6 Things to Remember When You Have a Fearful Dog
My dog Mayzie was rescued by Second Chance Animal Rescue in Colorado. At the time, she was approximately two years old and had spent her entire life at the end of a rope in someone’s backyard. She had little food and water and only the frame of a drawer for shelter. To our knowledge, she had never lived in a house until she went to live with her foster mom. When we adopted her two months later, we knew her history and that she was a “sensitive” dog. But beyond that, we really had no idea what we were getting into. Truth be told, I’m not sure we could ever have been prepared for the enormous project we were undertaking. Mayzie was a truly fearful dog. She was quite literally afraid of everything.
A list of “Items That Terrified Mayzie” included: hardwood floors, stairs, the oven, the dishwasher, the BBQ grill, the umbrella on our patio set, the wind, ceiling fans, walks, getting in the car, getting out of the car … Well, you get the idea.
Today, though, with a lot of hard work, patience and cheese therapy, Mayzie is a happy, funny, confident dog. Sure, there are things that still scare her, but she now has the tools she needs to deal with most things that come her way.
But, oh, I remember how challenging those first few days, weeks and years were. And I realize now that while there are many resources out there on how to help a fearful dog, they generally don’t prepare the human for the unique challenges and rewards that come along with it.
So if you’re just starting your journey or have been at it for a while, here are some tips to help your fearful dog.
1. A fearful dog’s journey isn’t a straight line — don’t expect it to be
Parenting a scared dog is a challenging but rewarding experience. Photography ©Image Source | Photodisc via Getty Images.
Humans seem to be hardwired to want to get someplace by the shortest, most direct path. When it comes to working with a fearful dog, however, it’s best to accept that you’re going to be taking the scenic route. You should prepare for setbacks and breakdowns, and you may have to take an alternate route every once in awhile.
The fact is, setbacks are going to happen and they’re perfectly normal when it comes to our fearful dogs. But that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Even in the worst case scenario, you’re likely not going to go back to the place you started. If you stay the course, you’ll be gaining ground and moving forward toward your goal. So when detours happen, acknowledge them but don’t let yourself be discouraged by them.
2. Learn to enjoy the perspective
After adopting Mayzie, I became hypervigilant about everything around us. What were the potential triggers on our walks? What might cause her to fly into a panic in the house? Frankly, it was stressful because it seemed that Mayzie’s many boogeymen were always lurking just around the corner.
But then I slowly began to realize something: I was seeing things in a way I never had before. Maybe the flowers in one of my neighbor’s gardens had begun to bloom. Or maybe another put up a new fence. And, wow, I never noticed that beautiful weeping willow down the street before. Once I began looking at the world through Mayzie’s eyes, I not only helped her, I received the gift of appreciating the world around me in a whole new way.
3. Revel in small victories when it comes to scared dogs
One morning on our walk, Mayzie stopped dead in her tracks and backed up several steps, her body low to the ground. I immediately became extra alert. What threat had I missed? Then I saw it. After a hard rain the night before, a large dahlia bloom had dropped onto the sidewalk and into our path. Any other dog wouldn’t have even noticed. Not Mayzie. This was new and different, and in the past it might have sent her into a panic to get away. I stood still, studying her for clues on the best course of action.
Not sure how to tell when your dog is scared? These are some signs of a scared dog >>
As I watched, she slowly crept her front legs forward, her neck outstretched, while somehow keeping her back legs poised for flight. Closer and closer she inched until she was finally nose-to-bud with the flower. As soon as she sniffed it, all tension released from her body. “Duh, mom, it’s a flower! And you were so scared,” she seemed to say as she trotted happily away. To anyone else, it might have seemed inconsequential. But to me it was another example of how far this fearful dog had come. I smiled all the way home.
4. There will be tough days and you might want to give up
About two weeks after we adopted Mayzie, we had a really, really bad day. Everything that could go wrong, did. I was at my wit’s end and felt completely in over my head. As my husband and I climbed into bed, I broke into sobs and blurted out, “I don’t know if we can do this! Maybe we should give her back to the rescue.” I shocked even myself by saying that. I was raised to believe that an animal, like a child, is a lifetime commitment, but I was tired and frustrated and simply didn’t know what to do.
My husband looked me in the eye and said, “She’s ours now and we’re not giving up on her. You’ll feel better after you’ve slept.” And you know what? He was right. I woke with a better outlook and renewed determination to help my dog. That wasn’t our last bad day, by any means, but I was better prepared for them in the future.
