I came across a post recently that asked, “How can we make the world a better place for our dogs?”. As I finished reading, I wondered what we would learn if we asked a more pointed question: “How can we make a fearful dog’s world better for that individual dog?”
I started thinking about what I do (and have done) on a daily basis to smooth the way for my own fearful dogs, and came up with the following list:
Have guests call 10-15 minutes before they arrive, so you can calmly settle your dog (and yourself) before company visits.
Put a sign over the door bell asking visitors to knock. Not every dog has to meet every guest. And some dogs don’t have to meet any guests, depending on their level of fearfulness.
Set up a dedicated safe space away from public areas so your dog can retreat at will or when company comes. If your dog uses a crate, draping a sheet or blanket over the outside cuts down on visual stimulation, gives a sense of enclosure and reduces noise.
Use drapes, blinds, baby gates or window film to keep your dog from fixating on what’s outside.
Have a place in every room where your dog can settle. Radios tuned to relaxing music or a white noise machine can reduce sounds that make your dog anxious.
Use a properly fitted martingale collar for your fearful dog. If he spooks and backs up, the collar tightens (only slightly) making it less likely that he will back out of his collar. Harnesses distribute pressure more evenly and won’t choke a dog if he pulls ahead.
Use two points of connection when walking a fearful dog: leash clipped to the harness and a second leash clipped the collar…it’s better to be safe than sorry.
When walking your dog, make sure you have enough room to put distance between your dog and a potential trigger. Use parked cars as buffers, cross the street, make a u turn or step off the path to keep your dog feeling safe.
Plan your route. If walks in the neighborhood and trips to the park are fraught with anxiety, find a parking lot in a big shopping center, park far, far away from the crowds and let your dog sniff the islands and grassy verges to her heart’s content.
Tension on the leash equals tension in the dog. Keep the leash loose.
Some dogs don’t want to be social. Just because other dogs go to the dog park, or town parade, or pet food store, doesn’t mean that your dog should, too. If your dog is happy staying home and playing in the back yard, that’s ok.
Frozen, stuffed Kongs, bully sticks or raw, frozen marrow bones satisfy a dog’s need to chew, release endorphins and occupy mind and body.
Teach your dog a solid recall by verbal cue, hand signal and by clapping. If she ever gets lost, it’s easier to clap than to keep calling her name.
Sitting quietly on the floor (and keeping your hands to yourself!) allows your dog to approach on her own and learn that you won’t make any sudden moves.
Don’t insist that your dog take treats from your hand. Gently throw food to her side or slightly behind her.
A solid daily routine helps your fearful dog predict what comes next, and can lessen anxiety.
Practice deep breathing and work hard to remain calm under pressure. Your dog can sense your anxiety, which will feed right into her anxiety.
Question: What do you do to help your fearful dog navigate her world?
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