Fear and phobic behaviour in dogs
Why does my dog
Symptoms
What to do
Recommended products
What not to do
When is it normal
When to worry
Fear and phobic behaviour in dogs
Fear and phobic behaviour are two of the most common anxiety traits in dogs. Fear is a natural response to a perceived threat, and is normal in certain situations, but when excessive can lead to problems. A phobia, on the other hand, is an exaggerated or irrational fear that triggers a very intense reaction, often resulting from a past negative experience. Proper socialisation during puppyhood plays an important role in preventing fears from developing later in life. Common fear triggers include loud noises, other dogs, separation, and unfamiliar people.
Always supervise young children around pets and seek advice from a veterinary professional early on for any behaviour concerns. Just like humans, dogs can experience fear and develop phobias that affect their well-being and behaviour. If not addressed properly, fear-based behaviour problems can quickly escalate, potentially leading to aggression and, in severe cases, even euthanasia.
Why does my dog have fear or phobic behaviour?
Dogs can develop fear or phobic behaviours for various reasons, often involving multiple factors. Common contributors to fear include:
Inadequate socialisation: The sensitive period for socialisation of puppies is between 3 and 14 weeks old. This is an extremely important period of development where they are prepared to accept new experiences. However, these interactions need to be positive, slow, and gentle. If puppies are not exposed to different situations, people, or animals during this time, or the interactions are negative, they can develop fear or phobias later in life.
Genetics: Some dogs, such as herding and toy breeds, can have a genetic predisposition to developing fear or phobic behaviour.
Previous trauma or negative experiences: A previous event can trigger long-lasting fears. This can range from something that seems insignificant to very serious events. For example, if a child pats a dog forcibly, this can lead to a lifelong fear of children. A dog attack can lead to a fear of other dogs. These fears can become generalised, and dogs can develop a fear of unrelated triggers.
Health problems: being unwell, especially when pain is involved, can lead to fearful behaviour. This is more common in senior dogs due to chronic pain (arthritis) and reduced cognitive function.
Other influences: inadequate nutrition and boredom can also contribute.
Common triggers of fear or phobic behaviour include:
Loud noises: sound phobias are very common and include fireworks, vacuum cleaners, hairdryers, thunderstorms, and others. Herding breeds of dogs are particularly susceptible to noise phobias.
Other animals
Places: such as being in the car, the vet clinic or crowded areas
Separation: phobia of being left alone
Unfamiliar people
Resource guarding: fear of losing a valued item
There are many different types of behavioural abnormalities in dogs, and they can often be complex to diagnose and treat. These problems should never be ignored, as they can worsen quickly and sometimes even turn into aggression.
We recommend speaking to a vet as soon as possible if your dog starts showing behavioural abnormalities. Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day for advice and can refer you to our in-app behaviourist.
How to know if your dog is showing signs of fear or phobic behaviour
Symptoms of fear or phobic behaviour can vary widely and may include:
Excessive vocalising: barking, whining or howling
Shaking or trembling
Drooling
Panting
Restlessness and pacing
Inappropriate urinating or pooing
Lifting up a paw
Certain body language: yawning, crouching, licking their lips, looking away, tucking in their tail, freezing up, attempting to hide
In extreme circumstances, dogs can react aggressively with fear or phobias. This can include snapping, lunging, and biting if they feel threatened.
What to do if your dog is showing signs of fear or phobic behaviour
There are several ways to help if your dog starts showing signs of fear or phobic behaviour:
See a vet. Medical issues such as pain can often cause or worsen abnormal behaviour. It’s important to investigate if there are underlying medical problems.
After, or while, medical problems are being investigated, it’s best to make an appointment with a qualified behaviourist. They will make a behavioural modification plan that suits your dog's needs. Common behavioural techniques include desensitisation and counter-conditioning.
Your vet or behaviourist may suggest anti-anxiety medication alongside the modification plan.
Avoid fearful triggers as much as possible until they improve. Also, avoid punishment as this can worsen the behaviour.
Give your dog a safe space at home, somewhere they can retreat to when they are stressed. Put their favourite blankets, toys and chews in their safe space and plug in a calming pheromone diffuser nearby.
Try to keep a consistent daily routine for your dog.
Make sure they are getting enough physical exercise, mental stimulation and undisturbed sleep. Use puzzle toys and Kongs to distract them.
Focus on positive reinforcement and rewarding calm behaviour when your dog does not react to stressful situations.
Recommended products
Behavioural problems in dogs are not usually a quick and easy fix. It takes time and patience. It’s best to speak to a behaviourist as soon as possible. When looking for a behaviourist, it’s important to find someone suitably qualified who uses ethical and up-to-date techniques. Your vet will also be able to help you find a suitable behaviourist; many only work with referrals.
For more information about behaviour specialists, please refer to the following organisation: ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council) is a regulatory body that sets and maintains standards for the profession and has a national register for appropriately qualified animal trainers and behaviourists.
What not to do if your dog is showing signs of fear or phobic behaviour
Never punish your dog (shout or tell them off) when they are showing fear or phobic behaviour. Punishment can lead to rapid worsening of symptoms.
Do not suddenly or forcibly expose your dog to their triggers, as this can quickly increase their anxiety.
Do not use supplements or pheromones alone and expect the problem to improve. While calming supplements and pheromones can help naturally calm your dog, they should be used alongside a behaviour modification plan.
Don’t ignore the problem. It won’t go away by itself; most likely, it’ll get worse. Seek professional help as soon as possible.
Is fear or phobic behaviour normal in dogs?
Fear is a natural defence mechanism to a perceived threat. It’s not something that can be entirely eliminated. While it’s normal for dogs to feel fear in certain situations, such as unfamiliar environments, excessive fear or phobic responses can significantly impact their quality of life.
When to worry about fear or phobic behaviour in dogs
If your dog starts showing any signs of fear or phobic behaviour, it’s best to speak to a behaviourist as soon as possible.
Speak to one of our Joii vets if you have any concerns about your dog’s behaviour. They will be able to give you helpful tips and direct you on the next best steps to take.
