How owners recognize the signs and act sensibly
Dusseldorf. Not every dog faces new situations calmly. Some react cautiously to strangers, others to unfamiliar noises or to changes in everyday life. If you recognize the signals early and react correctly, you can de-escalate – and help your dog build trust.
Insecurity can manifest itself in very different ways in dogs. Some people withdraw, others react hectically or even loudly and impulsively. And what many people don't realize is that aggressive behavior is often motivated by insecurity or fear. “Dogs usually communicate uncertainty through their body language,” explains veterinarian Dr. Daphne Ketter, owner of the veterinary practice for behavioral medicine “Animal Behavior Munich”. “If you know the signals, you can recognize stress before the dog becomes loud or withdraws. Typical indications are a tucked tail, flattened ears, heavy panting, yawning or increased licking.” Insecurity is often confused with disobedience – but the dog just doesn't react as usual because it has to deal with a stressful situation.
Insecurity towards people and other species
Some dogs react particularly sensitively to strangers or other dogs. “This is often related to either a lack of experience or bad experiences from the past,” says expert Ketter. Insecure dogs often initially try to build up distance – for example by avoiding or hiding. Their behavior and body language increasingly point away from the other person, the situation or the object that triggers the fear. Only when the discomfort is overlooked does the reaction often become more obvious, for example barking or growling. If your four-legged friend has unpleasant experiences several times, insecurity can even turn into fear. Instead of ignoring the dog or forcing it into frightening situations, owners should allow their four-legged friends to retreat.
Noises and environmental stimuli as triggers
Thunderstorms, New Year's Eve or construction site noise: Loud noises are among the most common stress factors for dogs. While some people calm down quickly, others need more support. “The most important thing is to remain calm,” advises Dr. Ketter. “Pet animals reflect the behavior of their caregivers: If the person is relaxed, the dog will also calm down more quickly.” In order to actively convey security to your dog, you first have to recognize the situation as a stressful situation. Uncertainty is often already apparent in body language – small details in posture, gaze, movements and behavior create an overall picture.
Patience instead of a quick solution
In order to solve problems with uncertainty in the long term, you mainly need a lot of patience. Behavior rarely changes overnight. “Sensitive dogs in particular need time to build trust and positively associate new experiences,” says the expert. “It’s important not to overwhelm the dog and to notice even the small progress.” If you give your animal security through trust, patience and reliability, there is a good chance of getting the insecurity under control – and a strong bond is also created between the person and their four-legged friend.
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