Dogs are beloved pets in many households, but even man’s best friend has fears. Some dogs are skittish around certain animals, whether due to instinct, lack of socialization, or bad experiences. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Dogs tend to be afraid of animals perceived as threats, like wolves, bears, large cats, and in some cases, specific breeds of dogs.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore what animals dogs are commonly afraid of and why. We’ll discuss how a dog’s natural instincts, environment and experiences shape their fears. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on how to manage your dog’s fear responses to help them live more comfortably in a world where encountering other species is inevitable.
Animals Dogs Are Naturally Wary of Due to Instincts
Wolves
As descendants of wolves, dogs still possess some of the same instincts that make them wary of their ancestors in the wild. Despite being domesticated as pets, dogs may exhibit apprehensive behaviors when encountering wolves due to their intimidating size and pack mentality.
Interestingly, a 2021 study found domesticated dogs and wolves communicate differently. Dogs vocalize more with humans using high-pitched barks while wolves primarily howl and growl. These contrasting communication methods likely contribute to mutual distrust between the species.
Bears
With powerful bodies and sharp claws, bears naturally trigger a flight response in dogs. Prey drive instincts take over when dogs encounter intimidating apex predators like bears. Barking or backing away are common initial reactions as dogs assess threats.
According to the North American Bear Center, black bears rarely attack dogs unless protecting cubs or food. However, dogs may attempt to chase bears, provoking defensive and aggressive behaviors. Keeping dogs leashed in bear country helps prevent dangerous interactions.
Large Cats (Mountain Lions, Leopards, etc.)
Like bears, big cats fall into the apex predator category, activating prey drive instincts in dogs. In particular, mountain lions elicit fear since they are ambush hunters, attacking from cover and leaping onto prey. Dogs sense they could easily become mountain lion targets, making them extremely distrustful.
In India, leopards prey on village dogs, treating them as easy food sources. According to a 2021 study, free-roaming dogs have adapted by flocking into defensive packs that aggressively mob leopards entering villages.
Reptiles like Snakes and Alligators
Many dogs have an innate wariness of snakes and alligators. These reptiles move stealthily, camouflaging themselves until striking suddenly. Dogs that cannot properly identify snakes and alligators as threats may investigate out of curiosity, sometimes provoking attacks.
| Reptile | Percentage of reported attacks on dogs (US) |
| Rattlesnakes | 70-90% |
| Copperheads | 10-20% |
| Alligators | 15-35% in Florida |
While not all dogs are equally afraid of snakes and alligators, most keep a respectful distance and show signs of caution around these camouflaged reptiles to avoid becoming prey. Owners should take care not allowing dogs to closely investigate snakes, alligators or similar dangerous cold-blooded animals.
Breed-Specific Dog Fears
Herding Breeds vs. Prey Animals
Herding breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Corgis have been bred for generations to chase and gather livestock. This strong prey drive can cause them to obsessively chase small animals like squirrels, rabbits, cats, mice, and birds.
Some herding breeds may even nip at heels or ankles when they see their humans as part of their “flock.” Proper socialization and training is key to curb this instinct.
According to the American Kennel Club, the best way to stop herding dog breeds from chasing prey is to redirect their energy into more positive outlets like fetch, agility training, or obedience work.
Small Dogs vs. Large Dog Breeds
Due to their tiny size, small dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Maltese often feel threatened by larger dogs. They may react fearfully by barking, growling, or even nipping. Early socialization can help small dogs feel more comfortable around bigger breeds.
According to the AKC, positive reinforcement training is key for building small dogs’ confidence. Reward calm, polite behavior around big dogs and gently correct any fearful reactivity. Setting up safe, controlled meet-ups with larger dogs can also help.
Guarding Breeds vs. Unknown Dogs
Guarding breeds like German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers have been purposely bred to defend and protect. As a result, they tend to be wary of unknown dogs, often seeing them as potential threats. Proper socialization is extremely important for these breeds.
According to dog behaviorist Cesar Milan, guarding breeds need constant positive exposure to other dogs starting as young puppies. Reward non-reactive behavior on walks, at the dog park, or in training classes. Obedience training also builds confidence and improves impulse control around new dogs.
