Anxious dog: What can I do about it?
If a dog reacts cautiously to new things, there's usually no cause for concern. However, if a dog displays significant fear in everyday situations, it becomes problematic. Even a loud noise or a flight of stairs can then unsettle the dog. An excessively anxious dog makes everyday life a challenge, while the dog itself suffers from the stress. We offer tips to help your beloved pet gain more confidence.
The dog is afraid: What are the causes?
The reasons for a fearful dog can vary: bad experiences with people, training mistakes, or a predisposition.
The foundation for a confident four-legged friend is a good imprinting phase full of different stimuli: If a puppy gets to know and experience a lot, it will tend to remain open to new things.
For an adult dog, a confident and self-assured demeanor is the best shield against fear. In everyday life, also pay attention to unconscious reinforcement. This means that if your dog is insecure, you should never punish him or become flustered yourself. Both of these actions reinforce the dog's feeling that his fear is justified. This unconscious reinforcement is particularly common in dogs that bark out of fear or growl.
Recognizing fear in dogs
But how do you recognize an anxious dog, or rather, how do you recognize anxiety in dogs? The "four Fs" are very important here. They represent English terms for the four typical behaviors when dogs are stressed. In German, some dog experts also refer to them as the "four As" (see parentheses):
Flight (Escape)
"Flight" or "escape" doesn't necessarily mean that the dog immediately runs away in a panic, although this is possible in extreme cases. Even just moving away or taking a few steps backward is part of it. Anxious dogs create distance from the source of their fear this way.
Fight (Attack)
In this reaction, the dog displays aggressive behavior: its pupils dilate, its ears flatten, and it bares its teeth and growls or barks. The next step may involve snapping. In extreme cases, the dog may bite. Under certain circumstances. Aggression often develops when the dog cannot escape, i.e., is cornered – for example, on a leash.
Freeze (fearful paralysis)
One form of avoidance behavior – similar to flight – is when a dog freezes. It remains rooted to the spot. This is a primal instinct arising from the animal's hope of avoiding a predator's notice. In this state, no command or lure with food will work. The only solution is to wait or remove the source of the fear.
Fiddle About (Nonsensation)
Meeting insecurity with disarming humor – this also exists in the dog world. Dogs who feel insecure might, for example, initiate play. Unlike relaxed play, during play, the dog repeatedly pauses out of fear to look around. Some dogs jump on people or other dogs. "Fiddle about" is related to displacement behavior.
Other body language of anxious dogs
Other signs of fear in a dog may include:
- Appeasement signals such as tongue flicking
- yawning
- Biting the leash
- crouched posture, tucked tail, bent hindquarters
- Tremble
Recognizing chronic anxiety in dogs
A specific external stimulus triggers a reaction. This is usually how you can find out what the dog is afraid of.
However, there are also sensitive dogs that live in a state of constant anxiety. A common cause of this is insufficient socialization during puppyhood or experienced traumas such as abuse or accidents.
Such chronic anxiety can manifest itself, for example, in intense licking and nibbling. It can also be an underlying cause of chronic gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis. An anxiety disorder in dogs is also a possibility. If you suspect this, you should discuss further steps with a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.
How can I help my anxious dog?
The most important tip first: Always stay calm when your dog is feeling scared. You are his rock.
At the first signs of fear in unfamiliar situations, the most important thing is to pay attention to your own relaxed body language! If you, as the "pack leader," don't show any concern, your four-legged friend will realize that the "danger" can't be that bad.
Furthermore, for dogs that are inherently anxious, it can be helpful to act proactively even in the face of minor uncertainties and to master the "dangerous situation" together with them.
Under no circumstances should you scold your dog in anxiety-provoking situations. Even overly intense "comforting" can be counterproductive. This doesn't mean you should ignore your dog; however, speak to him encouragingly, but don't coddle him.
Strengthening the self-confidence of an anxious dog
Furthermore, you should create many opportunities to boost your dog's self-confidence. For example, teach him tricks in a calm environment, then praise him extensively.
Dog training with plenty of positive reinforcement gives every four-legged friend a significant boost in self-confidence in the long run, provides security, and also strengthens the bond.
All's well that ends well!
It is also important to end exercises related to fear with a positive experience.
If your dog is hesitant to approach the object, simply stand calmly with your leashed pet until he has visibly calmed down. Then give him a treat and calmly retreat.
Help for anxious dogs: Building positive associations
In cases of specific anxiety triggers, food can be used, or games can become your allies. With a treat, the danger is now only half as great.
Gradually introduce your four-legged friend to new environments. Experts refer to this as "desensitization." However, pay attention to timing to avoid reinforcing unwanted behaviors, such as growling.
When should I consult an expert?
As soon as you get the impression that your dog is constantly stressed or the problem is affecting your dog's daily life, and you can't resolve it on your own, contact a dog trainer.
For deep-seated phobias and anxiety-related aggression(For situations involving fighting), it's advisable to consult an expert from the outset. Individual lessons at a dog training school can provide valuable input on the best solution for your dog.