If you’re tired and frustrated of dealing with a puppy scared of other dogs, and you’re hell-bent on getting the problem under control once and for all… This is the most important page you’re ever going to read.
Although it’s natural for some puppies to be overcome by anxiety before heading out on a walk or socializing with other dogs. It’s even worse when worried about how they’re going to react.
It’s not something that’s easy to understand either, especially when your pups full of boundless energy whenever they’re at home.
But if you find your pup suddenly gets scared stiff, cowers behind you, or even tries and wriggle free from the leash when another dog approaches. Then you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
Now, I speak from personal experience when I say that I know how it feels to continually worry about your pup, as you might be convinced their fear of other dogs will last forever.
However, I want to reassure you that fear and anxiety in puppies is completely normal, regardless of how it manifests. It just so happens on this occasion; it does so when other dogs are around.
Now, before we get into how to effectively manage your puppy behavior around other dogs, first a quick heads up…
Teaching your puppy to be in control of their emotions is the key ingredient to getting your puppy into a highly responsive (calm) state.
Because once your puppy is calm, it changes everything, and you’ll often find that behavioral issues like this tend to melt away relatively quickly.
So before you do anything else, I’d highly recommend taking a few minutes to check out the 5 step-by-step calming exercises from Dan Abdelnoor over at The Online Dog Trainer. (see video below)
In short, it talks about 5 specific exercises you can apply to calm your puppy and encourage more social behavior. As well as techniques that will help reduce your puppy’s fear in any situation that triggers it (for instance, other dogs).
Here’s the link to take a look: 5 Step-By-Step Calming Exercises To Make Your Puppy Highly Responsive And Ready To Socialize With Other Dogs…
(video will open in a new window)
Why is my puppy scared of other dogs?
Now, there are multiple reasons your puppy might be scared of other dogs. And to be honest, a lot of it can depend on the environment in which your puppy was raised.
For example, if your dog hasn’t been used to particular situations before taking them home for the first time. It can sometimes be challenging for them to adapt.
There are so many things that can scare a puppy in unfamiliar surroundings, including new people, loud noises, sleeping arrangements, and of course, other dogs.
Some of the most common reasons why they might exhibit this behavior include…
Everything is new
If you’ve ever experienced a significant change in your life (new job, moving home, etc…). You’ll know firsthand that it can often lead to some form of anxiety or even fear.
And it’s exactly the same for your puppy.
Remember that up until recently, they will have spent their first days/weeks/months together with their mother and other siblings in a controlled environment. So it’s only natural for it to take puppies time to adapt to their new surroundings.
What’s more, anything outside of this comfort zone is unfamiliar territory. And because they won’t be anywhere near used to socializing with other dogs, they may initially seem scared or anxious until they get used to these new encounters.
Lack of Socialisation
Socialization is one of the most (if not the most) important things to consider during the first 6 months of your puppy’s life. As this is where they’ll ultimately learn how to grow and adapt to anything and everything around them.
Not only that, but this is also where they’ll develop a sense of what is and isn’t a threat as they mature into an adult dog. So it goes without saying that it’s a critical development period in your dog’s life that needs to be nurtured carefully.
During this period, it’s highly important that your pup is exposed to as many stimuli as possible, including new people, other dogs, and particular noises and experiences, to ensure they don’t become easily scared as they get older.
If your puppy’s formative weeks were spent in isolation or in unfavorable conditions, socialization wouldn’t have been possible. Which will often lead your pup to become more vulnerable to new (not frightening) situations that other dogs enjoy.
They’ve developed negative associations with other dogs
Similarly to the period of socialization, if your puppy has developed negative associations with other dogs, it can sometimes become a fixed behavioral response that will naturally impact their reaction when other dogs approach.
Worse still, it’s not something you can rectify instantly. Because the reality is that your puppy could be scared of other dogs for a whole host of reasons… Many of which may have been caused without you even realizing it.
Here’s where those 5 step-by-step calming exercises I talked about earlier come in handy.
Because unlike other outdated training methods that don’t deal with the real issue at hand, these exercises actually teach your dog to be in control of their emotions regardless of past experiences.
They’re also a great stepping stone to permanently removing any anxiety and fear from any situation that your puppy has trouble dealing with. So I’d highly recommend taking a quick look before moving on.
How to tell when your puppy is scared?
It’s sad to see, but it’s only natural for new puppy owners to get discouraged if their puppy struggles to socialize with other dogs.
So let’s look at how to recognize fear in your puppy so you know exactly what to look out for next time your puppy is in close proximity of other dogs…
They hide when another dog approaches
Hiding is a very natural reaction to fear. Think about it, when you were younger, you might have even hidden under the covers after watching a scary movie…
…Or even hidden behind your parents when something scared you.
So you won’t be surprised to hear that puppies react in a very similar way. Which means if they see another dog approaching, your pup might instinctively retreat behind your legs until the danger passes.
