The Fear Factor: How Socialization and Training Can Prevent and Resolve Aggression in Dogs
- Dr. Zeke Zekoff
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Canine behavioral issues are a big problem for dog owners. In fact, behavioral issues are the number one reason why dogs are given to shelters. Many people think that dogs are aggressive because they’re trying to be dominant, but the most common cause of aggression is actually fear.
The Critical Socialization Period
Dogs go through specific developmental stages, and one of the most important is the socialization period. This is the period when puppies learn to bond with their mothers, littermates, and other animals (including humans). During this time, they learn what is safe and what isn’t. The socialization period occurs between 3 and 12 weeks of age, with the peak sensitivity between 6 and 8 weeks. It’s important to continue socializing dogs through 6-8 months and up to a year old. If dogs aren’t properly socialized, they may develop fear-based behavioral issues.
Recognizing Fear in Dogs
Fearful dogs may either flee, freeze, or fight. While some signs of fear are obvious, others can be more subtle. Subtle signs of fear include yawning when not tired, panting when not hot, furrowed brow, ears out to the sides or back, salivating, urinating, defecating, tense muscles, averting gaze, sweaty paws, looking tired, moving in slow motion, licking lips, hypervigilance, shedding, performing behaviors slowly, and displacement behaviors. If a dog is fearful, it may learn to be aggressive to defend itself.
How Humans Can Worsen Fear and Aggression
Many people don’t understand why dogs might be afraid of them. For example, if someone is afraid of spiders, they won’t want someone shoving a tarantula in their face. The same is true for dogs. If a dog is afraid of humans, it won’t want them getting too close. To help a fearful dog, let it greet you at its own pace. Avoid leaning over the dog, reaching over its head, or hugging it. Pay attention to the dog’s body language. A relaxed dog will have loose muscles, a soft gaze, and a relaxed tail wag.
Behavior Modification Techniques
Fear and aggression can be addressed through desensitization and counterconditioning. Desensitization involves gradually increasing the dog’s exposure to the stimulus that causes fear, while counterconditioning involves creating a positive association with the stimulus. Counterconditioning can be done through classical conditioning (associating the stimulus with something positive, like treats) or operant counterconditioning (training the dog to perform an alternate behavior). An example of operant counterconditioning is the “Learn to Earn” program, where dogs must sit to receive anything they want. It’s important to train alternate behaviors in rapid succession so the dog sees training as a play session.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is that owners only use counterconditioning when they think their dog might react to a person. Instead, owners should proactively counter-condition their dog any time it’s near a new person. Also, dogs may react differently in different situations. So, it’s best to assume that the dog will react to everyone.
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