Fear is very common in all animals and dogs
Dogs naturally avoid people or things that frighten them. When animals become fearful their immediate reaction is often physical. Some may lunge and/or bark at what they are afraid of, trying to make it go further away, whilst others may appear depressed or even disinterested. The ears and tail can indicate the moment when they begin to experience fear or anxiety. Some dogs become fearful as a result of abuse or a bad experience; mostly however it is the result of a combination of a genetic predisposition and a lack of experience, especially during the first months of life. For instance, a dog may have missed out on being properly and thoroughly socialised to certain kinds of people for example, simply by not being around them enough as a puppy.
Environmental sights and sounds
There will always be environmental sights and sounds that can cause any dog to be afraid or frightened and it doesn't matter whether the animal is living in a crowded city or a spacious rural environment. For example, dogs have an instinctual fear of loud noises and flashing lights. When two clouds are separated by a lightning bolt, and then re-merge, a flash of light and sustained, loud `rumble' occur. Upon seeing the flash, the dog is alerted, then the sharp `crack' of thunder follows and may scare him. A dog's fears of sudden noise, light or movement can cause real concerns for owners.
The most common kinds of fears in dogs are:
- where the dog is fearful of unfamiliar people or particular kinds of people. Sometimes they are described as “one man dogs” or “protective.” They are usually good with people once they get to know them. Examples might include dogs who are afraid of men or just big men or men with beards, and there are those who are uncomfortable around children, and dogs who bark at the sight of people with unusual gaits. Dogs can also be fearful of other dogs.
- Context fears, where the dog is afraid of particular kinds of situations. Examples might include dogs who are afraid of going into the veterinary surgery, some panic during car rides or are uncomfortable in new places.
- Sound sensitivities, where the dog is afraid of sudden loud noises. These dogs may cringe and try to run away when a car backfires, or pace and salivate during thunderstorms or fireworks.
Most fearful dogs can improve.
This usually a long, slow process and requires patience. They need care compassion and perseverance, so let the dog go at his own pace, any kind of pressure or coercion usually makes things worse.
Dogs that fear leaving the safety of home can be problematic, you must establish the exact reason why. Careful observation of all his actions and responses is required. Try taking him out in the car (if he enjoys that) several times a day, parking a very short distance away and walk home along the route(s) you want to walk. Each day, walk a little bit further to reach the ultimate goal.
Anti-anxiety medications
Anti-anxiety medications may be available from your veterinarian which may help to lessen his reactions, and can be of help when commencing a programme of desensitisation.
Desensitisation
The most obvious way to help desensitize them and make them less fearful is to expose them to whatever frightens them but at a far milder intensity and combine it with a fun or positive association.
If a dog is exposed to a "feared thing" (the phobic stimulus)in a safe and controlled manner repeatedly and gradually, without any harm being experienced, the phobic response will gradually diminish. So treatment involves exposure to the phobic stimulus in a safe and controlled manner.
In a classical human conditioning technique called counter-conditioning you substitute a relaxation response for the fear response in the presence of the phobic stimulus.
Desensitization involves three steps:
- Getting the dog to physically relax
- Discovering precisely, how, what, when, where, why, the dog shows fear, and
- Getting the dog to relax as a response to the feared stimulus.
Very gradual introduction to the feared stimulus in a step-by-step fashion is the key. Start by introducing the anxiety-provoking stimulus in a very mild way, probably at a distance, and slowly bring dog and stimulus closer (inrease the intensity) until all of the causes and reasons (there may be several reasons that trigger the same fear response) have been dealt with successfully.
A dog who is afraid of children for example might start to feel more comfortable if he regularly sees children but at a sufficient distance so that he does not feel too worried. Then, you praise him and give him treats when he has noticed the children without showing fear or anxiety. Slowly he will begin to see children in a more positive way rather than as beings to be afraid of.
Fear of traffic
A dog who is afraid of traffic might benefit from audiotapes of traffic sounds, which can be played (softly at first) whenever he is fed, played with, given chew toys etc. Try spending time near quieter streets, and combine it with games, treats and cheerful talk. As he improves, time can be spent on increasingly busier and busier streets. Dogs learn strongly from association.
Refocus his attention
Dogs that fear lightning and/or thunder may react with destructive behaviour. Or on hearing thunder may run frantically around, or search for a safe place to hide. A related, physical reaction to lightning or thunder is the animal's desire to escape. So he might try to leave your house and garden in the hope of finding an area where there are no frightening sights or sounds.
To help him cope with lightning or thunder refocus his attention.(This principle may be applied to various situations) The moment he begins to exhibit audible or physical signs of anxiety or stress, redirect his attention. This could include sitting or lying next to you, being stroked, or a game with a favourite toy. But be careful NOT to reinforce his fear response. Inside the house a TV or radio may help disguise the sounds of a storm and closing the curtains or blinds is also a good idea.
Timing is crucial
Timing is crucial with this type of intervention; the dog must be distracted and re-engaged immediately just prior to or upon experiencing fear of the lightning or thunder. If your attempts at distraction fail initially, the process must be continued. Discover the exact moment where your dog shows signs of stress or fear. When the dog successfully becomes engaged in a stress-reducing activity you can provide rewards, dog treats, verbal and physical praise.
Sound sensitivity - Expose the dog to some noises each day, praising and rewarding him when fear is not shown. Start with very soft noises, such as tapping two spoons together or gently waving/rustling aluminum foil. When he shows no fear of those actions, try dropping an empty plastic bottle or tapping on a metal pan. When he loses fear of those actions, move on to beating a drum, popping a balloon, or dropping a metal pan onto concrete. This procedure may need be continued all through the dog's life to maintain his acceptance of loud noises.
