3 Big Myths About Comforting a Scared Dog
Updated October 25, 2023 by Puppy Leaks
Note: I’m not a dog trainer or a canine behavior expert. These tips worked for my scared dog, but they might not work for yours. Handling fear is complex. If your dog is anxious, it’s best to consult a professional trainer in your area.
The Comforting Debate
Want to kick off a heated discussion in a dog forum? Just ask, “Should I comfort a scared dog?” You’ll get all sorts of answers, from a resounding “Absolutely” to a firm “No, that’ll only make it worse.”
The problem is, everyone’s picturing a different scenario when they think about a scared dog. Plus, everyone’s idea of comforting their dog varies. This makes the answer far from straightforward.
In short, yes, you can comfort a scared dog without making their fear worse. However, this doesn’t mean the fear will disappear instantly. Sometimes, there’s a better approach than just offering comfort. What’s most important is figuring out what your dog needs most in any fear-inducing situation.
Not the easiest question to answer, right?
I often see similar arguments on both sides about reinforcing a dog’s fear. Let’s clear up some confusion with three common misconceptions about comforting a scared dog.
1. We All Define Comfort Differently
Let’s say you asked on a dog forum, “Should I comfort my scared dog during a thunderstorm?” You’ll likely get swamped with a variety of answers, leaving you more confused than before.
The first issue is that everyone defines comfort differently. For some people, comfort means petting the dog. For others, it might involve distraction techniques, and some might picture holding the dog like a baby and whispering, “It’s okay.”
None of these answers are wrong—each method might provide some level of comfort to the dog. The key is knowing what actually comforts your dog in that particular situation. Will a massage help during a thunderstorm, or will playing music do the trick? Or maybe a distraction like food is better?
When deciding whether to comfort your dog during a specific event, think about what will help them most in the long run. If it’s a one-off situation, like an unknown dog charging at you during a walk, removing yourself from the situation might be the best comfort.
For recurring scary events, like fireworks or thunderstorms, find ways to make your dog more comfortable over time. For instance, give your dog a treat when you hear thunder. Eventually, they’ll associate it with something positive. This kind of comfort doesn’t reinforce fear; it helps manage it. By making your dog more at ease in scary situations, you show them it’s not all that bad.
Handling fear isn’t straightforward, and an online stranger might not give you the best advice for your dog. It’s about knowing your dog, what comforts them, and how to prevent them from getting too overwhelmed.