They yawn excessively
You might have noticed that your dog yawns a lot more than you would consider normal. Although it might just be a sign that they’re tired or bored, it can also indicate that they are scared or stressed.
Generally speaking, a stressful yawn is more prolonged and intense than a sleepy yawn and may even be accompanied by excessive licks or even drool.
They shiver or shake
While we’ve all seen our dogs shake excessively after a bath or after taking a dip in the local lake. If you see your pup shaking or excessively shivering without an apparent cause, it’s likely to be because of fear or stress.
If you notice your puppy’s body language change when other dogs approach and the shivering starts, you can take it as a clear sign of fear. A low grumble or a yelp might even accompany the shivers.
They lunge or snap at other dogs
Even if your puppy isn’t aggressive, they might lunge or snap at other dogs when they approach. This is a common defensive mechanism for puppies, but it is nonetheless worrying behavior.
And while some puppies will lunge or snap at any dog, others might only snap at particular breeds or sizes they’ve had a previous issue with.
But whatever the reason for the lunge or snap, it’s a probable sign that your puppy is scared.
Related Post: How To Stop Aggressive Puppy Behavior Before It Gets Out Of Control
How to stop my puppy from being scared of other dogs?
Taking all of the above into account, you should not only understand why your puppy gets scared. But you should also be fully aware of some of the more common signs to look out for.
Now, the good news is that there are a few very simple things you can try to change your pup’s behavior for the better.
And although every puppy is different, I have no doubt you’ll find one or more of the following techniques outlined below will help nip the problem in the bud once and for all.
First up…
Socialize them
If your puppy is scared of other dogs, the chances are that it’s due to a lack of socialization. As I’ve already mentioned, the first sixteen weeks of a puppy’s life are essential in ensuring they are accustomed to the outside world.
However, if your pup displays any of the above, It’s likely your puppy may not have been well socialized before arriving at your home (if at all).
If this is the case, apply some of the following to get them used to being around other people and dogs.
- Go for daily walks: It sounds obvious, I know, but just by being in the outside world, your puppy will get used to external stimuli (including other dogs), which will reduce fear and stress.
- Introduce a variety of people and dogs to your puppy and try and mix it up over time. If you tend to socialize your puppy around the same people and/or dogs all the time, they won’t benefit from new experiences.
- Expose your puppy to as many new places as possible, even if it makes them feel uncomfortable at first. It’s all part of improving their confidence, which will help when they meet other dogs.
Again, socializing your puppy is a vital part of their early development, so you should ensure you get started as soon as you can.
Slowly introduce them to play
It’s no secret that dogs are both curious and playful (at least most are anyway). So it’s only natural that your puppy will be occasionally approached by other dogs looking to interact.
If your puppy is scared and stand-offish, that’s okay. But over time, you should try and gently encourage them to mix with other dogs.
Keep it slow, and maybe introduce them to smaller or more relaxed dogs at first, as this will slowly help your pup get used to interaction without the worry of being chased down by an 80 lbs aggressive German Shepherd.
The last thing you want is for your pup to develop even more negative associations with dogs. As this could potentially set you back weeks or even months.
Worse still, they’re hardly ever likely to trust you ever again.
But by keeping the encounters calm and under control. Over time, it will eventually help them develop the confidence they need to associate with all sorts of different dogs. Regardless of breed, size, personality, etc…
Simply distractions can work
If your puppy’s boundless energy is suddenly replaced with the intensified fear when other dogs enter their proximity. It’s also an idea to add a few distractions in and see what happens.
You’d be surprised at how a game of fetch, a squeaky toy, or even giving them a stick to chew can work wonders for distracting them from what they would usually see as a potential threat.
Now, although this can work well in certain situations, it’s really only a short-term fix. And if you’re hoping to change your pup’s behavior over time, it’s still beneficial to gently encourage your puppy to start interacting with other dogs.
Teach them to be calm
Training your puppy to be calm around other dogs takes time and requires patience. But if the end result is a happy, well-adjusted pup who loves to play and socialize, then it’s well worth the effort.
This is where the 5 step-by-step calming exercises play a key role in helping your puppy to adjust and socialize.
Because by teaching your puppy to be calm and in control of their emotions (but more importantly, by encouraging them to be calm around other dogs), you’re ultimately reducing the stress and anxiety the triggers their fear while setting them up for long-term success.
If you want to learn more about calming your dog and relieving their fear, it’s well worth a few minutes of your time.
Here’s the link again to take a look: 5 Step-By-Step Calming Exercises To Make Your Puppy Highly Responsive And Ready To Socialize With Other Dogs…
Wrapping Things Up
Raising a pup who’s scared of other dogs can be a huge pain at times, and I know firsthand how stressful it can be on both you and your pup.
And while it might seem that all hope is lost, I promise that if you apply the above, remain patient, but more importantly, teach your puppy to stay calm. You’ll soon start to notice a massive difference in how your puppy behaves and interacts with others.
So good luck and godspeed, and if you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop them in the comments section below…
