Lisa O
Many dog owners sometimes worry if their dogs are afraid of them, especially when they act nervous or avoid being close. As pet owners, it’s essential to recognize these signs of fear because they tell us when our dogs aren’t feeling good. So, here are the signs your dog is scared of you!
Hiding Away in Safe Spots
One common sign that a dog might be scared is when it hides. If your dog suddenly vanishes when you come in or finds a cozy spot to hide, it might mean it’s afraid of you. For many dogs, hiding under furniture or in a corner is like finding a secret hideout where they feel super safe. If your pet hides from you, teach them new behaviors by giving them treats.
Darting Away When Approached
A big clue that your dog might be scared of you is if they dash away when you come near. It could be fear of you or something else around. Sometimes, dogs run off because they find something wrong with being close to you, like getting in trouble or feeling uncomfortable with their collar. So it’s important not to scare your dogs by punishing them or being too strict with them.
Bowing Down and Shrinking Away
When dogs are scared, they might also lower their heads or bodies, cower, or shrink back when you come near. It’s their way of making themselves seem smaller and less scary. It’s not always true that a dog cowering means they’ve been abused in the past—it could be because they’re naturally more anxious, didn’t socialize much as puppies, or learned that cowering helps them stay safe.
Expressing Submissive Behavior By Peeing
Dogs who feel scared might also show submissive behaviors like peeing when you approach or touch them. It’s their way of saying, “I’m not a threat.” If your furry friend does this, try not to scold or praise them because it can confuse them. Instead, opt for some tasty treats to show them positive vibes instead of the usual pat on the back.
Rapid Breathing and Whining in Fear
When your dog is chill, you’ll notice steady panting. But if you see them panting fast and taking breaks, closing their mouths due to changes around them, that’s a sign they might be feeling scared. Keep an eye out for moments when they close their mouth, let out a couple of whines, and then go back to the quick panting—it’s their way of expressing unease.
Tucking Tail and Wagging Stiffly
When a dog is feeling calm, you’ll spot its tail hanging out in a normal position—either straight from the spine or a bit above or below it. A happy dog might even give you a gentle wag at a comfortable pace. On the flip side, if your pup is scared, you might notice it tucking its tail between its legs or holding it low and stiff, maybe with some quick, choppy wags.
Raising Hackles or Shedding Excessively
Just like when we get goosebumps, a scared dog might have raised hairs along its shoulders, spine, or near its tail. These raised hairs are called “hackles,” and they don’t always mean the dog is scared or aggressive. Sometimes, it’s just a sign they’re feeling excited or stressed. But if your furry friend keeps experiencing fear and stress, you might notice them shedding a lot more than usual.
Engaging in Displacement Activities
When dogs feel scared, they might do some interesting things to deal with it, like licking their paws a lot or scratching themselves more than usual. Ever notice your pup suddenly getting very interested in sniffing random dirt bits or pretending they don’t see you? That could be their way of handling fear without causing any trouble. Keep an eye out for these quirky behaviors—they’re signs your dog might be feeling uncertain or conflicted inside.
Revealing Vulnerability by Showing the Belly
When dogs are scared, they might roll over and show their belly. They want to say, “I’m not a threat, I give up!” If you’re worried your dog is scared of you, it’s super important to take action. It could mean teaming up with a dog expert to help your furry pal face their fears and trust you more. Together, you can make sure your dog feels safe and happy again.
Sideways Glances or Wide-eyed Watchfulness
Ever catch your dog giving you the side-eye? You know, that sly glance from the corner of their eye where you see some whites? They’re trying to be all secretive about feeling a bit uneasy. They might even act like they’re avoiding a staring contest with you. But here’s the heads-up – that side-eye can be a red flag in dog language. It might mean they’re gearing up to growl, snap, or bite.
Demonstrating Rigidity, Tremors, or Crouching
When a dog is feeling super happy and playful, it will move around with lots of energy, wiggling and wagging all over the place, with little breaks in between. But if you notice a dog acting stiff, moving slowly, or trying to get away from what’s happening, it’s a sign it wants some space. It might also shake, hunch down close to the ground, or even roll over onto its side or back.
Caught in a Stuck or Flight Response
When a dog is terrified, they might do two different things. They could freeze, like pause, and wait for the scary thing to disappear. On the flip side, they might start running around like crazy, just trying to escape from whatever’s scaring them. And here’s the thing – if the fear keeps going or someone or something that’s causing the fear gets too close, the dog might pee or poop out of stress.
Loss of Appetite as a Sign of Stress
When your dog suddenly stops eating, even though it was hungry before, and starts avoiding you or their food, it’s likely feeling worried about something. Pay attention to what might be scaring it. If it’s happening a lot, you can start helping your dog handle it by chatting with it calmly and giving treats whenever that scary thing is around. It’s all about making it feel safer and happier.
Shying Away from Direct Eye Contact
When dogs are scared, they might not look you in the eyes. You might notice this along with other signs, like them crouching or inching away from whatever’s spooking them. If a dog avoids your gaze, they might feel a bit wary of you. Take it easy and give them their space. It’s all about making friends on their terms!
Reacting with Forward Lunges, Barks, and Growls
When faced with a threat, some dogs choose to escape and hide, like going into “flight mode.” But others decide to go into “fight mode” and get a bit aggressive. Instead of backing down, they step up, lunge forward, bark fiercely, and even flash their teeth and growl. And they might also puff up their fur, perk up their ears, raise their tail high, and give you a mean look.