Dogs who exhibit fear aggression are usually using aggression as a form of self-defense toward their owner, other people, animals or sometimes even objects. If a dog feels threatened, they’ll usually use body language to drive whatever, or whomever, they see as a threat away.
But if the dog is really afraid, it might turn into actual aggression. Whether you understand why your dog is afraid doesn’t matter. Fact is, they are. So much so that they feel they have to be aggressive.
In this post, we’ll talk about the symptoms of fear aggression in dogs, and I’ll provide you with information about a dog training program that’s particularly effective for fear aggression.
We’ll also discuss some tips for handling your dog’s fear aggression while you’re getting the training techniques in place.
Signs of Fear Aggression in Dogs
How do you know if your dog is suffering from fear aggression?
According to WagWalking.com, dog fear aggression symptoms may include:
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- Nipping or biting
- Cowering
- Flattened ears
- Trying to escape
- Excessive barking or whining
- Excessive yawning
- Lowering their head
- Licking their face or nose
- Pacing
- Panting
- Turning eyes up to show whites of their eyes
- Acting timid
- Putting their tail between their legs
- Trembling
While these are some common symptoms of fear aggression, a fearful dog may behave aggressively without showing any of these symptoms.
The truth is, a frightened dog can be a dangerous dog. They can become unpredictable and lash out in situations you may not realize are a trigger.
So it’s important that you get ahold of your dog’s fear aggression and get it solved as quickly as possible. Not only to keep yourself, your family, and other people safe, but for the dog’s sake.
Seriously. Can you imagine living your life in fear all the time, so much so that you feel like you have to react physically? It’s sad. Please don’t make your dog continue to struggle in this way.
Dog Training for Fear Aggression
Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist, Doggy Dan has recently developed a dog training program called, The Dog Calming Code, which is particularly effective for stopping dog fear aggression, regardless of the cause. It’s easy to follow and inexpensive.
Solving fear aggression in dogs starts with helping your dog to trust you and see you as the one in charge. According to Doggy Dan, doing this is the most loving thing you’ll ever do for your dog!
Teaching your dog to see you as the one in charge takes enormous stress off your dog. It can improve literally every aspect of their life!
The Dog Calming Code is extremely effective in calming dogs down, stopping dog aggression and eliminating the reasons why your dog may be fearful to begin with.
The training consists of 5 easy things you can do with your dog each day to accomplish this. You (and your dog!) will be happy you did it! You can read my full review of The Dog Calming Code here, or check it out here:
Tips for Living With a Fear Aggressive Dog
Living with a fear-aggressive dog requires patience, consistency, and a calm approach. Avoid forcing interactions that trigger fear. If your dog seems afraid, remove them from the situation. Don’t force them to handle it.
Instead, create a safe space where your dog feels secure. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior to build confidence.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s aggressive behavior, you may have to limit your dog’s time with strangers, having guests over, or going to the park until you get things under control.
Again, don’t make them handle these things. If you’re reading this post, then your dog is obviously having a problem. Please use Doggy Dan’s guidance to help your dog!
Also, maintain a predictable routine to reduce anxiety. Dogs, just like children, feel more calm if they know what to expect. And always use a gentle approach with your dog.
Never Punish a Dog for Fear Aggression!
This will likely make the problem worse.
I always say that just because aggressive dogs look angry, mean or ferocious, doesn’t mean that’s actually what they’re intentions are.
Most likely, they’re afraid or they feel that they, their family, their property, or their possessions are at risk.
Think about it. If I woke up during the night and realized there was a man in the living room stealing my things, and I pick up a lamp and start hitting him over the head with it while screaming, cursing, threatening him…am I mean? Angry? Ferocious? Nope…I’m friggin terrified.
My attacking him is because I’m afraid, not because I’m mean or ferocious.
To me, that’s what dog aggression is. For whatever reason, the dog thinks they have to be aggressive, either slightly or extremely, based on how the dog sees the situation. And a lot of the time (I’d venture to say most of the time), the aggression is fear based.
Who is Doggy Dan?
Doggy Dan is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist. He has a wildly successful dog training website called, The Online Dog Trainer.com.
His site has more than 300 videos where you get to see Doggy Dan working directly with dogs and their owners, usually in the owner’s home or yard.
His website offers a $1 three-day trial and a monthly membership for $37. It’s been my #1 recommendation for dog training for going on 10 years because it is effective and affordable. You can read my full review of The Online Dog Trainer here.
I Donate to Animal Charities
Thank you for visiting my website. I hope this information has helped you understand why your dog is exhibiting fear aggression.
I hope you’ll take advantage of Doggy Dan’s help to get it solved quickly!
I will receive a small commission if you purchase this dog training program or various other products on my website. I donate 10% of my earnings to these animal charities.
If you like this website, please share it with your friends who have a pet. Thank you! Debra
For more help with a fearful dog, read my post, Help Your Fearful Dog (includes video). That post contains a video of Doggy Dan talking about fearful dogs and also includes a link to one of Doggy Dan’s free tutorials about dog anxiety.
Hey a great post you have here!
This post is really useful especially with popular pets like dogs. Their size and sharp teeth means training this furballs is essential otherwise in the wrong hands they can be dangerous.
I like larger dogs which means they have to be handled at a younger age. Thank you for this information.
Have a great day!
Definitely a safety issue!