04/30/2025
Scaredy-ca... err, dogs.
Understanding how a dog perceives things is crucial in helping them overcome what bothers them mentally.
When our babies scream as infants, we pick them up, hold them close, and tell them that everything is going to be okay. As they get older and are able to understand a bit more, we help them ease their minds when they are upset about something that may scare them but that we, as adults, know isn’t a dangerous situation. We explain what’s happening and give them something else to focus on.
How many of you have teenagers that are terrified of thunder? Probably not many... because over time, they’ve realized when it thunders nothing bad is going to happen - it’s just a loud sound.
Helping our dogs move past a state of terror is done in a similar way, but the biggest difference is that we can’t explain to them “why” thunder isn’t actually that bad. So - we guide them.
Instead of petting and coddling our scared dogs, the best thing to do is help them focus on something else. The “place” command is an excellent option in these situations. While it only looks like they are settled on a cot, our dog is actually using its mind - focusing on the boundary of the cot. It’s a safe space for them, and while they may struggle initially, after doing this over and over you will see your dog drastically improve.
I know how difficult it is to watch our dogs in panic mode - and how easy it is to just snuggle them up to try to take the fear away. But what’s easy is not always best, because what you will see by allowing/encouraging that behavior is an increase in panic the next time a storm rolls around.. it’s why dogs go from nervous pups to terrified adults that have to be drugged to make it through storms and fireworks.
Work on “place” and next time a storm hits, try it out!
My Dog Rules K9 Academy
Macon, GA
478-508-2994