Just like us, dogs are subject to fear, a complex emotion that has an impact on their well-being. But what causes this fear in our dog companions? How can we spot signs of an anxious dog ? Above all, how can we help them overcome their fears? This is what we will see in this article on fear in dogs.
The origins of fear in dogs
Different forms of fear
Fear is an unpleasant emotion that will disrupt our senses, influence our perceptions, our mental health and also our physical health. In dogs, fear can take 2 main forms :
Reactionary Fear This form of fear occurs when the danger is Perceptible and known. It usually causes sharp and brutal reaction In dogs, for example, when confronted with another dog perceived as threatening. This reaction manifests itself by grunting, barking, or leaking in some cases.
Anxiety Anxiety occurs when danger is unknown or unpredictable. This type of fear causes a emotion more diffuse and spread over time. Anxiety dogs will tend to have tremors, moaningor destructive behavior. Outdoor noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, are examples of situations that can cause anxiety in dogs. This form of fear occurs when we lack information about the precise nature of the threat and how to deal with it. It is this uncertainty that feeds our imagination and pushes us to anticipate the worst, thus creating anxiety.
How to identify a fearful dog
Behavioural signs
A scared dog is easily recognizable. If the dog doesn't tell us clearly, it's his body that does it for him. Indeed, Fear usually translates into body language from the tail between the legs to the involuntary urination. If you fail to distinguish between behavioural signs in your dog, try to pay attention to these different points that are often Evocative of a feeling of fear :
- The belly down,
- Low ears,
- The tail between the legs,
- The grunts,
- The tremors,
- The leak,
- The barking,
- The moaning,
- Aggressive behaviour
- Involuntary urination.
In the face of fear, dogs will seek to protect themselves and drive away the source of their fear. It must therefore be understood that these unpleasant behaviors are the result of an instinctive reaction, not a lack of education or a rebel spirit. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the situation with a great deal of discernment and understanding, in order to avoid inflicting illlogical punishment or restrictions on your dog. Otherwise, the risk is that your dog will not understand what is happening to him and that it will strengthen his feeling of fear.
Solutions: The guide to help a scared dog feel better
Step 1: Identify the Cause of Fear
To help your dog fight its fears, it is essential to determine the causes. For this, you must take the time to observe and take note of the situations which seem to frighten. This may be the presence of other dogs, unknowns, loud noises, or special situations such as veterinary visits or car trips. Once the cause is determined, it will be easier for you to help your companion feel more comfortable.
Step 2: Be patient and understanding
The first mistake not to make after determining the cause of fear in your dog is to force him to face directly the source of his fear. Indeed, if you do not draw up a step-by-step action plan, there is a great chance that your dog's fear will grow stronger and his fears worsen. Put yourself in his place, if you were arachnophobic you would certainly not want to be covered with spiders and, otherwise, it would traumatize you and make you even more phobic. Well for dogs it's the same. The advice to keep in mind is therefore tobe patient and understanding, to understand the fear of your dog and to help him gradually to feel better. In short, Show him you're here to support him and help him overcome his fears gently.
Step 3: Desensitization and counter-conditioning
For Fighting Fear, there is 2 techniques Additional: desensitisation and counter-conditioning.
The desensitisation is a process of gradually expose the dog to the source of his fear, starting with low intensities and gradually increasing. The aim of this technique is to gradually get the animal used to the anxiety stimuli he feels, so that he can trust him and realize for himself that the situation is not dangerous and that there is no reason to be afraid. This technique is very effective, but can take time depending on the intensity of the dog's fear. But again, if you manage to remain patient and understanding, fear should end up going away.
The Reconditioning, for its part, is a method aimed at create a positive association with the source of fear. When your dog is exposed to what scares him, reward him with treats, caresses, or games for him to associate this situation with something pleasant. In case your dog is afraid of the car, for example, you can reward it when it gets in. Note that in this case, sometimes fear is not the cause, but rather the evil of transport. We also wrote a blog post to explain how to relieve transport sickness in dogs and cats.
Combining these 2 methods, your dog will gradually progress to dominate his fear without being bruised, all by being rewarded at each stage allowing him to take confidence in him.
Additional step: Help from a professional
Some very deep fears may require professional support, if you encounter difficulties in managing your dog's fear or if you think his or her behaviour may pose a danger to himself or others, it is advisable to consult a dog behaviour professional or a veterinarian. They can guide you in identifying the causes of fear and you propose suitable solutions.
Bonus step: Food supplements to calm the dog
One of the most common symptoms of fear is excessive stress. This stress will cause health problems and make the desensitisation phase of Step 2 more difficult. It can therefore be interesting touse certain herbal supplements to reduce stress and anxiety. The advantage of these supplements is that they are natural and safe for the dog. In this case, plants such as Hops, griffonia, the passivelife and Valerian are recommended to deal with stressful situations. In fact, these plants have active ingredients contributing to effects Calmers, relaxing and anxiolytics, thus promoting mood and stress regulation.
At Veto Companion, we know how valuable the health of dogs and cats is, which is why we have been working with the Florapina Laboratory to design respectful and listening products for our four-legged companions. It is in this perspective that we have designed the COMPLEX LIQUID CALME AND STRESS, a mixture of hops, griffonia, passivelore and valerian for accompany animals in their quest for calm and serenity.
Prevention and advice for fearful dog owners
Prevention from an early age
The prevention of fears in dogs must begin at an early age. The first weeks of a puppy's life are crucial for its behavioral development and building confidence in its environment. During this period, attention must be paid to the socialization andanimal education to prevent excessive fears and behavioural disorders in adulthood. We must therefore not seek to overprotect it by removing it from any danger, but rather to expose it to various situations and stimuli. This includes:
- Interactions with other dogs,
- Kids,
- Adults,
- The noises of everyday life,
- Different environments (inside and outside).
Creating a secure environment
Whatever you do, your dog will inevitably face fear in his life. For his well-being, everything is his. provide an environment in which he feels safe and comfortable. Make sure it has a quiet and comfortable space where it can take refuge in case of fear. When your dog is confronted with stressful situations, stay calm and reassuring, and avoid scolding or punishing him, as this could worsen his fear. Encourage him to explore and interact with his environment by rewarding him with treats and congratulations.
Take a positive and reassuring attitude
Your attitude has a direct influence on your animal's behavior. Take a positive and reassuring attitude in the presence of your dog, and avoid showing your own stress or anxiety, dogs feel it. By being a model of calm and trust, you will help your dog feel safer and better manage its fears.
Conclusion
Fear in dogs is a natural emotion that can be triggered by various situations. To help your dog overcome his fears, it is important to understand the causes of his fear, to accompany him with patience and understanding, and to put in place suitable solutions. If necessary, you can collaborate with a dog behaviour professional or consider taking food supplements, find our category of products to calm anxiety and stress of dog and cat. Finally, watch out for its good development in the first weeks of its life, provide it with a healthy and soothing environment and take a reassuring attitude, thus contributing to the well-being of your dog and strengthening the relationship that unites you.
