Preventing Fearfulness in Dogs
Undoubtedly one of, and perhaps the most common forms of behavioral problems that dogs tend to exhibit, fearfulness can be one of the most difficult to both diagnose and rehabilitate. In its various forms, fearfulness can actually be responsible for other problems like separation anxiety, storm phobia, sound phobia, aggression and social anxiety. This condition can be extremely difficult to remember once it’s already in place, and so the best course of action is in this case preventative.
The period time during which a dog is between the ages of 3 weeks and 12 weeks is the most sensitive part of his or her life. This is when most of their learning is done, and while there is arguably a secondary, somewhat less critical period that continues until about six months of age, after that what you see is pretty much the final product. If someone were to advise you to bring your two year old dog who displays characteristics of fearfulness to the dog park to help “socialize” him, they are actually using the term incorrectly. This practice is known as desensitizing, meaning getting the dog used to being around certain dogs or other stimuli, but the effective period for true socialization has undoubtedly passed.
Because of this, is it extremely important during the raising of a new puppy that you take the time and spend the extra energy to socialize him or her and get properly, and help them get used to people, dogs, and other events to which they’ll be exposed throughout the course of their life. This isn’t something that’s just going to casually happen on its own; it has to be carefully planned and executed so it happens the right way, ensuring that you imbue confidence and calmness into your dog, not excitability and tension.
Another important part is tending fully to your pup’s needs and not leaving them alone for long periods of time. (I’ve heard it said that an hour to a dog is like a day to a person.) Doing so helps them build their confidence gradually and prevent the start of behaviors such as submissive urination and other forms of separation anxiety. Exposing them to lower volume recordings of certain trigger sounds, like vacuum cleaners and thunder storms, is also beneficially during their sensitive period of learning.
All in all, your puppy won’t be a puppy forever, and this period of time is unfortunately going to pass by all too quickly. Take the proper steps now, while you’re still able to, and introduce your pooch to all the exciting things in world in a way that is safe, gradual, and comfortable for them. The effort you put in now will work wonders in developing your dogs into a sweet, spunky, healthy and happy dog that you’ll be proud to call “man’s best friend.”
CB Michaels is a competent producer of informative work and an adept journalist, and at this point in time covers ideas to include 6.5 subwoofer and 7.1 home theater system.
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