5. Just remember — fearful dogs do get better
Five years ago, I never would have believed where Mayzie is today. Never. I couldn’t have conceived of a reality where she would love to go for walks or that I could flip on the ceiling fan without a second thought. Yet here we are. Some days/weeks/months, it felt like we were making no progress at all. But looking back on it, I realize that things were getting better even if it was hard to see at the time.
One of the best pieces of advice I got was to start a journal to keep track of progress. I started a blog. You might prefer a notebook. But whatever you do, write it down. It’s so helpful on the difficult days to read about how far you’ve come, how much progress you’ve made and how it really has gotten better.
6. Parenting a fearful dog is one of most rewarding things you’ll ever do
I can’t even begin to count all the hours and money I’ve invested in helping Mayzie become the dog she is today: happy, healthy and with a full, rich life. Is she “normal” (whatever that means)? Well, no, I guess not and probably never will be. She was too far behind the eight ball to ever catch up completely. But every minute and every dollar I’ve spent have been worth it. All the work we’ve done together has created a trust and a bond that is rare and unbreakable. It’s been an amazing, challenging, crazy roller-coaster of a ride, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Your turn: Do you have a fearful dog? What has been your biggest challenge or reward? Tell us in the comments!
About the Author: Amber Carlton is owned by two cats and two dogs (all rescues), and is affectionately (?) known as the crazy pet lady amongst her friends and family. She and her husband (the crazy pet man) live in colorful Colorado where they enjoy hiking, biking and camping. Amber is a freelance copywriter and blogger for hire and also acts as the typist for her dog’s musings at Mayzie’s Dog Blog. She encourages other crazy pet people to connect with her at her business website, on Twitter or on Facebook.
Thumbnail: Photography ©hidako | Thinkstock.
This post was originally published January 17, 2014.
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60 comments on “6 Things to Remember When You Have a Fearful Dog”
We adopted a 2 1/2 year old Breeder dog. Mini Doxie. She had never been in a house, car, on a leash or with people. Everything and everyone scares her. After 3 months she is starting to warm up to me, but not my husband or daughter. I have seen some slow improvements, but honestly was disappointed that at the 3 month mark she still isn’t comfortable anywhere. Your experience gives me hope. I hope with patience she will be able to play and have fun and cuddle.
I have just rescued a beautiful miniature poodle . He is six and spent his life in a puppy mill , mainly caged. He is a loving dog and doing quite well. He loves the other dogs in the household. We have had him approx 6 weeks , the problem is the last week he has started to hide under the bed for a long time during the day and has suddenly started to be frightened of going out in the garden . I have been leaving him , not wanting to force him into anything but I’m not sure why he has suddenly started to hide himself away or what to do about it
A nervous dog will often invest all its resources in one person, but over time as trust builds it can extend to others. When we first took on Kizzie, she would only come to me, walk with me and let me pick her up. If my husband tried she would wee in fear. So we just let her do what was comfortable for her. Now she races to greet my husband when he comes home from work and happily snuggles in his arms. It took almost 2 years to get to that point, but well worth the wait.
Hello, I am concerned about my german shepherd dog we only got him a week ago he is 19 months old we got him from a breeder in Carmarthenshire it was her daughters dog and she had 3 children under the age of 5 the dog wasn’t getting the attention it should have, the lady we got him from said he is good with children whichwe wanted as I got a 4 year old ggrandson and 1 more on the way, Zuba thats the dogs name is great with my grandson. But I have noticed Zuba is very jumpy of a lot of things he backs away from people he is fine with me I know its only been aweek and he needs time to settle in but my concern is he is not eating very good drinking plenty of water, also the lady we got him from said he will eat anything but he is not he was on tripe and dry biscuits so we kept him on that for a few days, but now but him on tripe tinned food but he is turning his noes up to everything we give him we have tryed chicken, ham, sausage meat, but no so what can I do to help him.
We got Olivia as a pup. She had been abandoned and left to fend for herself. Instead of a roly poly puppy, her ribs and hip bones stuck out. She was scared of everything. Seven years later, she no longer resource guards. She is confident enough to check out whatever is scaring her. She goes to doggy day camp and plays with her many friends. No. She’s not a perfectly social dog. She never will be. Strangers will always scare her. But we know how to help her fell secure and she trusts us. That is all that matters…
I really enjoyed a lot your post, it is close, lovely personal and based in experience. As you say it isn’t a question to solve quick, needs work, love and patient, results come after and the best is how you understand and making a closer bond. Great article!
I agree that it was such a sensitive and touching article. and you, Marina, must also be a lovely person.
