Help! My Dog is Afraid of Other Dogs
Dogs may enjoy being around other dogs and love the social life. On the other hand, there may be dogs who are afraid of other dogs. In fact, this is a lot more common than most people think! There are many reasons why dogs might be afraid of other dogs. The good thing is that you can recognize the signs and help your furry friend get over their fear in no time. This article will go into more detail of why some dogs are afraid of other dogs, the symptoms, and some things that you can do to resolve this.
There are a few common reasons why your dog might be afraid of other dogs. Unfortunately, your dog might have gone through some previous trauma. Perhaps they have went through a bad experience with another dog when they were younger. A lack of socialization is another explanation of why a dog may be afraid of other dogs. Isolating dogs from other dogs will make them less trusting of other dogs in the long run. Another thing is that your dog may be encouraged to be afraid of other dogs by their owners. This is never a good thing!
There are some signs to look for if you feel that your dog is afraid of other dogs.
- Trembling
- Whining
- Hiding behind owner
- Aggressive behavior
- Urinating
If you have determined that your dog is showing these signs and they are afraid of other dogs, you can help them! The good thing is that your dog does not need to live in fear. Try our tips below to seek a resolution.
Desensitization – This will help your dog overcome the fear of other dogs by gradually increasing the time that your dog spends with other dogs. The good thing with this is that your dog will build confidence along the way.
Doggie Daycare – Daycare will teach your dog how to properly play with other dogs. In addition, it will serve as a way for them to gain mental and stimulation.
Counter Conditioning – This is an effective way of dealing with a dog who is afraid of other dogs by building up their confidence and comfort levels. Encouraging normal behavior around other dogs will allow your dog to realize this is the “norm”.
Playdates – Do you have a friend who has a dog? If so, this is the perfect scenario! Schedule a playdate with your dogs in a nearby park so that your dog can get acquainted with another dog.
You do not need to worry if your dog is showing signs of being afraid of other dogs. By following our tips and incorporating a little patience along the way, your dog will get used to other dogs in no time! Do your part by building up their confidence and helping them realize that dogs are not a threat to them.