02/20/2023
Hello training enthusiasts! I am sorry I haven't posted in a while. We have had a very busy holiday season and I have finally caught up on everything so I can take some time to start posting weekly. Today, I want to talk about nervous or fearful dogs. Sometimes, to an untrained eye, fearful dogs can come across as aggressive. But there are some key differences to watch for with your or other pups to help you understand if the dog is acting out of anger/aggression or out of fear. Here are some of the most common signs of fear.
Tail tucking.
Ears down and back.
Crouching.
Pacing.
Panting.
Shaking/trembling.
Inability to settle.
Attempting to hide.
Lack of appetite (including being unable to take a treat).
Being too distracted for you to get their attention.
Salivation.
Yawning.
Licking lips.
Lip blowing.
Whale eye (showing whites of eyes).
Lifting a paw.
Lowered body language.
Backing away instead of lunging.
Hyperactivity.
Goofy behaviour (getting the zoomies, scratching etc).
Loss of toilet training.
Reactivity(usually mixed with other of these signs).
Growling(usually mixed with other of these signs).
Aggression(usually mixed with other of these signs).
Even if a dog is barking aggressively, if you see any of these other signs, this usually means your pup if experiencing some major fear or anxiety. You want to stay calm during this. Try to redirect your dog's attention on you while removing your dog from whatever has triggered this response. Such as turning around and walking away from the person/dog that has triggered the fear, moving to a different room in your home that is a "comfort spot"(will discuss next week) if it was a loud sound that triggered them, or rubbing your dog's ears and chest if they won't move. You cannot "reinforce" fearful behavior by doing this. You are your dog's most valuable resource. They look to you for comfort, assurance, and safety. By acknowledging your dog's fear and taking steps to comfort them, you not only help your dog calm itself, but you reinforce your relationship with them and show them they can count on you to keep them safe and happy. I have added a picture of some common body language possitions in fearful dogs. I am not the original producer of this document. Next week, we will discuss relationship building and helping your dog feel safe at home! Have a great week everyone!