I’m glad to find this information and will pass it on to people with dogs that need some special help! Before there was an internet I trapped an approximately 4 month old feral puppy.
I just moved my dog across the ocean and he is fearful. Now – more than ever, from a lot of things and people. It takes patience and confidence from the owners side. Don’t force these new things on him, but don’t run away from them either. Slowly explore every little thing that scares him, don’t rush. Reward every positive move from his side.. I mean really reward – like throw a big party with treats and hugs so he knows haha
I have just adopted a 6 yr old dog who was rescued from a puppy mill where she had been bred all her life. She is so scared of everything but is slowly getting used to me. I would love some advice on how to train her to use the doggy door. The noise doesn’t freak her out as much as it used to but she won’t push it open by herself even after watching my other dog go through. If I hold it ajar eventually she will rush through but not always. Don’t want to push her and she is too scared to take treats to do it.
I have a rimmed dog that was given to me from a hog hunt hunter that used her for breading. She is a sweet heart but acts like she was neglected. I’m working with her and she just had a litter of pups 2 day ago. Any help?
I am fostering a very fearful dog. She will not allow anyone to touch her. After weeks, she will take treats from my hand. I am keeping her in a 10×10 kennel in my heated attached workshop to keep her from running off. She loves my old dogs and we sit by her kennel for hours every day. She tolerates me being this close, but what next?
I am trying to help a 5 year old Boston terrier. HOW can I read it’s body language. And maybe get it’s trust.It doesn’t know how to act
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It’s always so wonderful to read success stories like yours! I’m a volunteer at an R.S.P.C.A in Australia, and have seen many terrified dogs come and go – one in particular came to mind from reading your article. Her name is April, a large mix breed dog who is too nervous to leave her bed in her pen. She is a beuatiful soul, and loves her off-lead time in the fields, but because prospective buyers only see the timid side of her, they move along to the next occupied kennel.
She’s been living at the shelter for so long, after being rescued from the backyard of some not very nice people, and I so wish she could find a home to call her own!
I want to do my best to help her, so if you have any tips on how to get her to move around more in her pen, so people can see her, I would really appreciate it! Maybe you dealt with this with Mayzie?
My fiance and I saved our Sheba from going to the pound because the couple that was giving her away could not take care of her anymore. She has a pretty traumatic past, she was attacked by a pit bull and was beat by a man. My fiance fell in love with Sheba the min he saw her picture, me on the other hand I wanted a big dog, but I no longer feel that way and couldn’t be happier that we chose her.
When my fiance first brought her home she was wide eyed and shaking. He put her down on the bed and she ran to me. She wanted nothing to do with my fiance. She was fearful of everyone but would come to me before anyone else. If a man raised their voice she would run and hide. When a big dog was around she would start growling and end up in a defense stance. Loud noises scared her. We have had her 4 years almost and she is doing great now. With tons and tons of patience she is not the dog she use to be. She is happy and a very loving dog. She does have her scared moments, like with my brother who is 6’4″ she barks and hides every time he comes to visit us. However for the most part she has gotten over a lot of her fears
Did Sheba ever take to your fiance /husband. We are in the same situation. It is my daughter and I though. I wanted the dog she could have cared less. He loves her and fears me. He will lick my hand and take food and treats from me IF she is nearby. He seems like he is protective of her and that is why he barks at me. However , he is scared of me as he hides when we are alone in a room together. He will crawl frantically under the fitted sheet to hide. I am heartbroken as I am the one who fell in love with his picture and drove 400 miles to rescue him from a chihuahua shelter where he was being housed with about 9 other dogs (all Chihuahuas) in a very small house with a lady who takes them in and fosters them. I don’t know what to do. It has been 18 mo and he still won’t get close to me for longer than a few seconds. That is ONLY if my daughter is nearby. HELP. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Yesterday I brought home a 2 yr old chiweenie who was raised n an abusive puppy mill. She went to a few different rescue shelters, last one for 6 months. Shelter owners said she never progressed or warmed up to people. Just ok with their other 30 dogs. N the verge of being out down as unadoptable when I agreed to Foster for a month. I have her in my home office with pet gate so she can see out into house and my other 2 dogs can see her. Some growling from her and my more dominant Chihuahua. The new dog is eating well and pottied on pads. Any suggestions as to how to best help her and manage my expectations? Not sure what to do if no progress at end of month trial. Cannot fathom thought of her being euthanized for no fault of her own!
Any good trainer should be able to help, as long as they subscribe to the understanding that there are reasons dogs do what they do and believe that dogs have individual temperaments. They should also understand that owners have different temperaments which will effect their willingness to maintain a training technique after the trainer leaves. Therefore one training technique does not fit all dogs, all situations or all people. Forcing something on either can create more anxiety and fear!
