The Truth about Fear Aggression;

There many dog trainers or veterinarians who use the word 'fear aggression' for dogs who bite out of fear. In reality there is no such word for this behavior.

Here is the meaning of Fear; a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. So with aggression, the meaning is completely different, putting the two words together will only make a diagnosis that will turn a fearful dog into an aggressive dog.

Dogs that are afraid of anything tend to give reactions; body language is a good sign of knowing when a dog can bite. When having a dog with fear issues, you must know why the dog has it. Many shelter or rescue dogs come with 'baggage'. If the issue is greater than can be managed comfortably, it is best to reach out to a behaviorist.

Fear issues can easily become red zone cases. For instance, a fearful dog can bite someone not because it is aggressive, but because it is unsure of a situation. A fearful dog might urinate; we call that submissive peeing.

Fear issue cases can lead to an aggressive moment by going through several stages. The first stage is insecurity, then the dog can become stressed because of the level of insecurity, from that stress it can become frustration, then that frustration can lead to AGGRESSION. This is why most people use the term fear aggression because they don’t know the stage breakdown. So, how do you stop this insecure behavior from becoming aggression - well here is how!

• You need to learn to gain the trust of your dog by approaching calmly, never approaching the dog front first. Slowly go to your dog and kneel down to his/her side and this will show the dog you’re non-confrontational.

• Remember, everything is convocation to a dog from how you approach, to how you hold the leash. Once you’re down to a neutral level just be patient. Let the dog go in a down or in sitting position, from there you extend your hand or use treats to show that you’re not going to hurt him/her.

• Once the dog is in a calmer state, show the leash. It is important to remain calm because you don't want the dog to run from you, then necessitating repeating the stages. Remember to be consistent.

• If your dog is accepting the leash and is walking well, you then present a treat, this time use a different treat than when leashing up. Begin to walk and remember to relax the leash. If the dog seems agitated when you put on the leash, just relax, remember if you start to act negatively it will lead it to the leash becoming a negative association to the dog. Just relax and let the dog go through what I call motions.. once that happens then you will be fine, the dog will calm down and then you start with the walk…

Now I’m sure many of you will ask, “well my dog will snap at me or is starting to growl when I approach with the leash or if I even just approach the dog”. That’s a sign of a frustrated dog, very insecure and nervous. At this point give the dog space and let the dog come to you…

Dogs that have fear issues don’t need to be on medications, they can overcome these issues with just you being patient and showing trust…

If you need additional help, please contact a professional. Remember every dog is different, not all dogs require the same training. Once you know the root of the problem you will better be able to solve it.

Rayner Pacheco Canine behaviorist
T-Trainers