Doggone Etiquette —

Fearful Fido

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

It’s a big wide wonderful world out there, but there’s always something to make you afraid. Or maybe something that should make you afraid. Or, just maybe, you are one of those dogs who tell the world there is nothing you are afraid of – and what’s more, you can bark, growl, snarl, and lunge to prove it. That is definitely not the way to go. Curb your temper, Fido, and pull yourself together! It is perfectly okay to be a bit fearful once in a while; that’s just being cautious which is sensible especially for dogs in today’s often confusing world.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

It may be a “big wide wonderful world” for some, but for many dogs there are plenty of reasons to be fearful. Stairs are particularly frightening to many puppies, as well as to dogs getting along in years. For some, it’s the struggle to climb up, and for others it’s the fear of looking down. You, the dog’s owner, need to accept that as a normal instinct for self-preservation on the part of the dog and merely assist in teaching the dog that a “flight” of stairs should not be taken literally as anything to do with “flying.” It is one fear that can usually be overcome quite easily. With the dog beside you, on leash and next to the wall, calmly encourage him one step at a time up or down. It will curb any attempt the dog might otherwise make to try leaping in either direction.

Often canine fears are connected to noise, such as roaring trucks, motorcycles, or natural sounds like thunder. There’s little you can do about thunder, but there is one thing to avoid. Do not make any attempt to placate the dog by holding, cuddling, or otherwise trying to soothe him. Distraction is the way to go. For example, toss a toy, or put him through any tricks or obedience routines he knows well. Much the same holds true for a fear reaction to other loud noises. Put Fido (or Rufus) on a sit-stay or a down-stay with much praise (and a reward wouldn’t hurt) for holding either position.

Then there are the fears we cannot figure out. You may never know why your dog cowers when confronted by a tall man, or a short girl for that matter. These odd connections often go back to a situation you were not aware of, or that took place prior to your getting him. Some can be overcome by repeated, calm re-introduction, but others are so ingrained in the dog that the best result you can hope for is a tentative tolerance. This may be especially true in regard to the vet’s office. Some dogs bounce in the door, eager to greet old friends, while other dogs – including those who were never ever hurt by the vet – cringe as you try to pry them out of the car in the parking lot!

Of course, there are loads of things all dogs should fear, and since most dogs tend to be more curious than cautious, it’s up to us to prevent a disaster. Machinery of all kinds, from the dishwasher to the tractor or backhoe, tends to be fascinating to naturally curious dogs. That is, until any one of them is activated! Natural catastrophes can be avoided so long as you, the dog’s owner, prevent them. Keep Romping Rufus on leash around heavy traffic and indoors during storms. Falling trees are just one danger. Keep the dog away from unknown waters, and within your reach in a swimming situation. A Fearless Fido could come to a sad end without your help.

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.