Article Title: Fearful Behavior In Dogs
Author: David Beart
Just like humans, some dogs are naturally shyer than others.
Shyness can be a devastating trait for dog and owner, making
both nervous about daily walks, trips to the dog park, and even
inviting others into the home. If your dog is scared of
strangers, do not be disheartened. With proper socialization,
obedience training, and leadership (from you, considered to be
the alpha dog), your pooch can overcome his fear of strangers,
and become your calm, self-assured and happy companion. Although
many dog owners assume that a fearful, cautious dog has endured
some type of abuse during his life, this is not always the case,
but it doesn't hurt to look into. Fearful behavior can be caused
by many things such as genetics, physical ailments, or lack of
socialization as a puppy. It can be learned from the mother's
behavior, and dog breeders see that boldness runs in certain
bloodlines, while timidity and nervousness run in others.
Deafness, ear infections, epilepsy, and thyroid problems can
cause a more nervous dog, so be sure to have your dog checked by
a veterinarian if he suddenly exhibits fearful behavior, when he
didn't before.
The problem with fear in dogs is that the fear may lead to
aggression when your dog's fight or flight response kicks in. A
scared dog will often run away from strangers, cower to look
small, or even hide behind its owner for safety. If the dog ever
feels trapped, which may only be imagined, but is quite real for
the dog, he may lash out by growling, charging, or biting at
whomever he feels is trapping him. If this person backs away,
the dog will learn that this behavior is effective at getting
what he wants (for the stranger to go away), and a new habit of
fear aggression will be formed. To avoid this potentially
dangerous habit, you must prevent your dog from becoming scared,
and also prevent positive rewards for aggressive behavior. Early
socialization is vital to prevent fear in dogs. Socialization
allows your dog to develop interactive skills with other dogs,
other kinds of animals, and people of all sizes and ages.
Puppies, like children or other baby animals, will form memories
and associations to what they learn at a young age. If they
learn to trust and interact with different people, they will be
comfortable with humans later on in life. On the other hand,
isolated puppies that have little interaction with people tend
to become attached to one person only, the owner. Unfortunately
for the dog, he will inevitable have to interact with other
people all the way through his life, like the vet or groomer.
However, one great characteristic of dogs is their ability to
learn new behavior at any age. If your dog is scared of
strangers, it is time to socialize.
A major part of overcoming your dog's fear is overcoming your
own anxiety and fear about your dog's actions toward others. Pay
attention to your own actions while walking your dog; do you
shorten the leash and tense up when a stranger approaches in
anticipation of your dog's behavior? Do you get nervous before
company comes to your home because you are fearful of how your
dog will interact with them? Just as your dog will grow more
fearful by sensing your anxiety and stress, he will find
confidence in your strong, assertive leadership. You must show
that your dog can relax knowing that he is safe under your care.
Ascertain your dominance through walks and obedience training,
and be aware of your own mental state during interactions with
strangers. During personal interactions, instruct others on how
to behave with your dog. On the first meeting, there should be
no eye contact or touching; the stranger should act impartial in
your dog. This allows your dog to have his own personal space,
and not to be threatened by what he perceives to be a dominant
stranger. Remember, you know your dog better than anyone else,
so be aware of his mental state at all times. If your dog is
afraid of children, hats, or loud noises, begin to expose him to
just those things, in very small doses at first. Increase
exposure only as your dog becomes more comfortable. Take your
dog for a walk past a school while children are outside. To keep
his mind from focusing on the children, ask him to sit, or lay
down; as long as he is focusing on you and the rewards for his
good behavior, his mind cannot be consumed with fear. It is
enormously important to remain upbeat and positive during these
training sessions, as your dog will feed off of your mood. You
can correct your dog for not obeying a command, but do not
punish for fearful behavior, as this will only increase anxiety.
Socialization is a life long process; the learning never ends
for your dog, and as long as you can help alleviate his fear, he
can continue living his life to the fullest.
About The Author: David Beart is owner of the
http://www.professo
dedicated to family, relationships,
http://www.professo
training, and household issues.
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