Fear is an emotion that all animals need to survive, but can lead to suffering when that fear is intense, frequent and ongoing. Fear in dogs can occur for a number of reasons. Firstly, they may be genetically predisposed to be fearful of certain contexts or stimuli (Tiira, Sulkama & Lohi, 2016). Poor maternal care or stress experienced by the mother can contribute to puppies who show increased fearful behaviour (Guardini, 2016). Being reared in commercial breeding environments (McMillan, 2017) and a lack of positive experiences during early socialisation periods (Foyer et al, 2014) can also lead to fearful puppies and therefore dogs. Experiences involving abuse, rough handling, neglect and trauma are also related to fear in dogs (Alupo, 2017).
The body language of fear in dogs
The body language of a dog can tell us if they are feeling fearful. The specifics of the body language exhibited will vary based on an individual dog’s breed, size and shape/ Signs include ears pinned back, lowered posture, tucked tail, lip licking, panting, yawning and trembling (Riemer et al, 2021). Further, fear in dogs can look like hiding from the ‘scary’ thing, running away and even engaging in self-harming behaviours. Scared dogs can become vigilant of their environment and want to stay in close proximity to their owner. Signs of fear in dogs also include peeing, pooping and vomiting (Mills et al, 2020).
Fight or Flight
Fear in dogs activates the fight or flight response. This term refers to a dog’s behaviour when they encounter a person, object, other dog/animal or situation that they perceive to be a potential threat to their survival. In response to this threat, the sympathetic nervous system is activated and a dog may act aggressively towards the threat (fight) or they may choose to attempt to escape the threat (take flight) (Svartberg, 2007). If the dog attempts to fight the threat, the aggressive behaviour may include attacking and biting. The flight response means a dog will attempt to run away or ‘bolt’. Fight or flight is not a conscious choice by the dog but a physiological survival response.
Freezing
When a dog feels intense fear, they may ‘freeze’. This will occur when the dog feels they have no other options available to them to escape the threatening stimuli or situation. This motionless posture helps the dog to avoid being detected by the threat (Stellato, 2017). The dog will stay as still as possible and seem to not engage in any behaviour at all. This response is also known as shutting down and can be confused for the dog calming down, but they have actually become so overwhelmed they have given up attempting to change their circumstance (Clark, 2022).
How you can help a fearful dog
There are many ways in which guardians and those working with dogs can change their own behaviour to help dogs feel less fearful. These include not making direct eye contact with a fearful dog, not standing over them, avoiding patting the dog on the head, avoiding approaching a dog hiding under things and permitting the dog to approach you at their own pace (Simpson, 1997). Additionally, people should move slowly, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that may further frighten the dog. Dogs that are extremely fearful may benefit from sedative medication if they require veterinary care. A training plan working on cooperative care would also be beneficial (Riemer, 2021).
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References
Tiira, K., Sulkama, S., & Lohi, H. (2016). Prevalence, comorbidity, and behavioral variation in canine anxiety. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 16, 36-44.
Guardini, G., Mariti, C., Bowen, J., Fatjó, J., Ruzzante, S., Martorell, A., … & Gazzano, A. (2016). Influence of morning maternal care on the behavioural responses of 8-week-old Beagle puppies to new environmental and social stimuli. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 181, 137-144.
McMillan, F. D. (2017). Behavioral and psychological outcomes for dogs sold as puppies through pet stores and/or born in commercial breeding establishments: Current knowledge and putative causes. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 14-26.
Foyer, P., Bjällerhag, N., Wilsson, E., & Jensen, P. (2014). Behaviour and experiences of dogs during the first year of life predict the outcome in a later temperament test. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 155, 93-100.
Alupo, C. (2017). Canine PTSD An inquiry study on psychological trauma in dogs.
Riemer, S., Heritier, C., Windschnurer, I., Pratsch, L., Arhant, C., & Affenzeller, N. (2021). A review on mitigating fear and aggression in dogs and cats in a veterinary setting. Animals, 11(1), 158.
Mills, D. S., Mueller, H. W., McPeake, K., & Engel, O. (2020). Development and psychometric validation of the Lincoln Canine anxiety scale. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 171.
Svartberg, K. (2007). Individual differences in behaviour—dog personality. The behavioural biology of dogs, 182-206.
Stellato, A. C., Flint, H. E., Widowski, T. M., Serpell, J. A., & Niel, L. (2017). Assessment of fear-related behaviours displayed by companion dogs (Canis familiaris) in response to social and non-social stimuli. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 188, 84-90.
Clark, C. (2022). Fear and Anxiety in Dogs: Understanding, prevention and treatment. The Crowood Press.
Simpson, B. S. (1997). Canine communication. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 27(3), 445-464.
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