My trainer understood the need to use techniques that matched Mattie’s temperament and my personality which improved my ability to follow through more consistently. We didn’t force a technique that made me uncomfortable or frightened her more. What a concept for an anxious/fearful dog.
My girl Mattie responded well we started easy w/feeding. My girl, Mattie, Is a 60 lb pit bull who drug me down the street on walks, shadowed me in the house, etc. The trainer said she wasn’t pulling just for a walk. It didn’t matter to her where we went she “just wanted to get away from where we were”. He was right, as we worked together and built trust, her confidence grew. She started exploring the yard alone. Now she smells the flowers, doesn’t duck her head and tuck tail if there is something new on the route. Loves hiking and exploring. She just began approaching people and dogs at the dog park. It’s a joy to watch her find confidence and enjoy life.
My trainer is probably not in your area but he has some free videos and articles you can check out at jscottdogtrainig.com
It’s a beautiful thing to watch your dog’s spirit come back alive. Keep up the good work even in days when all you can do is love them.
First and foremost, thanks to Amber for writing this article and for all of you who contributed your stories. I am grateful to you – and I am one of you. Three weeks ago, I adopted a 35-lb Lab from a foster home – who received her from a rescue organization –
who rescued her from a hoarder situation in another state. She went from living in a kennel with little food and water – to being transported across state lines in her first car experience – to living in a crate with two quite “barky” dogs in the household – to then being thrown back in a car and driven across a bridge to my home. While she now has a house, yard, everything dog luxe, she refuses to leave the bedroom. It’s a fight to get her out for a morning and evening walk. She sleeps all day. When I questioned the foster parent on her potty habits, I was told that she was gone for 13 hours one day and there was “no accident.” Really?!! (Side note: I personally would not have fared so well). Every day has started with renewed hope and ended with emotional exhaustion and disappointment. In a moment of self-pity and doubt, the ugly truth of it all hit me: it’s not about me – not what I need, not what I want. It is all about her. And, “rescued?” In her eyes, would “repeatedly abducted” be the more accurate description? I think so. I have lowered my expectations of her and significantly raised my own. Each of you have inspired me to admire her strength in surviving all that came before and appreciate the fact that it is never too late to have a happy childhood. I look forward to us having an epic one together. Hugs, Patricia
Hello. It’s been really interesting to read people’s experiences. I rescued a one-eyed Spanish Mastiff pup (5 months old) from Spain at the end of October, and brought him back to England, where we live. He’s a delight, and very happy, confident and settled at home. However, he is hyper-vigilant and freaks out at random objects on walks. We’ve been working on recall, and he comes back reliably, to the point that I have been confident letting him off the leash when out for walks in the fields around our home. This morning, however, we came through a hedgerow and there was a large metal bin on its side in the hedge (a feeder for the wild pheasants that had fallen over). He barked once, then took off for home at about 100 miles per hour, oblivious to my calls and whistles, absolutely terrified. Fortunately, he was heading for home, and there were no roads. By the time I reached the point where I could see him in the distance, he had calmed down and came back to me, but I’m wary about letting him off the leash now, as I just don’t know what objects are going to panic him, and maybe have him running in the wrong direction. We returned to the scary bin with him on the leash, and although reluctant at first, he eventually sniffed it all over and then ignored it when we walked past it again. So, that bin is now a friend, but who knows what will scare him next? Any advice appreciated.
Very happy to read your blog. Rescued 2 year old chihuahua rat terrier mix 6 months ago who was unadoptable because she growled at everyone. She was afraid of almost everything. My husband had died so my house is very calm and had plenty of time to work with her. With the help of a wonderful trainer she has bonded with me but has a long way to go. She will never be a “normal” dog but we saved each other.
My one-and-a-half year old Wirehair Dashchund growls at everything and everyone! I believe this is out of fear and/or insecurity when there isn’t any obvious threat. When I correct her, she becomes defiant and growls some more while looking straight at me!!! I am 76, have had dogs all my life and never encountered anything like this… Any advice? Would sure appreciate some… She is strong like an ox and somewhat aggressive while outdoors–I have had her since 8 weeks and think I have created a monster!
Hi — We suggest contacting a vet and behaviorist for suggestions tailored to your specific situation. Best of luck!
