3 Common Misconceptions About Comforting Fearful Dogs

Whether or not to comfort a fearful dog has been the topic of timeless debate even before the internet existed. Since then, it has been convenient for experts and non-experts alike to dispense innumerable advice and opinions on the right approach and method to deal with a skittish dog.

Does comforting a dog with phobias reinforce the behavior? Here are three common controversies dividing the community:

Definition of Comfort

How one conceptualizes comfort differs from person to person, which explains the challenge in producing a unified definition of the word.

As there is no cure for fear, perhaps it would be most effective to plan a long-term solution that considers the characteristics that are unique to the individual dog. Areas to address are whether the situation is sustained or transient and if professional intervention is necessary.

Reinforcing Fear When Comforting Dogs

Different breeds have varied temperaments. For instance, a protection dog is active and confident, while a service dog is gentle and tolerant. Then there are rescue dogs that develop irrational fears due to traumatic experiences and benefit from specialized handling.

Dogs are capable of cognitive processes. They express emotions and feelings. So, the question remains, are they deserving of comfort in the face of fear? And more to the point, does a fearful owner make a fearful dog?

Reinforcing Behavior When Comforting Dogs

Proponents of positive reinforcement believe that dogs engage in negative behaviors that are reinforced by owners despite their best intentions. Others practice the pack leadership technique of exercise-disciple-affection based on canine social behavior.

The fact is, some canine breeds are more difficult to train than others. Another fact is that dogs are pack animals. And, studies have shown that dogs are able to pick up on emotional cues in humans and use different parts of their brains to process negative and positive facial expressions.

These considerations could help in formulating an individualized method for comforting a fearful dog with more effective outcomes.

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