Help Fearful Dogs Feel Safe

One of the most important things for all dog owners to be able to do is to recognize when their dogs feel unsafe.

All dogs will experience fear. It is important that we, as dog owners (and lovers) can recognize when our dogs are uncomfortable so that we can assist them in bringing them back to calm and happy. Fear can often be expressed as aggression. Aggressive dogs tend to be scared or have experienced fear often.

Fearful dogs exhibit some specific behaviors, listed below. However, it is important to remember that a fearful dog will show more than one of the following behaviors and some of these behaviors alone, do not mean that your dog is experiencing fear. It is important to look at the context and environment of these behaviors.

Signs of a fearful dog:

• tucked tail

• ears pulled back

• licking their lips or nose

• wide eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)

• looking away, avoiding gaze

• lifting a single paw

• trembling or shaking

• a low body posture

• excessive yawning

• excessive panting

• hiding

• not moving or a stiff, frozen posture

• aggression

• reactive (lunging, pulling, etc.)

• excessive barking or growling

Pay attention to your dog’s emotions and when they are telling you that they are uncomfortable.

Once you are aware of when your dog is scared as well as what is making them scared, change the environment (as much as you can) so that your dog feels safe and confident. This may mean that you need to avoid certain situations, environments, people, or activities. It will look different depending on your dog and what is triggering your dog (causing your dog to be scared).

To help fearful dogs, you will need to create a plan and gradually help your dog grow their confidence. Your plan may include desensitization or counter-conditioning. Aim at changing your dog's emotions (not their behaviours). Fear is an emotion, not a behavior.

The most important aspects of creating a plan to assist your dog with its fear will include:

• A way to comfort your dog. You are a secure base for your dog. Provide your dog with the sense of safety and let them know that you understand their fear and are here to help them.

• A plan free of punishment. Never use any form of punishment.

• Patience. Don't force your dog to face their fears before they are ready. Move at your dog's pace.

• A way that you will ensure your dog remains safe, calm, and happy

• Activities that build your dog's confidence

• More relaxing activities (meditation, massage, de-stressing activities)

• Compassion. Understand your dog is having a hard time (not giving you a hard time)

  
  

Fear can take a long time to resolve, and in some cases, your dog may never be able to experience triggers.

For more details on how to help fearful dogs feel safe, calm, and happy, watch the videos below.

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