Fear and anxiety...who hasn't experienced these emotions at some time in their life?
While it may be unpleasant to recall those times when our own anxiety may have caused us to tense up, sweat and have spiraling moments of unpleasant thoughts and elevated blood pressure, imagine your dog not being able to think their way out of what may appear to them as a life or death situation. And when pressed most dogs, even adorable family pets will bite. Where does this fear come from and why does it only effect some dogs?Fears develop early in puppies as their owners are conflicted by the need to socialize and stay within their vets vaccine protocols. What is an owner to do? Preventing fears from developing takes time. Puppy parties where guests are invited to the home are one solution. Have everyone leave their shoes at the door and wash their hands before handling your puppy. Let your puppy be exposed to a variety of sounds. It's easy when you download apps for your smartphone like Dog Teaser which has a free version. When puppies are very young "flooding" or exposing them to various stimuli helps to put things in perspective regarding everyday noises. And meeting men with beards, women with hats and noisy children help acclimate them to real life. Of corse all interaction between young children and dogs matter what the age should be supervised. And once those shots are done take puppy everywhere and try to meet at least 50 new friends per week. This can be done easily by standing in front of the Ridgewood Starbucks with your little cutie as who can pass by and not pet a puppy?
When fear is already present in your dog as evidenced by shyness, trembling, air licking, stiffening and whale eyes where the whites are present, it s time to seek professional help. Have your veterinarian do a well check including blood work to eliminate any underlying physical cause and to also gauge the level of anxiety.
Fear can and often does lead to biting although when an owner knows their dogs' limits, prevention and an action plan can help create a positive outcome. Dogs should never be forced to face their fears. For instance, if your dog dislikes men with beards don't drag them to meet Santa at the park. Instead start training your dog if you haven't already in basic obedience using positive methods. Training in this manner builds confidence and your dog will regard your leash as an umbilical cord of strength as you will be more capable in both communication and handling. And when your dog's mind is busy and engaged there is less room for pre-occupation and potential OCD-like symptoms of fixation. Another important part of a fear reduction program is counter-conditioning where a positive and intensely rewarding item is paired with something fearful. This is not unlike my friend who brings Crumb's cupcakes on board when she flies to ease her anxiety. By equating something good at a distance before anxiety jumps to threshold, helps to de-sensitize and slowly turn things around. In this case we are pairing a good thing with the appearance or presence of something aversive at a comfortable distance where the dog sees it, but is not completely overwhelmed. This process takes patience and yes it is a project. But it often results in success which helps dogs to live fuller and happier lives with their owners.
My second Wheaten Terrier was abused and when she first arrived would not even go walk around town as she was afraid of suburban noises and men with beards like he professional handler that based her. Today after a year she joins me on walks around town and has earned two AKC titles in performance in the process. Training builds confidence in you and in your dog. I have the proof and I hope you have the opportunity to meet her.
Finally in some cases it may be time to look into calming products exploring Rescue Remedy at Whole Foods, the natural products at Hollistic Paws and consulting your veterinarian. Every dog is different and using a relaxation aid is a personal choice. These products used in conjunction with the other methods described can help bring about change. If your dog has already bitten someone it is urgent that you have the bite evaluated. Did the dog break skin? How severe on the bite scale was it? In these cases it s wise to consult a veterinarian with a degree in behavior. Real behaviorists are veterinarians with an additional two years of training in behavior. Dog trainers are not qualified to make this form of assessment nor prescribe.
Don't let fear stop you and your dog from having a good time together. With time, patience and an action plan working with a training professional and your vet, like the song...all things just keep getting better.
Copyright(2013) Dorice Stancher Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Canines Can Do, llc www.caninescando.com
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