Dogs Dog Training Tips

Signs of Fear in Dogs and How to Help

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The signs of fear in dogs can vary from obvious to subtle depending on the dog and the source of their fear. Understanding these signs can help you address your dog's fears before they escalate. Here are the most common signs of fear in dogs and how to address them .

Signs of Fear in Dogs

Dogs communicate primarily using body language, but they may also exhibit specific behaviors when they are afraid. They may also experience physiological changes that appear as physical signs. There are several signs to look out for to determine when your dog is feeling fear:

Signs and Symptoms of a Fearful Dog

Illustration: The Spruce / Mary McLain

Causes of Fear in Dogs

Many factors can contribute to fear in dogs. Some dogs are afraid of multiple situations, while others have specific fears, such as veterinarians or riding in cars. In some cases, the dog has had a negative experience with the object of their fear.

Dogs who have experienced abuse or neglect are more likely to become fearful. However, adult dogs may develop fears of new experiences if they haven’t been adequately socialized as puppies. Some dogs are born with fearful personalities, but they can benefit from careful socialization starting at an early age.

How to Help a Fearful Dog

If you feel your dog is frequently in a state of extreme fear and anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about your concerns. Your vet may prescribe medication and provide you with resources for training and behavior modification. Your vet may also refer you to a veterinary behaviorist, an applied animal behaviorist, or a skilled dog trainer.

Some mildly fearful dogs may be treated by loving owners without professional help. In these cases, one must be patient and have an understanding of the dog's reality. Sometimes it's difficult to keep in mind that a dog who runs away from a welcoming owner is genuinely afraid.

One widely agreed-upon strategy is to give such a dog as much space as you can. Allow your dog to get away from the object of fear until the signs subside. Then, try distracting your dog with obedience cues and valuable treats. Gradually decrease the distance between your dog and the source of his fear while offering treats, but increase the distance if your dog shows signs of fear.

Avoid punishing a dog who has committed some act of aggression or engaged in destructive behavior as it may intensify their fear. In a sense, a fearful dog expects to be punished, which may be one reason why the dog is fearful.

Warning

A dog in fear may bite or show other aggressive behaviors in self-defense. Be safe and give the dog plenty of space. Do not attempt to handle a dog while they're displaying aggression.

Professional Help

Highly fearful dogs typically require professional help. Qualified animal behaviorists and dog trainers will go far beyond basic obedience and are better qualified to retrain a greatly fearful dog than even the most loving owner. In many cases, the outcome will be an improvement but not total rehabilitation. Look for a certified dog trainer or behaviorist with excellent recommendations.

Medications

Many dog owners resist the use of medications to treat fear in dogs. However, dog professionals and veterinarians know that certain dogs are unable to respond to behavioral approaches alone. An animal in a high state of fear or anxiety is generally unable to learn new things, so appropriate medications to reduce anxiety can be helpful.

Medication alone is not a solution, but it can be a useful tool to reduce your dog's anxiety and fear enough to allow behavioral approaches to take effect. The medication may not even need to be permanent.

It will take time to help your dog conquer his fears. Remain patient and act with consistency. Stay in contact with the professionals who have helped you. Follow the instructions provided by professionals and see each method through. If something is not working, there may be an alternative method for managing your dog's fears. 

How to Prevent Fear in Dogs

The best way to prevent fearful behavior in dogs is to socialize them from a young age. Fear is often the most difficult problem to address when fostering or adopting shelter animals because they're typically adults with unknown histories. But even a dog you've had for years can develop fears.

While you can't always prevent fears from developing, you can take some steps to socialize and expose your dog to a variety of situations.

  • Puppies should be exposed to as many new sights, sounds, smells, and situations as possible beginning early in life.
  • Adult dogs should still be exposed to new things, but it should be done more carefully and gradually.
  • Provide positive reinforcement when your puppy or dog is exposed to a new situation and does not show fear. Treats work well for this, but you can also offer a toy, praise, and petting.
  • Use space and distance to gauge your dog's reaction to a particular situation. Gradually move closer to new things while providing positive reinforcement, but move away as soon as you notice signs of fear.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.