My daughters dog she has had for over a year now I cone often she lives out of state and this dog is so skiddish he sees me all the time and the I only time he comes up to me is at night he loves on me wants me to pet him but the day time he acts like he has never seen me what so I do
Hi Lori, Sorry to hear that you’re struggling. We suggest contacting your vet and a behaviorist for some personalized advice on your situation. Best of luck!
We adopted a beagle from a foster, who captured her running loose for several months. She was very thin and the foster took her home to get her vet treatment and some rehab, and the foster had her for 5 months, but she never bonded to anyone. She’s very fearful, approx. 5 to 6 years old according to the vet, doesn’t like loud noises or sudden movements. She will lay on my lap and go to sleep and likes to be petted, and has bonded to me, somewhat. She won’t eat with our other beagle and I have to feed her in a room at the other end of the house, and I have to leave the room. She watched our other dog go out the doggie door and in two days, she was going in and out on her own. We’re being very patient with her, but I don’t know if I should just ignore her or keep talking to her in soft tones, petting her and letting her be in my lap. One day, I see progress, and the next day, she runs every time she sees me or my husband. Our other beagle has ignored her and is giving her space, but occasionally, I see them in a chair together, sleeping. She won’t take food or a treat from my hand. When we brought her home, she rode well in the car and will walk on a leash, so we have no idea of her former life or why she is so fearful. Any help or suggestion is welcomed.
Hi Kathy,
We suggest seeing a behaviorist. This post might help, too: http://www.dogster.com/dog-training/dog-is-scared-of-everything
We adopted a golden doodle 5 weeks ago. She lived the first 5 years of her life in a puppy mill. She has never lived in a house so everything scares her and it breaks my heart. it does seem like progress is slow but like others have said when we look back she has come so far! The doggy door was an issue. I tried out of desperation to push her through WRONG that set us back. We instead used a metal office supply clip to clip on the bottom of the flap and a small nail above it so we could leave it open without holding it. We left it that way for a couple of days then would put it down just for a little while and then hook it back up out of the way. It took less than a week and she was running in and out at will with the flap down, which is great because it is cold in Michigan. And of course lots of treats and praise and love!!
Congratulations on domesticating your dog! At my household we have done the same. It can be hard work, but ultimately it’s rewarding to all parties involved. Just yesterday a neighbor commented that Sundae wasn’t “even like the same dog.” Not absolutely all, but nearly all dogs are good dogs at heart.
One of my most difficult obstacles with my rescue (previously abused, scared. neglected). ‘Ringo’ was trying to get other PEOPLE to understand he was not a ‘normal’ dog and to understand why I watched over him and watched out for him as I did ..and sometimes still do (I’ve had him 6 yrs). They didn’t understand my concern for him. He’s a happy healthy boy but I still find myself seeing peoples eyes roll not understanding the special treatment I give Ringo at times still. What I’ve learned is I don’t need to explain anything anymore as long as Ringo is doing good that’s all that matters ❤
We have a Jack Russell English/Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross called Rosie. She is white, black and brindle, is absolutely beautiful, a 10kg furry ball of muscle. We have had her nine months and she is around three. Her first home she was used to hunt, shoved in a crate almost all the time and surrounded by dogs much larger than her, including one with behavioural issues. They referred to her as it, shouted at her, kicked her and bred off her twice before she was around 18 months. Her next owners, upon seeing her poor treatment took her in, but their Jack Russell wouldn’t accommodate her. It was a constant power struggle resulting in her badly biting her housemate and in desperation she was offered to us.
With us, she is an only dog and has full run of the house and yard. She is territorial of the house and car, will not toilet in the yard (will number two sometimes), has a ridiculously high prey drive and has nearly been run over in pursuit of a cat. She is fearful reactive of other dogs and will get very stressed in the presence of another dog (lip licking, lunging, staring, growling) and is reactive to noise, will bark at car/front doors closing, other dogs barking. She is submissive with people and absolutely adores us, but is territorial with delivery men/postmen. She trembles a lot, pupils are like saucers most of the time and looks uncomfortable quite often. But we aren’t giving up on her and will do what we can for her to be calmer dog.
About 13 years ago we got an italian greyhound at 9 weeks old- we were RVers in California and left on a cross country trip -when we reached Minnesota to visit friends we were attacked by a Yellow Lab for was a farm dog, and out 10 week old IG was scared to death and bolted. For 4 days and 4 nights we searched the area, without success – tearfully leaving him and driving 180 miles north – when at 8 pm the next day we received a phone call that someone had found our IG 3/4 of a mile from where he was lost – he had been in a soybean field, and was found by a couple riding their motorcycle — at midnight at night we were able to drive back the 180 miles to get him back – but he has been a “basket case” ever since — he was so terribly skinny and so afraid that he has only been calm when he is sleeping with me or sitting by my side. They are very high strung to begin with, but it’s been 13 years now, and he is still afraid of loud noises, doorbells, and people who come to visit that he hasn’t seen very often. He is so afraid that if he is on his leash on a walk and frightened by something he has been know to actually pull out of his collar and not come back when called – which makes taking him for walks very stressful. He is really smart, but still extremely fearful of a lot of things. It is an ongoing challenge to get him to accept new situations, and new things. Any suggestions?
