Don't use punishment But if your dog is fearful, it is especially important to stop using punishment because the risk is your dog may become more fearful or even become afraid of you. Your dog is already stressed by whatever they are afraid of. You don't want to add to that stress by using aversive methods.
If the unwanted behavior is truly voluntary, try positive reinforcement of a different behavior. But if it's an emotional, stress-based behavior, take your dog out of the situation as quickly as possible, or try associating the “scary thing” with bite-sized liver treats, a squeaky toy, or just happy talk.
Will my dog get better? It's possible! Most fearful dogs gradually improve with time, training, and trust. But they won't likely become outgoing if they're naturally nervous or shy.
There are two major fear periods in a puppy's socialization. One is at 8-11 weeks and the other is 6-14 months. These fear periods are evolutionarily programmed and are protective for dogs in the wild. Even though dogs live as pets now, these genetically determined behavioral patterns are still present.
Calming collars, pressure wraps, herbal supplements, pheromone sprays, and other anxiety aids can all help make your dog more comfortable at the vet. Medication is also an option, though it's typically considered a last resort. My own anxious dog takes a mild sedative at home a couple hours before each vet visit.
Treating Emotional Trauma in Pets
Treatment generally centers on desensitization and counter-conditioning. Desensitization is the process of exposing the animal in a safe, non-threatening environment to a low level of the feared stimulus. “Exposure increases very gradually over time,” McMillan explains.
Also known as “the fear of situations period,” this phase typically corresponds to a dog's growth spurts (and sexual maturation, in intact puppies). It's a normal developmental period during which new things seem scary, even if they didn't used to (source).
Fear aggression is characterized by rapid nips or bites because a fearful dog is motivated to bite and then run away. Sometimes the aggression doesn't begin with clear threats. A fearful dog might not show her teeth or growl to warn the victim off.
Common symptoms of anxiety include increased vigilance, drooling, panting, restlessness, compulsive behavior, changes in sleep patterns, more barking than usual, urinating or defecating indoors, destructive behavior, and depression.
Puppies will experience two different fear periods before reaching adulthood. Each fear period will last roughly 2-3 weeks. The first fear period occurs relatively early in a dog's life, when puppies are between 8-11 weeks old.
Fear aggression is unlikely to improve with time. Consult with your veterinarian to rule out physical causes for aggression. Your vet may be able to recommend over-the-counter anti-anxiety products, provide a behavior modification plan or refer you to a positive-reinforcement trainer in your area.
Fear aggression is characterized by rapid nips or bites because a fearful dog is motivated to bite and then run away. Sometimes the aggression doesn't begin with clear threats. A fearful dog might not show her teeth or growl to warn the victim off.
The method in a nutshell: Desensitization means gradually exposing a dog to the stimulus (aka the Scary Thing) in doses that are small enough that the dog doesn't react negatively. The dog gradually becomes less sensitive (i.e. less scared, less reactive, less angry) to the stimulus.
1. Calmly remove your dog from the situation. No scolding, no yelling, and no physical punishment. Gently take hold of her collar, lead her to a quiet room away from the action, and leave her there with a bowl of water and a chew toy.
Also known as “the fear of situations period,” this phase typically corresponds to a dog's growth spurts (and sexual maturation, in intact puppies). It's a normal developmental period during which new things seem scary, even if they didn't used to (source).
Lack of Socialization
Puppies that don't have positive exposure to the world around them might be more likely to be wary of anything new or unusual. This can lead them to be scared of things we wouldn't associate with fear, like people wearing large hats or having a stroller/skateboard/skater go past you.
Extreme fear and anxiety can occur in dogs for many different reasons. For example, loud noises, storms, fire, and unfamiliar people and places could all trigger fear and anxiety. Fears may also be caused by bad experiences, such as trips to the veterinarian or time spent in boarding kennels.
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
First, stop your dog in the act of whatever he's doing, then give him a different, pet parent-approved option. For example, if you walk into a room and notice him chewing your shoes or hairbrush, swiftly tell him "No!" and take the item out of his mouth. Once your dog is calm, present him with an actual chew toy.
Is training an aggressive dog possible? Yes. Aggression in dogs, whether it be toward a dog's owner or other dogs, is a serious behavior that should be adjusted with the help of a professional dog trainer.
Don't Punish Growling
You won't have done anything to address the underlying issue. For example, punishing your dog for growling in the presence of other dogs will stop the growling. However, your dog will still feel uncomfortable around other dogs.
Don't push your dog over his tolerance threshold. Whatever you're doing, just stop. If your dog's growl threshold is near his bite threshold – that is, if there's not much time between his growl and his bite, get safe. If his growl doesn't mean a bite is imminent, stop what you're doing but stay where you are.
Aggression in dogs can be due to guarding territory, resources, or a family member; fear; frustration; prey drive; or pain. In all of these situations, a dog may be pushed too far and can transition quickly from reactive, fearful, or guarding behaviors to being aggressive.