How to Prevent Fear Aggression in Dogs

There are various reasons why a dog may decide to bite or tend to be aggressive; fear is a common cause of aggression, which is a common concern. Just like humans, it is normal for dogs to inherit the tendency to be anxious, and the environment, life experience, and breed of the dog can also play a role in how they behave.

Now we know that fear can cause aggression in dogs, which can be caused by Poor socialisation from an early stage, which increases the potential for many other types of aggression and other behavioural problems later on. Puppies who have not been socialised properly by adequately exposing them to other dogs, common experiences in their environment, different kinds of people and situations may become fearful of all this over time. The proper and recommended age at which socialisation in puppies should begin is usually between 8 and 14 weeks of age. After that, it takes more training and positive reinforcement to help dogs become more confident and desensitised to scary experiences.

When dogs are scared or afraid, they respond to what is scaring them with “fight or flight” in most cases. Dogs are different, so they react differently to fear; when fear is perceived, some dogs or puppies may try to run away, hide, or freeze, while others may growl, bark and bite out of fear. Dogs that bite out of fear think they must fight their way out of the situation and become so panicked they aren’t able to think in a reasonable manner. When their aggressive behaviour makes the scary “thing” disappear, the dog learns that acting aggressively works and uses it repeatedly.

Fear aggression is not something that stops at a particular stage; it can escalate and become more intense over time if not corrected by a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. Sometimes, owners don’t recognise the early signs of fear in their dog, as they might think the dog is just being shy, and as a result, the dog’s behaviour intensifies if the scary thing is still present. Punishing them with physical or verbal reprimands will worsen the behaviour; for example, if they are being punished for expressing more subtle signs, such as growling, they may stop growling and then escalate to more serious behaviour, such as biting.

Also read: how to prevent aggression in dogs

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Signs of Fear Aggression

Most dogs feel comfortable when something scary is about one and a half times their length away. However, a fearful dog may need much more space. They can show signs of anxiety or aggression from much farther away. As the scary situation gets closer, their behaviour can intensify, and they might not hesitate to show aggression or attack. Here are a few signs a dog will show you while they are in fear;

Displaying behaviours like licking themselves, sniffing, lip licking, and yawning
They also vocalise with growls mixed with whines.
You may notice some body language, such as the dog showing the whites of its eyes, shaking, or lunging.

How to Treat Fear Aggression

Timid puppies often struggle with feelings of fear and anxiety, making it essential to employ a variety of techniques to help them feel more at ease in their surroundings. Dog owners should consult a behaviourist right away if they notice any signs of fear in their puppies, as these problems are easier to correct when they are caught early.

Recognising the subtle signs of their discomfort, including trembling, quivering, or reluctance to engage with people or other pets, is crucial. A thoughtful approach that combines patience, gentle encouragement, and consistent, positive reinforcement is vital to boost their confidence and comfort. You can also learn to recognise and avoid situations likely to cause your dog to react with fear. Here are a few ways to eliminate the fear.

Avoid putting your puppy in situations that cause fear or aggression in them.
Stop any visitors from looking at your dog or staring at them if it is afraid of strangers or certain people, as strong and long eye contact can signals dominance and increases intimidation.
Observe the distance at which the frightened puppy becomes agitated and remain beyond that range whenever possible.
Do not force your dog into a fearful situation. Always provide an escape route. Biting may be a last resort for many fearful dogs, but the risk increases if they feel out of control and unable to escape.
Avoid reaching for the dog’s collar or bending down to pet its head, as these actions can feel threatening and may increase the dog’s fear, potentially leading to a bite. Instead, if you can approach the dog safely, pet it on the sides or chest.
Create a quiet, safe space for your dog away from noise and distractions where they can go voluntarily. Use positive reinforcement to make it enjoyable. If a scary situation is approaching, encourage your dog to settle in its safe space ahead of time.
A behaviourist will suggest training techniques tailored to address your dog’s specific fears. Part of their approach may involve using a Gentle Leader head halter and a basket muzzle to ensure safe training for your dog and those around them. Using these tools correctly and gradually conditioning your dog to wear them is essential, providing the experience is enjoyable and stress-free.
Calming additives, such as Bach Flower Essence Rescue Remedy, which can be found at health food stores, may serve as a beneficial supplement alongside these other steps. You can add several drops of Rescue Remedy to your dog’s water. It’s also safe for different pets to sip from the same water.
Calming pheromones, like Comfort Zone DAP, can help make your dog feel more relaxed. You can buy these products at pet stores as plug-in diffusers or sprays.
Prescription medication may be included in your dog’s treatment plan, alongside training and environmental adjustments, under the guidance of a behaviourist and veterinarian. These medications help reduce anxiety, allowing your dog to feel safe enough to learn new behaviours.