Social Anxiety in Dogs

Does Your Dog Have A Social Anxiety?

Does your dog like going in public, being with other dogs/people, or getting out of the house?  Or does your dog cower with the thought of it?  We’ve seen so many cases of social anxiety in dogs and we know: Each dog is different! There are many reasons your dog can have a social anxiety. The good news is, there are also ways you can help them overcome it!

Common Social Anxieties for Dogs

These are some of the common things dogs can be scared of (and not all are listed):

• their new owners if they were recently rescued
• other dogs
• men
• women
• kids/babies
• people in hats or uniforms
• people of a different race than their owners
• vet’s offices
• visitors to the house
• people who move differently than their owners
  • Babies/toddlers
  • People with limps, canes, or walkers
  • People in wheelchairs if their owners don’t use one

Reactions a Dog May Have When Anxious

Now, with the variety of things dogs can be scared or anxious of, there also comes a range of reactions to those triggers (to name a few):

• Barking
• Running away
• Cowering
• Growling
• Nipping or biting at the trigger (worst case) – We’ll cover aggression as an anxiety next week ;-P

Some “Don’ts” in Dealing With Social Anxiety

So what do you do?  I’ve seen so many owners whose hearts are just broken because their dog is terrified to leave the house, or (even more heart-breaking) they are terrified of one or both of the owners.   Well, here are a few tips to help.  Remember, every dog is different, so if what I mention here doesn’t work, please don’t give up – give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you!

Don’t reinforce “shy” behavior.  We give people characteristics to our dogs – it’s natural.  And a lot of our clients are actually reinforcing the behavior without realizing it.  If your dog is acting shy DO NOT:

1. pick them up.
2. pet them.
3. talk to them in a calm and soothing voice (“it’s OK, Fido.  Momma’s right here.  They’re nice people, it’s OK…”).
4. let them hide
   • in a corner.
   • behind you
   • under furniture
5. let them run away.

Some “Do’s” in Dealing With Social Anxiety

All of the behaviors mentions above can be reinforcing to your dog, believe it or not, so instead:

1. Have them on a leash on the ground when people come over.
2. Keep them in the same room with you when company is there by putting the leash under your foot, in your hand, under a chair, etc.  Do NOT put them in your lap and pet them.
3. Have your company ignore them at first – let your dog warm up to them.
4. If you are are introducing them to other dogs, have the other dogs on leash and don’t them them “overwhelm” your dog; again, let your dog warm up to them.
5. If your dog shows signs of being shy, show confidence/pack leadership in the situation.  A SHY DOG NEEDS A PACK LEADER.  They can derive security from you (the pack leader) in social situations and your insistence on staying.
6. Reinforce their curiosity in visitors (or you) by tossing treats their way and praising them (OK, now you can use a soothing tone).  Make them work for it – they have to keep coming closer or start interacting to earn a treat.
   • You can use a clicker to reinforce interacting with other dogs so there isn’t a “rush and grab” for the treat between the dogs.
7. Most importantly: Get them basic obedience training if they haven’t already had it.  If they have, do a refresher with them.
   • The commands give them something to focus on.
   • It helps them see you as a pack leader they can depend on.
   • It gives them confidence.

And please, remember, this anxiety didn’t develop overnight, so don’t expect it to go away overnight.  Have patience!

Related: Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Preventing Social Anxiety Before It Starts…

OK, so you just got a new puppy – how do you PREVENT social anxiety?

1. Get them in social settings as much as possible as soon as they are cleared by a vet.  The more different types of social situations they see, the better!  Here are a few examples:
   • Walking around the neighborhood
   • Ball games
   • Dog parks
   • Vets and groomers’ offices
   • Doggie daycares or playdates with your friends’ and family’s dogs
   • Pet stores
2. Get them basic obedience ;-P  Yes, it is important for the same reasons I mentions above.
3. See the “Do Not Do” list above.
4. Exhibit pack leader behavior in social situations.

If you still need help with getting your dog to like (or at least tolerate) social situations, then please give us a call!  We’ve helped so many dogs and their owners, and saved so many rescues from going back to the shelter!

Call today if you need help with any social anxiety!

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