We’re fostering a Romanian street dog and although she’s (almost) fine with me and my son, she’s terrified of our lodger. He’s very withdrawn himself and spends most of his time behind his bedroom door, but as soon as he opens the door, Aida starts barking and raises her hackles. She continues barking until he’s back in his room with the door closed, and whilst she calms a little if I pet her and talk soothingly, she starts again as soon as I stop. The lodger is pretty nocturnal so he tends to emerge in the early hours of the morning and I’m worried our neighbours will start to complain. Does anyone have any tips on how we can encourage Aida to be less fearful of the lodger?
Also, she is terrified of the lead. She does allow me to put one on her after a lot of encouragement, but once it’s on no one can touch it or she freaks out. All I’m doing at the moment is clipping it on her collar and allowing her to roam around the house under supervision for a few minutes each day, extending the time gradually. I’m desperate to be able to take her out for walks with my other dog, so I’d like some tips on getting her to be less fearful of the lead.
Hi Janice —
Sorry to hear that you’re dealing with this. These articles might help and we also suggest contacting a behaviorist:
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-behavior-problems-training-tips-fearful
http://www.dogster.com/dog-training/dog-is-scared-of-everything
http://www.dogster.com/dog-training/what-are-dogs-scared-of-how-to-help-dogs-overcome-their-fears
Hi,
We rescued a lab mix pup about 7 weeks ago. She is 8 months old now. The first two weeks were flawless. We had her leashed up in the house, she behaved and learned all sorts of commands. But the last two days, she is petrified to go out in our back yard, has peed in her crate twice. We let her out enough, but during the day, she needs to go pee every hour . also, Gracie doesn’t seem herself. We are not sure what happened. We are taking training lessons at petco, walk her two to four times a day, give her love and attention, etc. We are even having a trainer come to the house to help with some things like jumping and mouthing when she meets new people. how do we help our little girl with her fear of the backyard?
Hi Christine,
Sorry to hear you’re experiencing this. You’re doing the right thing by working with a trainer and we might suggest a behaviorist as well. These articles might help shed some light on the issue, too:
http://www.dogster.com/dog-training/dog-is-scared-of-everything
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-behavior-problems-training-tips-fearful
http://www.dogster.com/dog-training/what-are-dogs-scared-of-how-to-help-dogs-overcome-their-fears
We adopted two terrier Chihuahuas from the same foster home in January. They are about 10 months old now. They both had some kind of trauma before but one is completely terrified of people. They were giving her away for free and intended on moving her to another foster home. The dogs are bonded so we couldn’t separate them and figured she would be moved from home to home until they determined she was unadoptable. Its only been five months but there is very little change. There are days she is responsive to us. She loves our couch and will sit on the top back of the couch behind you, and smell you but doesn’t want to be touched or looked at. If you talk to her too much she runs away. I have been able to get her to sleep with me twice on the couch, if I have a blanket and she will allow you to rub her head and chest but only if she is on the couch behind you. She runs loose in the backyard and barks at us, but ultimately wants to be in the house so we don’t have issues getting her inside. There a few occasions when I can see a normal dog in her, but otherwise she just looks at us with dark fearful eyes. We have met a local trainer who suggested we board train her for two weeks. I don’t like the idea but my husband does not feel we’re qualified to train her. I feel terrible that the dogs will be separated and am afraid that any trust we may have gained will be lost. Has anyone boarded their dog for training and had success? This trainer is mainly focusing on socializing the dog. She does not believe she can have any obedience training at this time. I would love to have normal dogs that are happy but in this case I just want to be able to protect them. Right now, if she got out we would not be able to get her back.
I adopted a 7mo Jindo from a Korean meat farm. I have had Luna since Feb., she is the sweetest dog and a complete angel at home. Luna is a extremely fearful dog for obvious reasons. Walking her can be challenging at times and extremely frustrating. The early mornings are her best times, we can get to our local park. However as more people start showing up she starts shaking and pulling. Now on Sat and Sun I get her to the park as early as possible, we put a blanket down and people watch. She seems to well with this scenario. It’s heartbreaking to see her fear but after reading your story I wanted to say thank you!
