If you’ve ever encountered a frightened dog, you know that they can be unpredictable and even dangerous if provoked. Your first instinct may be to run towards the dog to try to calm it down, but this is actually one of the worst things you can do.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline the key dos and don’ts for dealing with a scared dog so that you can diffuse the situation safely and humanely.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You should never run directly at a frightened dog, make direct eye contact, corner/crowd the dog, yell at or punish the dog, touch the dog without letting it sniff you first, or try to put your arms around the dog’s neck like a hug.
Understand the Body Language and Signals of a Scared Dog
Lip Licking, Yawning, Turning Away
When a dog is feeling anxious or fearful, they may display calming signals like lip licking, yawning, or turning their head away. These are subtle signs that the dog is uncomfortable and trying to self-soothe.
Lip licking and yawning when no food is present are both displacement behaviors – the dog is redirecting their nervous energy. Turning their head away avoids eye contact and signals the dog wants space. If you notice these signals, give the frightened dog more space and don’t approach them directly.
Let them come to you in their own time when ready.
Tucked Tail, Low Body Posture
A tucked tail between the hind legs and a lowered body posture are clear indicators of a frightened dog. The dog is trying to appear smaller and avoid confrontation. The tail helps with balance and communication, so tucking it away signals the dog is off-balance emotionally.
Low body posture makes the dog appear submissive and non-threatening. It’s a defensive posture to avoid conflict. If you see these signs, don’t tower over the dog or make sudden movements. Crouch down to their level, speak softly, and allow them to retreat if needed. Building trust slowly is key.
Raised Hackles, Growling, Baring Teeth
More overt signs of fear include raised hackles, growling, and baring teeth. The hair on a dog’s neck and back standing up makes them appear larger and is meant to intimidate. Growling and baring teeth are warning behaviors – the dog is saying “back off.”
Pushing a frightened dog in these states can lead to snapping or biting. It’s critical to remove yourself from the situation immediately. Increase the distance, avoid prolonged eye contact, and speak calmly. Only attempt to engage the dog again once the hackles smooth down.
Desensitizing a chronically fearful dog requires patience, treats, and very gradual exposure to the scary stimulus under threshold.
Avoid Advancing Towards the Dog
When encountering an anxious or frightened dog, it is crucial to avoid making any sudden movements or advancing directly towards the animal. Instead, remain calm and avoid direct eye contact, as this can be perceived as threatening by the dog.
Take care not to run, charge, or make loud noises, as this will likely startle them further.
Don’t Make Direct Eye Contact
Staring straight at a nervous dog can seem aggressive, so avoid making direct eye contact. Prolonged eye contact can trigger a fearful reaction. According to the ASPCA, direct eye contact is often viewed as a threat by dogs.
Rather than staring the dog down, focus your gaze towards their shoulders or look down and away. You can also blink slowly or yawn to communicate calmness. This signals that you are not challenging them. Speak in a gentle, reassuring tone and avoid loud vocalizations.
Don’t Run or Charge at the Dog
It’s natural to want to run away when encountering an upset dog, but this can actually trigger their prey drive and make them chase you. So resist the urge to bolt or sprint away. Similarly, do not make any sudden movements like raising your arms or rushing towards the dog, as this may frighten them further.
Move slowly and deliberately instead, keeping your body relaxed. Turn your body sideways and avoid hovering over the animal, which could seem intimidating from their point of view. Take care not to corner them or prevent their escape, as this takes away their flight option and may elicit an aggressive response fueled by fear.
| Safe Actions | Unsafe Actions |
|---|---|
| – Speak in calm, quiet tones | – Stare dog down |
| – Look away/down from dog | – Rush towards dog |
| – Move slowly and indirectly | – Block dog’s escape route |
| – Give dog space to retreat | – Raise arms suddenly |
By avoiding direct approaches and hasty movements, you reduce the chances of escalating the situation and being bitten by a fearful dog. Stay relaxed, don’t run, and let them make the first move. This careful approach often helps diffuse tension.
When in doubt, call animal control professionals for assistance.
Let the Dog Come to You on Its Own Terms
Stay Still and Use a Calm, Quiet Voice
When approaching a scared dog, it’s important not to make any sudden movements. Stay still and speak in a gentle, soothing voice to help reassure the dog you are not a threat. Talk to the dog softly saying calming phrases like “It’s okay” and “Good dog”.
According to the ASPCA, a quiet, friendly tone can help relax a frightened dog.
Additionally, avoid direct eye contact which can seem intimidating. Look at the dog intermittently with soft eyes and blink slowly to demonstrate you are not a danger. Slow movements and a relaxed body language communicate to the dog you mean no harm.
Offer Treats or Toys to Help Gain Trust
Have tasty treats or favorite toys on hand. Offer them palm up to the scared dog to encourage positive association. Sniffing and taking treats is a good sign the dog is beginning to trust you. Go slowly and toss treats gently near the dog if they are too fearful to come close.
