Dogs and Fear

by Anne-Marie Mayes

There are many reasons why dogs can be fearful, including: Change in environment; May have been physically harmed or reprimanded; Confusion or lack of understanding of different situations; and Increased anxiety

Many people think a dog shows signs of fear by cowering, tucking their tail, or hiding. In reality, many dogs express their fear by barking, growling, baring their teeth, or lunging at the thing they are scared of in order to try to get distance. Unfortunately, when dogs express their fear This way many people believe that they need to be punished or disciplined for the behaviour instead of understanding the reason why the dog is experiencing this intense fear.

Most dogs bite as a last resort. For example if a dog is afraid of a person, they might start with a display of fear by barking or growling, then if this is ignored they escalate to baring teeth, air snapping, lunging, moving forward quickly and then running back until the dog eventually makes contact with the person nipping or biting them with their front teeth, eventually multiple bites.  Depending on the environment that the dog is raised in, if their body language is not being listened to and they continue to be stressed they will learn that the lower level warnings do not work and they escalate to lunging or biting more quickly.

Most dogs operate on a flight or fight reflex.  Depending on the environment that the dog was raised in as well as genetics they may have intense reactions to situations. When dogs are rehomed or adopted from a rescue some of the dogs experiences are unknown therefore we need to be more understanding when introducing situations or environments to them.

For example: I want to use the situation of fostering or adopting an older dog into your household.  These dogs are unable to verbally explain what life situations they have experienced so we need to learn from their body language and behaviour. This is why I recommend to meet the dog on neutral ground outside, so the dog does not feel cornered or stuck as some of these dogs have not regularly lived indoors.  Dogs that have grown up living on their own without an owner present in their daily life lack the connection of trust with a human. 

When bringing a dog into our house we forget that there are doorways and hallways, which may be stressful when the dog passes people or other dogs in this space.   When dogs adjust to a new environment it may take weeks so they should not be judged on their initial reaction and given time to learn. Whether you are only fostering the dog or taking care of them long term, most dogs after 6 weeks believe your home is theirs and may show different behaviours once they feel comfortable to express how they really feel. Do not punish this behaviour, but work to understand it as it was our choice to have this animal in our home.  Reach out to an educated professional to address the issues 

There are many of us experienced and certified trainers that want to help and teach you, we have taken the time to find or create resources: internet podcasts, books, articles or seminars.

The majority of dogs do not want to be aggressive, but can escalate into fear-aggression behaviours if left unaddressed or if they learn that they will be punished for expressing fear.

Even if you have only had one episode then learn why it happened. Don’t just ignore it until you have multiple occurrences which caused more emotional and mental damage to your dog as well as yourself

Do not address fear with pain and punishment. Address it with patience and understanding.

Lucy is barking and lunging at a visitor in her house. The owners don't realize she is scared and protecting herself trying to scare them away.