Just like humans, our canine friends can develop phobias. Nicola Scott finds ways to help your pets beat stress + coats for winter walkies
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Kano doesn’t seem like the kind of dog who’d be scared of anything. A cross between a Rottweiler, Husky and Labrador, he weighs 46kgs and looks like a small bear, and yet he’s terrified of snowmen, sailing boats and men who wear pink. His owner, Carrie, is baffled.
“I’d understand it if he’d been hurt or spooked by them in any way, but he hasn’t.”
Whether it’s the lollipop man, the washing machine or Christmas lights, it’s not unusual for a dog to suddenly develop a fear or phobia. It may be something normal to you, but in your dog’s eyes it’s not something he’s experienced before and therefore not to be trusted.
“Kano’s actions sound like a classic fear response – the snowman looks like a man but doesn’t move and has no expression,” says Pet Behaviour Counsellor and Trainer, Claire Wellstead. “Kano doesn’t understand that. He doesn’t like it, which can potentially stem back from early experiences.”
Fears often develop in dogs at the onset of social maturity from 12 to 36 months of age – especially if the dog hasn’t been exposed to the world around him and learned to interact with humans or other animals. They can also appear as a result of experiences such as being attacked by another dog, or during a stressful time like moving house or the arrival of a new baby. They can also be genetically linked.
While a certain amount of fear is normal and useful, it’s when it becomes more generalised, e.g. when a fear of fireworks turns into a fear of anything that pops, bangs or pings, that you should seek help.
So what are the signs? If your dog is simply scared you’re likely to see more obvious body language: growling, barking, flattened ears, tail tucked between the legs, cowering, lip licking and raised hair on the back of the neck. However, he will quickly recover.
Signs that this fear has escalated can include pacing, destructiveness, aggression, being withdrawn, excessive licking and chewing, prolonged diarrhoea, increased sleeping and drooling or even a change in eating habits.
The first step is to speak to your vet to rule out any underlying medical cause.
“For the short-term it’s important to identify any triggers and avoid them. In extreme anxiety and if not avoidable, you may need short-term medication,” says Claire.
“For extreme phobias long-term treatment would combine working with your vet and behaviour counsellor to develop a desensitisation, counter-conditioning training plan to help the pet overcome the anxiety, replacing it with a positive emotional state.”
This may involve walking past the lollipop man again and again, working within your dog’s threshold but getting a little closer each time. Use treats and keep going until you can walk by comfortably. Never shout or be angry; you may be stressed, but so is your pet.
- Claire Wellstead VN, DipCABT, A.P.D.T (UK): 07779 024518 or visit: clairewellstead.co.uk
Firework frets
It comes as no surprise that animals don’t share our joy of Bonfire night. The noise, the flashing lights, the unpredictability of it all is terrifying for them. But there are ways to minimise their fear. For dogs it’s about creating a safe haven, either by adding a blanket to his existing den or making a new one somewhere where he’ll feel safe. Cats need an escape hole somewhere high, so find a suitable space above a cabinet or cupboard and add a blanket.
When the fireworks start, make sure all the doors and windows are closed, turn up the volume on the TV and give your pet a distraction, such as a new toy or chew. Try not to make too much of your pet’s fear as you’ll be reinforcing the message there’s something to be scared of.
There are also products specifically designed to help animals cope with stress, these include plug-ins, natural remedies and sprays. Often using a combination of these works best, but always ask your vet for recommendations.
What to wear on winter walkies...
Cover up
Soft, waterproof and breathable with elasticated cuffs, if you want a clean dog this is for you. Hurtta Outdoors Slush Combat Suit from £48.99.
Suits you, sir
Puddles and wet grass pose no threat to these lightweight, breathable, waterproof, windproof and rip-proof trousers. Waterproof dog trousers from £75.99.
Good hair day
Stand back, wait for the shake then slip this super soft, absorbent towel over your soggy dog. Mitts available. Coats from £26.
High and dry
This jacket is like a sailing jacket. With its waterproof outer and fleece lining it can cope with drizzles and downpours. Mallory jacket £75.99.
Top to toe
Waterproof, breathable and with an oversized storm collar, this jacket is packed with the latest tech and a breeze to get on and off. Aira™ rain jacket £69.95.
‘Sheep’ doggy dog
Warm enough to keep the cold at bay with a microfiber waterproof liner for when an unexpected shower strikes. Sherpa fleece jacket from £50.
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