are freeze dried chicken hearts, most cats will go NUTS for them while still be a very healthy treat alternative so they don't gain any unhealthy weight! I wish you the best of luck with you and your kitty! It would be wonderful to hear updates on your kitties progress as time goes on ❤️