Fearful or nervous dogs cause a lot of anxiety for owners. Naturally, you want your dog to be happy and confident. This behaviour often comes from dog anxiety or pet phobias. Dogs may be naturally scared or not used to certain things, not necessarily because of abuse or trauma.
You can help your dog feel better by creating a safe space and using positive training. With patience and the correct protocol, your dog can become more confident. That means giving your dog a safe space, using positive training methods, and sticking to a routine.
Every dog is unique, so what works for one might not work for another. Still, with the right help, your dog can overcome fearful behaviour. A confident dog is happier and healthier. You can help your dog be more outgoing and well-adjusted by tackling dog anxiety, pet phobias, and fear.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Fear in dogs can result from genetics or a lack of early exposure to the things that frighten them.
- Most fearful dogs gradually improve over time, training, and trust. However, they may not become outgoing if they are nervous or shy.
- Counter-conditioning and desensitisation can help fearful dogs feel more comfortable around what triggers their fears.
- A reliable routine and positive training methods can help build a dog’s confidence.
- Socialisation is key in preventing fears and phobias later in life, and positive experiences during this period are vital.
- Special sound CDs and pheromone plug-ins or collars can aid in reducing fear over time and help with dog anxiety and pet phobias.
Understanding Fearful or Nervous Dogs: Common Causes and Signs
Knowing the common causes and signs of fear is key if you have an anxious pup.
My dog, Poppy, was labelled “aggressive” by multiple dog trainers. After I qualified as a dog behaviourist, I realised that my poor dog was terrified of the world and needed help adjusting to everything that caused her fearful reactions.
Behavioural signs of fear in dogs include avoiding certain situations or objects. Common triggers and phobias include strangers, unknown dogs, loud noises, household objects, and new places. Knowing these signs and triggers helps you start helping your dog overcome their fears. Desensitisation and counter-conditioning are excellent methods to treat fear and anxiety in dogs.
Your fearful or nervous dog may display any of the following symptoms:
- Wide eyes (showing the white of the eyes)
- Ears flattened back against the head
- Crouching down
- Raised hackles
- Running away
- Shivering
- Urinating
- Drooling
- Lunging
- Barking
- Hiding
Many things can cause fear and anxiety in dogs, like traumatic experiences, genetics, and health issues like dementia. To diagnose fear and anxiety, your vets can rule out other conditions by taking blood tests. Sometimes, if a dog is in pain, it can lead to altered behaviour.
Treatment might include anti-anxiety medication, management techniques, and behaviour exercises.
Use a consistent, gentle, positive approach to boost a dog’s confidence and reduce anxiety. Spotting the first signs of fear or nervousness can stop fears from growing.
It’s important to understand dog body language, like slowing down, crouched body, paw lift, and appeasement grin.
Some key statistics to consider include:
- Over 90% of all aggression towards humans or other dogs is fear-based.
- 95% of all reported dog bites are fear-related.
- Lack of early socialisation is the most common element in creating fearful, anxious, and timid dogs.
It’s also essential not to “feed” the behaviour by trying to soothe your fearful dog. If you stroke your dog, give him a treat or do anything comforting when he shows anxiety, you are inadvertently rewarding the behaviour.
It’s better to ignore the anxious behaviour. Initially, your focus is behaviour management, which means removing your dog from whatever frightens him. The worst thing you can do is “flooding” your dog by forcing him to face his fears. That can cause considerable trauma and break the trust between you.
It’s better to teach your pup a few simple tricks and get him to do the trick once away from the trigger. Praise and reward him when he does well.
The main issue I experience is that owners mess up the timing. Getting it right is essential; otherwise, your dog will learn nothing. If you aren’t confident about what you are doing, getting professional advice from a dog behaviourist is better.
Creating a Safe Environment for Your Anxious Pup
As a dog owner, you are key in pet stress management. You can make a safe and comfy spot for your anxious pup. A routine and a quiet area can lower your dog’s anxiety. Your dog’s safe space could be a quiet room or a covered crate. It’s a place to go when they feel scared or anxious.
Before crating your dog, training your pup to understand the crate is a positive experience, and NEVER used as a punishment is crucial.
To make a safe space, consider these tips:
- Set up a dedicated space with comfy bedding and favourite toys away from noise.
- Use white noise to make a calm environment, lessening the shock of loud sounds.
- Choose the correct crate size (your dog should be able to stand up and move but not so big that he can pace). Add soft bedding and familiar objects to make it welcoming.
Regular routines, consistent training, and positive reinforcement help dogs feel secure at home. Feeding your dog at the same times each day helps establish a routine. It can reduce anxiety. Using calming techniques for dogs and dog behaviour therapy will make your dog feel more relaxed and secure.
Every dog is different, so what works for one might not work for another. A safe and comfy environment can help your dog feel more secure and reduce anxiety. Your anxious pup can feel more relaxed and happy with patience, consistency, and the proper calming techniques for dogs.
Essential Training Techniques for Building Dog Confidence
Building fearful or nervous dogs’ confidence is key. Use positive training techniques with fearful pet support and dog behaviour therapy. Positive reinforcement methods help your dog feel calm, gain confidence and learn new actions.