Getting the dog’s attention on something positive redirects from whatever is causing fear.
According to certified dog trainer Mikkel Becker, using extra delicious food rewards like tiny meatballs helps create happiness and comfort during stressful interactions. As the frightened dog starts relaxing around you, continue providing reassuring praise and rewards.
If You Must Move, Do So Slowly and Give the Dog Space
When interacting with a scared dog, the goal is to avoid further frightening them. If you absolutely must move closer or change positions, go extremely slowly. Sudden movements can startle the dog, worsening fear and anxiety.
Additionally, do not crowd or corner the dog which can feel threatening. Always provide an escape route and ample personal space. The RSPCA stresses that forcing contact before the dog is ready risks provoking defensive aggression.
Let the dog dictate the pace of interaction. Their comfort level may increase gradually with time and positive reinforcement. But if the dog remains fearful despite your best efforts, give them distance and alert the owner or animal experts.
Never Try to Physically Restrain or Punish the Dog
Don’t Grab the Dog or Put Your Arms Around Its Neck
When a dog is frightened, its instinct is to get away from the perceived threat. If you try to physically restrain the dog by grabbing it or putting your arms around its neck, this can make the dog feel trapped and escalate its fear response.
The dog may react defensively by snapping, biting or struggling violently to escape. This can result in injuries to both you and the dog.
Instead of restraining the frightened dog, give it space and allow it to move away on its own. Speak in calm, quiet tones and avoid direct eye contact, which can seem threatening. Wait patiently for the dog to relax before carefully leashing it to take it away from the frightening stimulus.
With a frightened dog, being patient and letting it make the first move is key.
Refrain from Yelling or Disciplining the Dog
When a dog is acting out of fear, yelling at it or otherwise disciplining its behavior will only add to its anxiety and stress. Punishment is ineffective at addressing the root cause of the fearful behavior, which is the dog’s insecure emotional state.
Yelling usually agitates a frightened dog even more. The loud noises and angry tone serve to confirm that there is indeed something to be fearful of. This can worsen the dog’s state and lead to more reactive or defensive behavior like aggression or cowering.
Likewise, punishment teaches the dog nothing about overcoming its fears. At best, it may suppress the fearful behavior temporarily by intimidating the dog. But it does not resolve the underlying issue. The dog still feels afraid inside and is likely to remain that way or even become more fearful over time.
The most effective approach with a frightened dog is to remain calm and patient. Speak softly and reassuringly. Help build the dog’s confidence by creating positive associations with the perceived threat through gradual, controlled exposure and rewards.
This compassionate approach addresses the root of the fear.
When to Get Professional Help for Your Frightened Dog
If Fear or Aggression Persists Over Time
If your pooch continues exhibiting signs of anxiety, fear, or aggression for more than a few weeks, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Persistent emotional distress can lead to long-term behavioral issues and take a toll on your dog’s overall well-being.
For example, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website, if your dog shows aggression or extreme fear around strangers or in new environments over an extended period, desensitization training will likely be required.
Attempting to resolve such problems without expertise often makes them worse.
If the Dog Shows Signs of Distress Like Panting, Whining, or Pacing
Dogs display anxiety in various manners. Telltale signs your pup is struggling with fear or trauma include:
- Excessive drooling
- Panting when not overheated
- Whining or crying
- Restlessness, pacing, hiding
- Loss of appetite
- Aggression, snapped at you or others
If you notice any combination of these behaviors frequently, especially alongside shaking or inappropriate urination/defecation, seek help from your vet or a certified dog behavior professional right away. Your doggy friend needs support to overcome whatever is causing their angst.
To Address Any Underlying Trauma or Anxiety
In some cases, a frightening experience, change in environment, or genetic predisposition leads to chronic anxiety or fearfulness issues. According to the WebMD Pets website, scared pups tend to have higher cortisol (stress hormone) levels, indicating traumatic events that require resolution.
Therefore, if your dog seems stressed out or terrified without an obvious trigger, enlist a trainer or behaviorist to uncover potential trauma through behavioral analysis. Medications may also help stabilize your dog while partaking in therapy sessions to overcome past adversity.
Conclusion
Dealing with a frightened dog takes patience, care, and caution. While your first instinct may be to run up and comfort the dog, this will likely make the situation worse by further stressing out the already anxious pup. Instead, let the dog approach you first while using calming verbal cues.
Avoid direct eye contact, yelling, or physically restraining the dog. With some time and positive reinforcement, the dog may eventually relax and overcome their fear. But if their behavior doesn’t improve, be sure to consult with your vet or a professional dog trainer for additional guidance.
With the proper techniques, you can learn to safely interact with a frightened dog.
