Some pets are more skittish than others. The slightest shadow or unexpected noise seem to send them into a whirling frenzy racing around the room, or barking at the top of their lungs. Others diver under the covers, their little bodies shaking uncontrollably, and some dogs might even be incontinent when they get spooked. Wherever your puppy pal might fall in this category, here are a few of the most common phobias and fears that canines often possess.
Common Canine Fears
Thunder: Dog have a much more acute sense of hearing than humans do. Because of this, their ears detect thunder, deep tremors, and higher frequencies which cause them to become afraid. Loud noises such as fireworks, music on high volume, and vacuum cleaners can irritate dog ears, turning what sounds like a pleasant or unnoticeable sounds to us, to be a terrorizing noises to them.
Separation Anxiety: The fear of abandonment is common in canines. Whether it is being left alone in the laundry room at bedtime every night, or wandering an empty house during the day. Dogs were made for companionship, meaning that being alone can be a scary trial for many dogs.
Car travel: When you consider how frustrating traffic jams can be for adults, imagine being a dog who has no control over this speeding, ever-changing environment of loud noises, assaulting smells, and numerous road bumps. Not only do many dogs get nauseous and motion sick while in moving vehicles, but they can actually develop a fear of cars in general.
Veterinarian/Groomers: In offices where numerous other animals frequent, there are enough unfamiliar people, sights, and smells to overwhelm any pup. Veterinarian offices and groomers are places where the dog must travel by car, and be handled, prodded, poked, bathed, brushed, and even given shots by a complete stranger. It is no wonder this can be traumatizing for them! Any soothing words, comforting affection, and calming collars would be welcome!
Walking at night: Though dogs do have the ability to see more clearly in dim light than humans do, it is still be frightening for some pups to venture out after the sun goes down. This phobia is generally learned (developed after a difficult circumstance, or negative experience may have occurred while they were outside at night), but nevertheless, a fair number of dogs get jittery about walking after dark.
Fear of Strangers: Of all the things to fear, this is the most reasonable. Certain dog breeds are naturally more protective and suspicious of strangers, and other dogs just have bad associations with certain kinds of people (i.e., men with beards, baseball caps, white shoes, or long hair, etc.) Dogs can smell things and sense qualities about people that put them off or get their hackles up. If your dog is wary of someone, pay attention to that reaction as they may be feeling that way for good reason. However, if your pup is just always nervous around everyone from your 3 year old neighbor, to your friendly Aunt Marge, he just might have an old-fashioned fear of other people. Have patience and help socialize him as best you can!
