My Dog is Afraid of Other Dogs! What Can I Do?

We know that dogs are social animals. Dogs love to stay in packs as their natural habit. But, then, there are always some exceptions in every animal being. When a canine gets scared of other dogs, scariness becomes a common issue that hampers its social nature.

As a pet owner, you must be attentive to them and help them eliminate the dilemma. Understand their body language. If this remains unnoticed, it turns into a phobia for that dog. Because, at playtime in the park or while walking, they may get stressed and end up in a brawl.

It is a situation that majorly affects dogs who are not socialized. Dogs are scared of other unknown dogs approaching them. Another reason is their previous experience regarding socialization that haunts them.

Even though dogs are generally compliant, they are sometimes frightened when there is a tussle with a stronger dog. Hence, you need to understand your canine’s body language and symptoms. Help him to conquer the terror they are already undergoing.

It will be foremost to have a well-modified dog companion. When you go for a pup, know about his early socialization. Get answers to all your queries from the breeder. It includes information about their siblings as well.

Let them mix with other dogs in a secure and governed atmosphere when their vaccination is over. Possibly, three types of reasons that are majorly visible in dogs are:

1. Bad memories experienced in the past
2. Acquiescence
3. Less amount or chance for socialization

Why Is My Dog Scared of Other Dogs?

You may feel frustrated to see your dog scared of other canines. A scared dog faces several obstacles. These obstacles hamper their daily habits or routines, like going for a walk with you, playing in dog parks, and dog competition events.

These dogs lack qualities such as discipline and dexterity. Identifying the original cause and trigger behind your dog’s scariness is the key to helping them overcome this terror.

Bad memories experienced in past

Your dog often develops this scarcity of other dogs from previous bad experiences. Incidents that occurred in the past do impact the behavior of dogs. If your dog has been a victim of an attack by other dogs, such instances will traumatize him about an unknown dog approaching him.

If your pet is not aware of the nature of the approaching dog towards him due to past bad conditions arising from any untoward situation, it makes your pet feel scared. You are the person who can give the support and courage the dog requires.

It is every pet owner’s responsibility to boost the scared pet’s courage. Help the animal turn this negative thought into a positive one.

Acquiescence

Every dog is different from another. For example, one is soft while, on the other hand, another is malleable due to picking in times of litter, especially those submissive in times of litter will become less dominant. Scared pups feel insecure in the presence of other canines.

Though you can turn a less dominant one into an aggressive one. In the end, you will see the canines are less dominant than those comparatively stronger than them.

Less an amount of chance for socialization

The lack of socialization makes a dog insecure and scared in the presence of other dogs or animals. The socialization process for dogs starts at the earlier period of their life when he remains with their mother and siblings.

Even after the removal from their mother, they have ample chances of socialization through their siblings. Separation from their sibling at an early stage makes them less enthusiastic in socialization.

It makes them less confident about mixing with other dogs. Hence, the dog feels insecure about approaching an unknown dog towards them.

How do I know if my dog fears other dogs?

Shaking

In the presence of other dogs, a frightened dog will start shaking. Even though you see them busy playing, you will observe attentiveness and shaking in the scared dog.

Moaning

If your dog starts moaning without any reason or issues seeing another dog while in a face-to-face situation, it is a signal of a scare towards other dogs. You can hear the dog barking at them.

Peeing

This is the symbol of fear towards another dog’s presence. Dogs often pee when scared. It happens when they are highly excited. Thus, it is time to train them not to pee.

Hiding

If your dog continuously hides behind you due to the other dog, it is a sign of scariness.

Assertiveness

If they are assertive towards other dogs, this happens due to fear.

What should I avoid if my dog is afraid of other dogs?

• Take them to the dog park, where he meets the unknown dogs. It helps to accustom them to the situation and teach them not to react and feel unsecured in the presence of an unknown one.
• Keep a watch so that your pet is not over-stressed. Don’t turn into a mess.
• Observe how your dog communicates with other dogs. Desensitization is a way to solve this. Desensitization ensures that your dog is safe even if he gets bitten. Select a more behaved dog to mix with your dog.
• It will give him confidence and gradually encourage him to mix with a more assertive one at ease. Conditioning through the counter is another way.
• Engaging your dog in planning with you ensures that he is busy or has no time to concentrate on the presence of other dogs. It helps to accustom him to Dog Park. He becomes more socialized and relaxed gradually.