Desensitisation and counter-conditioning exercises are effective in helping your dog face fears and build confidence. For example, using puzzle toys can boost a dog’s self-confidence and problem-solving skills.
Positive Reinforcement Methods
Positive reinforcement is a fantastic tool for learning. Using classical or operant conditioning training teaches your dog how to manage his emotions and better ways to interact with his world.
Read: Classical and Operant Conditioning Dog Training Differences
Desensitisation Strategies
Desensitisation slowly introduces your dog to fears. Start with a low intensity and gradually increase. This method is excellent for accustoming progressively your dog to the things that he is fearful of, like loud noises. You can get specific CDs, such as Crash-Bang-Wallop: Sound Therapy for Pets Frightened by Noise.
Counter-conditioning Approaches
Counter-conditioning pairs fears with positive things, like treats. It’s a training process that helps your dog see the feared object as neutral or good. It’s a powerful way to build confidence and overcome fears.
Invest in Enrichment Toys
Enrichment toys help distract your dog from his anxiety and can work exceptionally well. The following are a few popular enrichment toys I recommend to clients with dogs suffering from separation anxiety.
- Licky Mats for Dogs and Cats: A pack of 4 lick mats with suction cups for dog anxiety relief.
- LickiMat Yoggie Pot: A fabulous enrichment toy made of long lasting rubber. The LickiMat Yoggie Pot is a slow feeder that dispenses treats, keeping your anxious dog amused whilst you are out.
- PETRFOH 3-in-1 Dog Treat Toy for Aggressive Chewers: This enrichement toy is made from natural rubber. It’s a top-rated product as it’s robust and great for aggressive chewers (which anxious dogs tend to be)
Professional Support and Therapeutic Options
When your dog struggles with dog anxiety and pet phobias, it’s time to seek help. If training and time don’t help, a vet or dog behaviourist can offer valuable advice. They can help manage canine fear and suggest the best treatments.
Therapy for dog anxiety might include medication, behaviour therapy, or natural treatments. Vets might suggest SSRIs or antidepressants for severe cases. Natural remedies can also help, and some work well with medication.
Often, the case is that other people can cause issues with a nervous dog because they aren’t aware of your dog’s fears. The following products can be helpful:
1: The NERVOUS (Give Me Space) Non-Pull Front and Back D Ring Padded and Waterproof Vest Dog Harness is a bright yellow dog harness that alerts others to your pup’s nervousness.
2: Hjyokuso Dog Anxiety Relief Jacket, Dog Anxiety Coat With Calming Hood: This calming vest is perfect for fearful or nervous dogs. It has has a high neck and wraps the pressure points on your dog to calm anxiety.
3: Yanmucy Dog Calming Coat with Dog Snood 2 in 1 Anxiety Relief Adjustable Anxiety Jacket with Dog Hoodie Ear Muffs: This adjustable vest is perfect for anxiety and can easily fit under a harness or dog coat in the winter.
4: Rescue Dog Anxious Dog Leash Sleeve Nervous Dog Leash Sleeve: A simple yellow sleeve that fits over your leash, making it easier for other people to spot that you have a nervous dog.
It’s crucial to tackle fearful or nervous dogs behaviours to avoid bad outcomes. With the right help and treatments, you can help your dog face
Here are some key points to consider for professional help and treatments:
- Get advice from a vet or dog trainer on managing dog anxiety and pet phobias
- Purchase a dog anxiety vest for when your dog might experience anxiety
- Ask your vet about calming medication for severe anxiety
- Explore natural remedies and products for anxious pup behaviours like the Natural Calming Treats for Dogs – Anxiety Relief Chews with Chamomile – This natural remedy can help with anxiety, Thunderstorms, and Travel. The natural chews are non-drowsy and fast-acting.
Conclusion: Supporting Your Dog’s Journey to Confidence
Helping your dog feel confident can take time. But with patience and the proper training and management, fearful or nervous dogs can learn to overcome their fears. About 20% of dogs are nervous, but at least 70% can get better with gentle care.
Make a safe space for your dog and use positive training. Focus on building trust and be patient if your dog takes a back step occasionally. Positive training helps create new neural pathways, helping to extinguish old patterns and replace them with new behaviour.
Playing with your dog can also lower stress levels by 50%, boosting their confidence. Tug games, such as the popular Tug-E-Nuff Bright Fauxtastic Durable Bungee Tug Toy and Tug-E-Nuff Sheepskin Bungee Chaser Tug, are beneficial for fearful or nervous dogs to gain confidence.
A professional dog behaviour therapist can help if your dog has deep fears. These cases need careful handling because fear can develop into aggressive behaviours if left untreated. Indeed, studies show that 60% of fearful dogs improve with behaviour therapy.
Essential Reading:
Scaredy Dog!: Understanding & Rehabilitating Your Reactive Dog:
This little book was my bible when I was rehabilitating my fearful reactive Weimaraner X, Poppy. The exercises are specific for nervous reactive dogs, and you will see results quickly if you implement them.
Paws and Thinks – Mental Workout for Your Dog: A fantastic book with 100+ games to enrich your dog’s life, teaching him new skills that will build his confidence.
101 Dog Tricks and Brain Games For Dogs 2 Books Collection Set: These two books help your dog learn to think for himself and gain new skills.
Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.
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