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Dealing with FearJackie Drakeford KCAI(B)(WLSA)www.shootingtimes.co.uk |
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Fear gives the dog
four options; fight, flight,freeze or fiddle about. We humans
don't like the first, try to stop the second and get exasperated by the
last two. Given that we have all been frightened ourselves at
some time, I wonder why we are not more empathetic with our dogs when
they are scared.
Old-fashioned dominance training forbids us to comfort a dog that is scared. The idea is that it "rewards" the dog so it will feign fear in the future, but if the animal is that desperate for an award there must be something wrong with the relationship between handler and dog. It is true that people should not make a fuss when a dog is frightened because if the handler is jittery, the dog senses there will be no help from that quarter and knows it will have to protect itself. What the dog needs is the handler calmly to "take charge" of the situation. If a frightened dog runs away from its handler their relationship needs attention, as we should always be a dog's safest place.
A firm and gentle touch transmits security without drama. It gives the dog the reassurance it seeks that all will be well. It is right to comfort a dog when it is fearful. Phobia and terror need different treatments, but a dog suffering from straightforward fear responds well to a kind indication from the handler that they will take charge. We must always be aware of how a particular dog is reacting to circumstances, for what may seem trivial to us might be very frightening to a dog.
Old-fashioned dominance training forbids us to comfort a dog that is scared. The idea is that it "rewards" the dog so it will feign fear in the future, but if the animal is that desperate for an award there must be something wrong with the relationship between handler and dog. It is true that people should not make a fuss when a dog is frightened because if the handler is jittery, the dog senses there will be no help from that quarter and knows it will have to protect itself. What the dog needs is the handler calmly to "take charge" of the situation. If a frightened dog runs away from its handler their relationship needs attention, as we should always be a dog's safest place.
A firm and gentle touch transmits security without drama. It gives the dog the reassurance it seeks that all will be well. It is right to comfort a dog when it is fearful. Phobia and terror need different treatments, but a dog suffering from straightforward fear responds well to a kind indication from the handler that they will take charge. We must always be aware of how a particular dog is reacting to circumstances, for what may seem trivial to us might be very frightening to a dog.
reprinted with
kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.