I have just finished reading all these stories and my heart hurts for all the fearful dogs and the people trying to help them. All I want to say is “Please, don’t give up, good people…”
If there is anything to be done to help these dogs overcome their pasts, they deserve it.
Some dogs — and horses — never will. But when they do, one can only admire their courage.
I was given a nine-month old terrified Beauceron (French sheep dog) seven years ago; he had been badly beaten by men with sticks and may be convulsing periodically today because of a brain injury he suffered before he came to me. Not surprisingly, he was terrified of men. He still is, but will ask male visitors or workers to throw his toy for him now and will lie down quietly in the same room with some male friends. Not all. He is very kind with my miniature dachshunds and will play with them even though he weighs 50 +kg and they weigh only 10. He is the best friend to me that I have ever had. It took a long time — no brusque gestures, no challenges (the car is stressful), lots of tolerance and acceptance and love — until he came to feel that we could trust each other. That’s the key. That and time. Lots of time.
Our little terrier ladybug was 6 years old when we got her from the rescue. They had no background on her except she was found in some woods in Kentucky.
She was scared of everything. If you looked at her, she’d pee. She wouldn’t come near us the first three weeks. We’ve had her for a year and 6 months. She now wants to be near us all the time. She likes to have her ears scratched and her tummy rubbed.
She is still fearful of strangers and will hide behind us. Loud noises startle her. She is scared of the ice maker in the refrigerator. But now we know her trigger points.
We wouldn’t want any other dog.
Hi, like many of you, we also only take rescues. We have had dogs who seem to have lots of anxiety. My best allies and detectives in the pet parenting process have been our veterinarian, who have lots of behaviorist training; and also a wonderful trainer and behaviorist. Our trainer exclusively teaches reward-based positive training techniques. I can’t recommend it highly enough; they’re the experts. Your vet will have recommendations.
With much love and appreciation for your/our collective hard work!
Our Yorkie was traumatized when servicemen were trying out the fire alarms in our building. The noise went on for 3 days. I spent much time with her in my arms.. The noise hurt my ears so I could just imagine how she felt.
I have a Silky that loves people but is afraid of hides…..and also is a shaking mess when we go in the car….one trip he got carsick 5 times and he hadn’t eaten since the night before. Any ideas on these issues…….. otherwise he is the best dog I have ever had.
Hi Rita
Sorry to hear you’re experiencing this. We suggest talking to a behaviorist, but these pieces might help:
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-to-keep-your-dog-safe-and-comfortable-in-the-car
http://www.dogster.com/dog-training/dog-is-scared-of-everything
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/why-do-pets-suddenly-become-afraid-of-cars
Gail Tyndell
Have you tried a raw food diet? Our German Shepherd had very little interest in food and had to be coaxed to eat . . . until we transitioned him onto a raw food diet (also known as BARF – Bones and Raw Food Diet). Now he absolutely adores his food and gets really excited at mealtimes!!
Thank you so much for this! I just adopted a 1 yr old lab 3 days ago, who was kept in a backyard breeders backyard with no social action for 10 months until they learned they could not bred her because of a genetic trait. They gave her up to a rescue. She is afraid of everything (not people or dogs thankfully) but a fountain in the neighborhood turning on, garden hose, dishwasher etc. she growls and literally will pull the leash out of your hand to bolt. I haven’t met with a behaviorist or trainer yet. I am scared she may bite someone, I hope their is help for her.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for reaching out! So glad to hear you enjoyed our article. We suggest seeing the behaviorist or trainer if this behavior continues. Best of luck!
I went with my mom to adopt a dog for her and my dad they are elderly, and wanted a small calm serene dog for companionship. We went to look at a poodle mix at the shelter, very friendly but my mom was used to bigger dogs and wanted a less energetic dog. So… we took home a very docile dog, who was just lying in the kennel when all the other dogs around were barking. She thought he looked very calm I was thinking he was terrified. She has him home now since yesterday. He wont come out of his cage. He was a stray found in a different state and probably been abused. He had had a couple different surgeries on his mouth, had been fixed, mo doubt is in a state of shock. I live a mile down the road and am trying to help release the animal from some deep rooted fears. They said he is only 2 has had his tail cropped, possibly a mountain cur dog, looks just like the pictures. He is completely completely and utterly terrified of my husband. He has never snapped or growled or shown any type of aggression which is a good sign I suppose, any thoughts on how to approach training? We named him Jack so far is not really responsive to any name.
