Reactive dogs who are anxious or fearful are having a hard time, and asking you for help in the only way they know how.
WHAT IS ANXIOUS OR FEAR REACTIVITY IN DOGS?
In previous posts, we have talked about the similarities and differences between excited dog reactivity and anxious or fear reactivity. That link is here We also looked deeper into excited or high energy dogs in this post. Today, we will take a deeper dive into anxious or fear reactivity.
An anxious dog is one who is feeling unsafe in their environment, and is asking for more space from whatever is worrying them. Like excited reactivity, it is common for these behaviors to show up during adolescence, but could appear for any number of reasons during any life stage.
HOW DO THE BEHAVIORS OF EXCITED DOGS DIFFER FROM THOSE OF ANXIOUS OR FEARFUL REACTIVE DOGS?
As mentioned in previous posts, there is a good bit of overlap between excited and anxious reactive behaviors. Both may show barking, jumping, spinning, pulling on leash, raised hackles, panting, whining, and so on.
The behaviors of an anxious dog may also include making themselves bigger and louder in the hopes of scaring the trigger away. Some anxious dogs may instead try to hide or escape. Sometimes, a dog would prefer to move away but is restricted by a leash, and then resorts to big displays instead. Cowering, growling, and showing teeth may also be present.
WHAT IS ANXIOUS OR FEAR REACTIVITY?
Anxious reactivity is a behavioral response where a dog reacts strongly to perceived threats or stressors. We might think that the reaction is disproportionate to the actual threat, and it may even be clear to us that there is no actual threat at all. But, the dog feels quite differently about it, and communicates to us and the scary thing that they want more space in order to feel safe.
Common triggers for anxious reactivity in dogs may include unfamiliar people or animals, loud noises, fast moving things such as cars, bikes, and skateboards, or a sudden change in the environment.
WHAT CAUSES ANXIOUS OR FEAR REACTIVITY IN DOGS?
Early Experiences: Lack of socialization during a critical developmental period can lead to increased anxiety.
Traumatic Experiences: Past trauma, abuse, or negative experiences can contribute to heightened reactivity.
Health Issues: Pain or illness can cause or exacerbate anxious behavior.
Environmental Factors: Changes in the home environment, like moving or new additions to the household, can trigger anxiety.
Genetics and Breed Tendencies: Some breeds are more predisposed to anxiety due to their genetic makeup.
Inappropriate Training: Training using harsh methods, punishment, fear, and coercion can lead to confusion and fear.
Simple Misunderstandings: Sometimes we inadvertently teach a dog to fear something by our own responses in a situation.
Missed Communication: Dogs are always communicating with us through their body language, and if their signals are missed or misunderstood, it could result in the dog not being free to move away, and cause a fear to develop.
HOW TO ADDRESS ANXIOUS OR FEAR REACTIVITY?
SAFETY IS THE TREATMENT
"Feeling safe is the treatment, and creating safety is the work", Dr. Peter Levine
Dr. Stephen Porges, psychologist and neuroscientist, and author of "The Polyvagal Theory", defines safety as "the absense of threat PLUS a feeling of connection".
In order to help our anxious and fear reactive dogs, we must begin by creating safety for them, and supporting them while they learn to feel this safety.
Learning Canine Body Language will allow us to accurately assess when our dogs are uncomfortable, and identify the big and small things that worry them. Furthermore, dogs notice when we "hear" them in this way, and respond by helping them move to safety. This creates connection, and assures them that we can be relied upon to keep them safe.
Creating Predictable Routines helps dogs know what to expect. Predictability lowers anxiety.
Awareness of Physical Well Being is important for emotional regulation. Dogs who are uncomfortable can be more moody, frustrated, protective of their space, etc. Taking videos of your dog's movement and comparing over time, can help identify changes. Monitoring digestion by noting any gurgling, vomiting, abnormal stools, diarhea, etc, can also give clues about how your dog may be feeling.
Play Is An Anecdote to Trauma and Anxiety! Doing things together that get the butts wagging, the tongues hanging out sideways, and the eyes dancing will bring you both joy, take the pressure off, and release a powerful cocktail of stress busting hormones. Play like nobody is watching!
THE ROLE OF TRAINING IN HELPING ANXIOUS AND FEAR REACTIVE DOGS
Once the environment is set up to maximize the feeling of safety, predictable routines have been put into place, and outlets for exercise and other enrichment have been established, training can give the dog and caregiver skills for building confidence and coping in the larger world.
A training plan should be created that is tailored to the individual dog, and based on each dog's needs, preferences, and abilities.
Depending on the needs of the dog, there are many methods that can build confidence and help dogs make progress with their fear and anxiety.
Traditional desensitization and counterconditioning techniques can be used with the help of a professional who can accurately ensure that the dog remains in a comfortable state, however the following are some examples of ways to make progress with even less pressure on dogs and caregivers.
"Parallel walking" with other dogs, while paying close attention to body language, can be an excellent way for dog reactive dogs to make progress.
Scentwork, either formal or for fun, and in a variety of forms, can help dogs gather information about their triggers, while simultaneously working at a natural activity.
Pattern games can give dogs and caretakers important skills for navigating sensitive environments.
Teaching dogs predictable cues such as "place", "settle on a mat", "middle", etc. can provide portable safety spaces in many situations.
Naming or labeling triggers, such as "friend", "neighbor", "jogger", etc, and giving dogs a heads up that something has appeared in the environment, can offer another layer of predictability, further combating anxiety.
Learning to Watch the World Go By from a distance where your dog can relax and take it all in.
Teaching dogs to look to you for information when they are feeling unsure.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Future blog posts will expand on the concepts of reactivity, anxiousness, and over excitement. Subscribe here and make sure you don't miss them!
If you missed the blog on the difference between Excited and Anxious Reactivity, here is the link:
For a deeper look at Excited Reactivity, click here:
For tips on enjoying life right now with your reactive dog, click here:
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