Environmental and Experiential Factors in Dog Fears
Lack of Socialization
Dogs that lack proper socialization during their critical development period (3-12 weeks old) often grow up fearful of new sights, sounds, animals or people. Without enough positive exposures in their early months, they fail to generalize that novel things are safe.
This makes them prone to developing specific phobias of things like bikes, hats or cats later in life. According to the ASPCA, a 2015 study showed under-socialized dogs were five times more likely to develop a fear of other dogs.
Bad Past Experiences
Traumatic experiences can cement lifelong fears in our canine companions’ minds. If a dog gets attacked by another dog, suffers abuse from a person wearing a certain style of shoes or hat, or startles at a loud noise during a storm, those experiences can create strong negative associations that lead to enduring phobias.
Things linked to the bad experience become scary triggers even when no longer an actual threat. For example, a dog once hurt by a bicycle may panic or act aggressively whenever they see bikes after that, even if the bike itself poses no danger.
High Prey Drive
Certain dogs have an especially strong inherited urge to chase small fleeing creatures, known as high “prey drive.” For breeds like terriers and sighthounds bred to hunt vermin and other quarry, the instinct to give chase can be intensely motivating and rewarding.
When triggered by the movement of cats, squirrels, rabbits or even small dogs, that drives kicks in and these dogs may aggressively pursue, attack or even kill the animal that incited their chase response.
A 2017 veterinary study found over 60% of fatal dog attacks on cats involved terriers or sighthounds, indicating a likely link to high prey arousal.
Managing Your Dog’s Fears
Desensitization and Counterconditioning
Desensitization and counterconditioning are evidence-based techniques used by veterinary behaviorists to help dogs overcome their fears. The idea is to gradually expose the dog to the feared stimulus at a low intensity while providing high value rewards to change the dog’s emotional response from fear to happiness.
For example, if a dog is afraid of loud noises, you would start by playing soft sounds like tapping a pencil at a distance from the dog while feeding them tasty treats. Over multiple training sessions, you gradually increase the noise volume as the dog remains comfortable.
This amazing technique helps rewire the dog’s brain to see the once-feared stimulus as a predictor of good things!
Create Positive Associations
When your dog encounters something they are afraid of, like a stranger approaching on a walk, try creating a positive emotional association instead of anxiety or fear. Before the trigger appears, enthusiastically say “treat time!”
and give your dog a piece of chicken or cheese, their absolute favorite. Continue treating as the trigger comes into view, praising your dog and acting happy. This can shift your dog’s mindset from “uh oh, something scary is happening!” to “something great is about to happen!”
Since emotions compete, it’s hard for a dog to feel fearful when they are focused on yummy treats.
Recognize Fear Triggers
Pay close attention to identify situations, objects, people, or animals that trigger fear in your dog. Keeping a journal to track their reactions can help determine patterns. Common dog fears include loud noises like fireworks or thunder, unfamiliar people approaching, specific dog breeds, cars or bicycles zooming by, and crowded or novel environments.
Knowing their specific triggers allows you to prepare and intervene with treats or distraction before they become overly fearful. If your dog suddenly reacts to something new, make a note of it so you can work on counterconditioning.
Remain Calm During Encounters
Dogs are excellent at reading human body language and emotions. If you tense up, tighten the leash, and anxiously wait for your dog’s reaction when approaching their trigger, your stress signals might actually validate that there is something to be afraid of!
Instead, focus on staying relaxed and upbeat when you notice a potential fear trigger ahead. Speak cheerfully to your dog, keep the leash loose, and walk normally while praising and treating. Your laidback confidence that the situation is no big deal can positively influence your dog’s reaction and prevent fearful responses.
Fake it until you make it!
Conclusion
While fear responses are normal for dogs, extreme anxiety can impact their quality of life. By understanding what animals trigger your dog’s apprehension and implementing slow, positive training methods, you can help your furry friend feel more at ease.
With time and effort, it’s possible to recondition fearful reactions and set your dog up for success in a world filled with other creatures great and small.
