Like humans, dogs inherited from their ancestors a fear mechanism to protect themselves from danger in nature. Unfortunately, when our domestic friends display fear, it can pose a danger to themselves and others.
Understanding common fears and phobias that dogs can develop is the first step to relieving their stress and creating a safer, more comfortable home alongside our four-legged friends.
Let’s go over 10 of the most common fears your dog might have and how you can help.
Fear versus phobia
The most common mistake pet parents make is treating a fear or phobia as a behavioral problem. Fears, especially phobias, are caused by an emotional response rather than a behavioral problem. When we respond to fearful behavior with anger, we reinforce the idea that the trigger is negative.
Fears often arise from a lack of early exposure. Slowly exposing your puppy to new things can help him have positive experiences later. If your dog already has fears, slow down the exposure with positive reinforcement can help them cope.
Giving your pet their favorite treat, toy, or compliment when they’re faced with a trigger can help over time. It’s important to get the timing right rreward your dog the moment they come into contact with the problem.
Phobias are more complex and result from previous experiences. Sometimes it takes just one bad experience for a dog to develop a phobia. They may never resolve on their own and will likely get worse if left untreated. However, a phobia can be managed and even resolved with proper care.
How to know if your dog is afraid
Dogs express their fear in various ways. They may physically tremble, tuck their tail between their legs, pace, bark, hide, whine, or growl. Pay attention to your dog physical signs of anxiety can help you prepare.
If you understand their signals, you can avoid negative situations. Timing and planning can do wonders.
1. Situational phobias
The most common situational phobia is separation anxiety.
One way to help your pet deal with separation anxiety is to give them a fun treat. For example, a puzzle, a KONG stuffed with peanut butter, or collagen chews can occupy them while you are away.
Another tip is to not make a big deal when you leave and come back shouting goodbye or hello. Remain discreet and uneventful.
2. Fear of the vet
Many of us don’t like doctor visits. This is also true for our pets. Giving your canine friend a special treat at the vet or taking them somewhere fun before or after can make the experience easier.
3. Fear of new people
For many dogs, fear of new people arises when they are not exposed to other humans often. Taking them out more, allowing them to meet more people, and reinforcing greetings with treats and compliments can help.
Keeping a reactive dog on a leash and introducing him slowly is important for everyone’s safety. You can also use a vest with a warning label telling people that they are anxious and need space.
4. Fear of children
When dogs are afraid of children, it can create a dangerous environment. Just like fear of new people, this can be due to unfamiliarity. You need to be more careful with children because their behaviors and movements are more unpredictable.
Present them very slowly and at a distance. You should also tell children to be careful and move slowly for their protection.
5. Fear of car journeys
Fear of traveling by car can manifest itself in several ways. The dog may have had a bad experience, have motion sickness, or associate cars with trips to the vet or other negative environments.
If they don’t get car sick, taking them on frequent drives to places they enjoy can help them overcome their anxiety.
6. Fear of loud noises
Fireworks are a loud noise that dogs often fear. Fortunately, we know the popular fireworks festivals. You can plan ahead by keeping your pet in the quietest, safest place in the house or by giving him soothing treats or other medications recommended by the veterinarian.
7. Fear of storms
The most important thing for a dog who is afraid of storms to do is pay attention to the weather so you can prepare.
Set up a safe den for your dog or try to drown out the thunder with other noises like pleasant music. There are also body wraps and soothing treats. If your veterinarian recommends medication, you should administer it before the thunder begins.
8. Fear of objects
Vacuum cleaners are one of the most common objects a dog fears because they are noisy and move unexpectedly.
When you plan to vacuum or use a particular item, place your dog in another room with his favorite toy or chew. Never chase a dog with an object that makes him uncomfortable, as this could make him more reactive.
9. Fear of other dogs
When a dog reacts to other dogs, taking him out can be difficult. Repeated exposure to dogs who feel comfortable around other canine friends can help them learn positive behavior.
Always go slowly when introducing your dog to other animals. Just like humans, it can take them a while to feel comfortable around someone new.
Some dogs have had negative experiences with other dogs before. When this is the case, it may take longer to resolve the situation. Sometimes a dog never fully recovers and adapts better to a one-dog household.
10. Fear of stairs and hard surfaces
Dogs are afraid of things they don’t understand. If your pet is afraid of stairs or unfamiliar surfaces like slippery floors, this is normal.
They will most likely overcome fear with exposure over time and through positive reinforcement. You can place rugs on slippery surfaces to make them more comfortable.
Training
Research indicates that average cognitive ability of a dog is close to a 2 year old human. When training your dog, think about how you might distract a toddler from something he doesn’t like.
Although fear and phobias are emotional responses, training can help your dog by giving him the means to communicate better. Training can help build a dog’s confidence and understand signals.
Basic obedience training can redirect unwanted behavior. For example, if you are on a walk and a stranger approaches, you can command your dog to sit and focus on you.
Therapies
Sometimes managing your dog’s fear cannot be managed through environmental and behavioral adjustments alone. If this is the case, contact your veterinarian. There are many affordable options, such as anti-anxiety medications or calming sprays, that can help.
Conclusion
Just like humans, dogs have individual personalities and problems to solve. As parents of our pets, we need to be there for them and help our canine friends through tough times.