Just like humans, dogs can get fearful, scared, or anxious – and some more than others. Nobody wants to see their dog scared, of course, but if you do have a fearful dog it’s important to know what you can do to help them.
It can be difficult to know how to best care for your fearful dog – it’s easy for your mind to go to plenty of cuddles and some of the best dog toys! – but that’s where expert trainer and behaviorist Renee Rhoades comes in. In a recent Instagram post, she’s laid out five things our fearful dogs really want us to know.
“Caring for a fearful dog's needs can be challenging, but the key is understanding,” says Rhoades in her caption. So, without further ado, here’s five things that will help you understand your pup better.
1) Adding in something nice helps: “You might think that adding in something your dog likes, such as food, comfort or play when they are reacting, is reinforcing their behavior,” says Rhoades, “But this is not true.”
Really, there’s no harm in making your dog feel more comfortable with one of their favorite things. After all, if you were feeling scared, you’d want a friend or loved one there to do nice things for you – dogs are no different in this regard!
2) I’m not being mean when I growl: Sometimes, dog parents punish their pups for growling, but dogs aren’t growling for the sake of it, or to be mean! They growl as a means of defending themselves.
Rhoades describes it as the equivalent of a human saying ‘Please stop’: “Your dog doesn’t want conflict, they want space,” she explains. Here’s how to read dog body language for more signs that your dog may want some more space.
3) Obedience doesn’t solve my behavior: “You could have the most ‘obedient’ dog, but fear will always override any obedience because the feeling of safety is the most important element for animals,” says Rhoades.
4) It is okay to comfort me: As well as adding in something nice that your dog likes, it’s fine for you to comfort them, too! For animals, feeling safe is one of the most reinforcing feelings, and by comforting your pup you’ll help them feel safe.
As Rhoades puts it, “Offering security helps to reduce fear, not cause it.”
5) I have no understanding of morality: Dogs aren’t able to understand right and wrong like humans. These are human concepts that can’t be applied to our pets. So, our dogs aren’t deliberately trying to upset or annoy us.
To find out more about things that can make our pooches scared, here are 32 everyday fears and phobias in dogs. How do I know if I have a scared dog, meanwhile? If you’re not sure, this guide will offer you some valuable advice.
