Sometimes it can be hard to tell what is causing a dog to be afraid.It is easy to identify fear in dogs by looking closely at their behavior and body language.You can help your dog cope with fear by observing it, learning its triggers, and avoiding them, as well as gradually training it with ways to cope.It can be helped to manage aggression caused by fear.
Step 1: The dog has white in his eyes.
A dog that is tense or fearful may widen its eyes to make them look rounder.A relaxed dog often squints to make his eyes look almond-shaped.The dog may be afraid or tense if you can see lots of white around his eyes.When a dog has its eyes widened, it's a sign of fear or arousal.Dilated pupils make it harder to see the eye color and give the eyes a glassy look.Don't look at the dog directly in the eyes if you notice dilated pupils.The dog may think that you are aggressive.Use your peripheral vision to look out of the side of your eyes.
Step 2: Look for eye contact avoidance.
Dogs that are afraid may avoid eye contact.This can happen with other signals, like crouching or trying to move away from something they are afraid of.A dog may be afraid of you if it is avoiding eye contact.If you don't know who the dog is, avoid approaching it.
Step 3: The dog's mouth is closed.
A relaxed dog may be panting.The corners of the mouth can be turned upward.A dog with its mouth closed may be afraid or tense.Frequent yawning and lip licking are signs of stress.A growl accompanied by teeth-baring is a sign of aggression.There is a difference between smiling and aggressive teeth-baring.If a dog is showing teeth, look for other signs of happiness or fear.
Step 4: Listen for rapid panting and whining.
Fast panting that is interrupted by the dog closing its mouth in response to environment changes is a sign of a fearful dog.When the dog closes its mouth, it may make a couple of noises.
Step 5: There are changes to the dog's ears.
It's a sign that a dog is afraid if it puts its ears down or back.In floppy-eared dogs, they may change the direction of their ears when they are afraid or aroused.Look at the base of the dog's ears to see if they are moving.
Step 6: Look for tail wagging.
A relaxed dog has its tail in a neutral position, stretching out from the spine.Dogs that are relaxed may wag their tails at a steady pace.A fearful dog tucks its tail between its legs.If a dog's tail is tucked between its legs, held against its belly, or held low with short, choppy movements, it may be feeling fearful.
Step 7: Look at hair changes like raised hairs.
Similar to humans having goose-bumps, a fearful dog may experience skin changes that lead to raised hairs across its shoulders, down its spine, or near the tail.These areas of raised hairs are called hackles and are often a sign that the dog is excited or stressed.A dog that isExperiencing Repeated Fear and Stress may shed a lot.A dog is upset about something in its environment if it is more than normal.
Step 8: Look for major posture changes.
A happy, playful dog with lots of activity and brief pauses will have movements that are loose and wiggly.A dog who seems stiff, moves slowly, or moves away doesn't want to be near something.The dog may roll onto its side or back.A dog that is low to the ground looking away, scratching, or sniffing is a sign that it is no longer interested in social interaction.
Step 9: You should watch for frantic attempts to escape.
An extremely fearful dog may freeze in place and wait for the fear to pass.It may run around trying to get away from its fear.If a dog is afraid, it may urinate or defecate if it is approached by a person or animal that is causing the fear.A dog may run to the basement during a storm.
Step 10: Take notice of food refusal.
If your dog is suddenly refusing food and is moving away from you or the source of the food, it is probably worried about something.If you notice what is causing the fear, you can begin to help your dog deal with it by calmly talking to it and giving it treats whenever the stress is high.
Step 11: Observe what happens when your dog becomes afraid.
Many dogs fear loud noises, such as fireworks.Some dogs have more specific fears of things that are normal to most other dogs and people, like people wearing hats or baby strollers.If you watch your dog closely each time it becomes afraid, you'll be able to determine if it's caused by stress or fear.If your dog repeatedly becomes afraid near a certain house or other location, there is probably something there it is afraid of.Write down the things that make your dog afraid.You can start to notice a pattern that will make it easier to deal with avoiding these things or training him to no longer be afraid of them.
Step 12: Medical issues should be ruled out.
Many dogs fear being sick or injured.They become stressed and afraid because they don't understand why they feel bad.If you have sudden increases in fearful behavior in your dog, it is a good idea to schedule a vet visit to discuss the situation.If your dog suddenly becomes afraid of things that have never frightened it before, this is a sign of a medical issue requiring a visit to the vet.This kind of fear may be caused by conditions like arthritis.
Step 13: Allow your dog space if you can.
Make a list of the things that are triggering your dog's fear and make some adjustments once you have observed it.If you know your dog doesn't like people in hats, ask guests to remove their hats when they come over.If you see someone walking toward you who is wearing a hat, try to cross the street.If you try to avoid them as much as possible, it will be easier to eventually train your dog to cope with the triggers.
Step 14: Slowly introduce your new dog to new environments.
Your dog may need more experience with new environments if it has only had a limited environment before.Bring your dog on walks to new places and encourage social interactions occasionally, but stick to a regular walk route.When interacting with new people and other dogs, it offers praise and treats.If you know that strangers and other dogs aretriggers for your dog, you can avoid new environments.
Step 15: You can teach your dog a specific behavior.
When your dog sees a Trigger, teach it to look at you or sit.If your dog is already trained, this will be easier.It's easier to train your dog when you keep treats with you on walks.If you see a bicycle coming and you know your dog is afraid of bikes, move in front of it and say, "Look at me."If your dog looks at you and sits, immediately give it a treat.
Step 16: If your dog is afraid, work with a trainer.
Contact a trainer if your dog shows signs of aggression, such as growling, barking, chasing, or snarling, if it is afraid.If your dog is afraid of a wide variety of things, this is a good idea because it will make it difficult to complete normal tasks at home or to bring the dog anywhere.You can find dog trainers through local animal shelters or online.
Step 17: When your dog is afraid, avoid overreacting.
If you attempt to baby your dog through fear, this may reinforce the fearful behavior.It's never a good idea to punish your dog for being afraid.If your dog is afraid, don't yell or hit it, because this will only make it more afraid.As soon as possible, get your dog away from its source of fear by being calm.If your dog listens to your commands, offer praise and treats immediately.