Is your dog struggling with confidence, feeling overwhelmed by the world around them? Dealing with extreme fear can be incredibly challenging and emotional for both you and your canine companion.
Let me share my experience with Bella. Bella does not enjoy urban walks. She would leap into bushes at the sight of a man and head for home at the sound of a car door closing. She was anxious around household noises like the extractor fan and tumble dryer, she dreaded car rides and hid when visitors entered our home. Even on her favourite rural walks, she might refuse to leave the car if something in the environment was slightly different.
"Baby Bella hiding in the shoe rack"
Bella has taught me several valuable lessons:
Lower your expectations; confidence can't be rushed.
Provide your dog with safe spaces to relax in and retreat to.
Don't think that repeated, forced exposure will help your dog adapt.
Allow your dog choice and respect that choice.
Remember that confidence and trust are easily lost.
Practical steps you can take to help your fearful dog include:
Shrinking their world to a size they find comfortable.
Creating a predictable routine.
Engaging in scentwork, which is excellent for building confidence. Purposeful sniffing triggers the release of the feel-good chemical, Dopamine. Scentwork can be as simple as hiding food around the house or garden or scattering it in a grassy area.
Utilising enrichment feeding methods, such as lick-it mats, long-lasting chews, and snuffle mats, which promote well-being through licking, chewing, and sniffing.
Teaching your dog a few easy tricks (if they enjoy training) can significantly boost their confidence. For Bella, hand touch, "middle" and "two paws up" are firm favourites.
Habituation rather than flooding. When exposing your dog to potentially frightening situations always make sure they have the choice to leave. Bella gradually acclimatised to household noises. She always had the option to leave the room if the noise was overwhelming, instead of being forced to "just get used to it."
These strategies have worked well for Bella, but it's essential to remember that every dog is unique. If you could benefit from personalised guidance for your fearful dog, please don't hesitate to reach out for one-to-one help.
"Bella enjoying her world"
