What is Fear Aggression in Dogs?
Both dogs and humans are capable of experiencing fear. Since dogs can’t very well say “That noise scares me” or “Sudden movements make me anxious” they rely on different forms of communication. This can include excessive chewing or digging, whining, the tell-tale tail between the legs position, or, in worst cases, fear aggression in dogs.
Fear aggression is an aggressive behavior reaction when a dog is uncomfortable and doesn’t know how to properly respond. Fear aggression is quite common in many breeds of dogs, but certain breeds are more prone to be fear aggressive – such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds and more. Pet parents are often at loss when they come across canine aggression, but Buckeye Dog Training can help!
We work with canine aggression on a regular basis! Fear aggression, along with other aggressive behavior is very common for us to see with our clients. Not only do we work with aggressive dogs, we also work with ALL breeds of dogs.
Where Does Fear Aggression in Dogs Come From?
Aggressive behavior can manifest itself in several ways, including biting, lunging, and growling. Fear aggression in dogs can be directed only at the source of a dog’s anxiety, or it can be directed at whoever or whatever happens to be in the dog’s way at the time. This may be another household pet. This may be a loved one. This may even be you, the owner.
Speaking the Same Language to Correct Fear Aggression
Even though we don’t speak the same language, we dog owners can learn to effectively communicate with our canine comrades and alleviate their anxiety, which will help repair the human/canine bond and make you and your family feel safe around your beloved pet once again. Fear related aggression is very correctable with proper training and guidance.
Take Auggie, for instance. Auggie’s owner called me because his dog’s behavior was becoming increasingly aggressive and unpredictable. Auggie was overprotective of his owner and his territory. Sometimes, he would lash out at other dogs while walking on a leash. He’d growl at visitors and snap at his veterinarian. After contacting me, Auggie’s owner began experiencing a new and improved version of his once-anxious animal, their dog’s fear was no more!
How did we solve this problem?
Fear aggression in dogs generally stems from insecurity. If dogs do not have structure in their household, they tend to feel out of control. They’re unsure of their place—what they should react to, what they shouldn’t react to, what that reaction should be, why we aren’t reacting in a similar manner, etc. By being consistent in our behavior and teaching our dogs to focus on us rather than what is causing their anxiety, we are communicating with them.
By providing Auggie with a set schedule, teaching him basic obedience, and ensuring the owner was committed enough to never falter from that structure, Auggie learned exactly what to expect from his environment, allowing him to feel at ease around what used to be his triggers and distractions.
In just a few short weeks, Auggie’s owner began seeing significant improvements in his dog’s behavior. As long as you’re truly committed to changing your dog’s behavior and giving him the consistency he needs, you can achieve the same results. Fearful dogs can be trained!
How Can We Help with Fearful Dogs?
Call me at or e-mail me via the contact form to discuss your training goals. Get in touch with our aggressive dog trainer in Columbus OH for all of your fear aggression dog training needs.
We are here to help pet parents get their fearful dog on track. Not only do we work with fear aggression in dogs, we also provide training for behavior modification and territorial aggression.
Aggressive behaviors can be corrected with Buckeye Dog Training in Columbus OH.