Common Behavior Problems
Fears of People, Places, and Noises
Dogs can be frightened or phobic of people, places, noises and
things. Common noise phobias are in reaction to thunder, fireworks,
hot air balloons, trash trucks or construction equipment. We’ve
also seen dogs who are afraid of outside air conditioning compressors,
and various indoor appliances.
If your dog is afraid of people, the most common reason is because
he isn’t well socialized. Poorly socialized dogs didn’t
have the chance to have pleasant experiences with all different
types of people during puppy hood. A lack of socialization can also
contribute to noise phobias and generalized fears of anything new
and different.
Your dog needn’t have had a traumatic experience with something
to become frightened of it. Just because your dog is afraid of certain
people, don’t jump to the conclusion that he was abused before
you got him. Poor socialization is more likely the cause.
Some dogs are more prone to fearful behavior than others. Although
fearful behaviors aren’t inherited, a dog’s genetic
makeup can result in a tendency, or lower threshold, for fear related
problems.
Fearful behaviors require counter conditioning and desensitization
programs, which expose your dog to softer, quieter, or more tolerable
versions of whatever he is afraid of. These events are paired with
something overwhelmingly enjoyable for your dog. Usually, this is
an irresistible tidbit, or perhaps a toy your dog is fanatic about.
It’s vital that the behavior modification techniques be used
correctly, and precisely, otherwise they either won’t work
or can make the problem worse. We strongly encourage a consultation
to be sure you have the help you need for these problems.
For noise phobias such as fireworks, gunshots, etc., the sounds
are difficult to re-create with the necessary varying degrees of
intensity. You may need to use a specially made audio CD of the
specific sound. Click here
to see what sounds are available, and to view ordering information.
Not all dogs react to a recording in the same way they do the “real
noise”, but in many cases these recordings can be extremely
helpful.
Most dogs who are afraid of people can learn to be friendlier,
but some may never be social butterflies who are at ease with everyone.
Some fearful dogs are also defensive, meaning they are threatening
or aggressive to familiar or unfamiliar people as well.
If your dog has snapped or bitten you must seek help from a certified
behaviorist immediately.
To better understand noise phobias and fearful behavior, download
our Behavior Wellness Report on Noise Phobias (Coming Soon!)
and our free Behavior Wellness Report on Fears and Phobias
(Coming Soon!). We also recommend The
Cautious Canine by Dr. Patricia McConnell.
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