Both dogs and humans are capable of experiencing fear. Since dogs can’t very well say “That noise scares me” or “Sudden movements make me anxious” they rely on different forms of communication. This can include excessive chewing or digging, whining, the tell-tale tail between the legs position, or, in worst cases, aggression.
Aggressive behavior can manifest itself in several ways, including biting, lunging, and growling. Fear aggression can be directed only at the source of a dog’s anxiety, or it can be directed at whoever or whatever happens to be in the dog’s way at the time. This may be another household pet. This may be a loved one. This may even be you, the owner.
Even though we don’t speak the same language, we dog owners can learn to effectively communicate with our canine comrades and alleviate their anxiety, which will help repair the human/canine bond and make you and your family feel safe around your beloved pet once again.
Take Auggie, for instance. Auggie’s owner called me because his dog’s behavior was becoming increasingly aggressive and unpredictable. Auggie was overprotective of his owner and his territory. Sometimes, he would lash out at other dogs while walking on a leash. He’d growl at visitors and snap at his veterinarian. After contacting me, Auggie’s owner began experiencing a new and improved version of his once-anxious animal.
How did we solve this problem?
Fear and anxiety in dogs generally stems from insecurity. If dogs do not have structure in their household, they tend to feel out of control. They’re unsure of their place—what they should react to, what they shouldn’t react to, what that reaction should be, why we aren’t reacting in a similar manner, etc. By being consistent in our behavior and teaching our dogs to focus on us rather than what is causing their anxiety, we are communicating with them.
By providing Auggie with a set schedule, teaching him basic obedience, and ensuring the owner was committed enough to never falter from that structure, Auggie learned exactly what to expect from his environment, allowing him to feel at ease around what used to be his triggers and distractions.
In just a few short weeks, Auggie’s owner began seeing significant improvements in his dog’s behavior. As long as you’re truly committed to changing your dog’s behavior and giving him the consistency he needs, you can achieve the same results.
Call me at 614.347.9127 or e-mail me via the contact form to discuss your training goals.