Dogs can get scared, afraid, or nervous just like people – some more than others. Of course, no one wants to see their dog scared, but if you have a scared dog, it’s important to know how to help them.
It can be difficult to know how to best care for your anxious dog – it is easy to think of lots of cuddles and some of the best dog toys! – but here come experienced trainers and behavioral researchers Renee Rhoades comes in. In a recent Instagram post, she outlined five things our anxious dogs really want us to know.
“Addressing the needs of an anxious dog can be challenging, but the key is understanding,” Rhoades says in her caption. So, without further ado, here are five things that will help you better understand your pup.
1) It helps to add something nice: “You might think that adding something your dog likes, like food, comfort or play, when he responds will reinforce his behavior,” says Rhoades, “but that’s not true.”
There’s really no harm in making your dog feel better by doing one of his favorite activities. After all, if you were anxious, you’d want a friend or loved one to be there to do something nice for you – dogs are no different in this regard!
2) I am not mean when I growl: Sometimes dog owners punish their puppies for growling, but dogs don’t growl just for fun or to be mean! They growl to defend themselves.
Rhoades describes it as the equivalent of a human saying, “Please stop.” “Your dog doesn’t want conflict, he wants space,” she explains. Here is how to read dog body language for further signs that your dog wants more space.
3) Obedience does not solve my behavior: “You can have the most ‘obedient’ dog, but fear will always override any obedience because the feeling of security is the most important element for animals,” says Rhoades.
4) It’s okay to comfort me: Not only can you do something nice for your dog, but you can also comfort him! For animals, feeling safe is one of the most comforting feelings, and by comforting your pup, you’ll help him feel safe.
As Rhoades puts it, “Providing security helps reduce fear, not cause it.”
5) I have no understanding of morality: Dogs cannot distinguish between right and wrong like humans can. These are human concepts that are not applicable to our pets, so our dogs are not intentionally trying to upset or annoy us.
To learn more about things that can scare our dogs, here are 32 everyday fears and phobias in dogs. How do I know if my dog is afraid?in the meantime? If you’re not sure, this guide will offer you some valuable advice.