Hi there Angela!
Thanks for reaching out. We think you would benefit from reading these articles for more information on scared dogs and how to help them:
https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/what-are-dogs-scared-of-how-to-help-dogs-overcome-their-fears
https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/dog-is-scared-of-everything
we have a donated dog–the couple had to move. as soon as we got this beautiful Australian Shepard, it avoided us. our daughter brought her home and was able to touch it, but since then, she will not get close to us at all. the daughter has moved out, but the dog remains elusive. it will not come to me or my wife or other kids at home even if we have a fresh piece of steak. if it runs out of food, it just waits until we give it more food, waiting behind our palm tree. at times we can coax it out of her spot, and she acts like she wants to play, but she will not let us touch her, and run around me but never close enough to touch. I cannot even get close enough to put a leash on her. should i get some to help and put a leash on her to go for walk? what can we do?
Hi there Mike,
This article provides information about how someone helped a dog overcome fear of human touch:
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-i-helped-a-labrador-puppy-overcome-his-fear-of-human-touch
This article provides more information about what dogs are scared of and how to help them:
https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/what-are-dogs-scared-of-how-to-help-dogs-overcome-their-fears
by the way, I have tried being really patient, and not being threatening, and that’s when she will come out and run around me, but never close enough to touch or pet.
We have a five-year-old catahoula/lab mix who has always been somewhat timid since we got him at four months old. He loves us, loves car rides, is super smart, but if we try to travel with him, he turns into the most terrified dog you’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, we can’t afford to board him every time and there are no pet-sitters where we live. On this last trip, he developed a fear of everything to the point where he refused to go outside. He would happily step into his harness, but as soon as you opened the door, he flattened himself on the floor and nothing short of force would get him outside. Since we were staying in motels, he had to go out to potty. He would pull so hard on the way back to the room that he actually scared me. I’m almost 65 and he pulls like a freight train. And rest stops. Oh, man, so much there to be terrified about. He went 5 days without eating. How can we help him overcome this? He’s perfectly fine at home, but not anywhere outside his own domain. We tried Rescue Remedy (huge waste of money) and CBD oil, but neither helped.
Hi Pam,
Sorry to hear that you and your pup are experiencing this. We suggest working with a professional behaviorist to address your dog’s specific needs.
These articles might provide some insights, too:
https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/what-are-dogs-scared-of-how-to-help-dogs-overcome-their-fears
https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/dog-is-scared-of-everything
I love the story of Mazie because that is exactly how my Lexie was when I got her. Lexie was an 18 month old Miniature Poodle who was ceased from a hoarding situation. She only weighed 8 pounds and should have been 12 pounds and looked imatiated. When I adopted her, she had just been spay the day before so she was still pretty lethargic. The rescue share with me that she was a bit timid. Once the anesthesia had completely worn off, I discovered that timid was the understatement of the world. Lexie feared everything that she saw. Taking her for a walk was a challenge because there was not a leaf, a tree, a stick, a person, a dog that didn’t petrify her. I had wondered if I had made a big mistake. She allowed me to touch her but no one else could come near her as she went into a panic. Today, 2 1/2 years later, she is the sweetest most loving little girl. She is not the perfect little girl that was well socialized when she was a puppy but she will go up to people now without fear and even allows some to pet her if they approach her quietly and calmly. She wants to say hello though by licking and wagging her tail at them. She still panics when she sees something new but will now tentatively try to go up to it rather than run in fear. She has come such a long way and is such a loving little girl now. I wouldn’t trade her for the world. Patience, time and a lot of love was just the right recipe to help Lexie become as normal as she possibly can be.
I adopted a dog from a local rescue about a month ago. He was very shy and withdrawn at the shelter but I figured I would give him a chance at a happy life, even after another family previously adopted him and returned him after only three weeks. When I got him home he spent the first two days laying in a spare bedroom in the dark. Then he spent about 4 days in my bathroom. He has settled on living in the dining room. He was having small breakthroughs almost everyday but lately he’s been staying in his kennel every minute that I’m home. I kind of feel bad for him like he would have a much happier life somewhere else but I don’t want to give up on him. He seems to do fine with females but he is very fearful of me. How do I get him to leave his kennel and be comfortable, and not running back there the second I make eye contact with him?
Hi there Kevin,
Thanks for reaching out! Here are some more articles you might find useful on helping a fearful or shy dog:
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-behavior-problems-training-tips-fearful
https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/what-are-dogs-scared-of-how-to-help-dogs-overcome-their-fears
This article has more information on how to socialize a dog:
https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/socializing-older-dogs