Instilling fear in animals
46Is your dog a fraidy cat? Our behavior can encourage fear rather than relieve it. The very things that we do to calm another person or even use to encourage ourselves when afraid can have the opposite effect on our pets.
I want to add that if we as pet owners stay calm, talking normal to fearful pets rather than comforting them (which reinforces the negative behavior), pets will normally calm down and the noise will just be noise, and no longer seen as a threat. I like to say just that to our pets when they are afraid..."You're OK, it's just noise", and it doesn't take long for them to calm down. I will hold them firmly while watching TV or doing normal things so that they know everything else around them is normal; the noise is not going to hurt them (or whatever it is that is scaring them).
It can also help to distract them giving them something else to think about or do. I do not recommend giving treats when an animal is anxious because that could tell them that the fear is OK. Exercise would be a better deterrent to keep them busy and work off the energy that they feel at the moment. Knowing your pet, you may have an even better idea as to how to calm them.
If we are not upset and remain calm, our pets will pick up on that and realize that they are safe. Remember that the opposite is also true. Animals sense our fear and respond to that as well. Let them know by your actions that it is not a big deal, they are safe, and they will soon believe you.
If your pet gets extremely stressed, it is recommended that you talk to or see their Veterinarian as there may be a medical issue causing the anxiety. Once medical issues are ruled out, training can be resumed, although medication may be necessary temporarily during the training.
Listen to your pet, get to know how they respond to you and their environment, and let them know that you are their leader, caregiver, and that you will keep them safe.
