15 Things That Terrify Dogs (And How You Can Help Them Feel Safe)

Dogs, just like us, can face a range of fears and phobias throughout their lives.

These anxieties can arise from various experiences or situations, and can be highly distressing for both dogs and dog parents.

Of the nine rescue dogs I’ve shared my life with over the years, we’ve experienced a fear of:

• Fireworks
• Thunder
• Rain
• Wind
• Plastic bags flapping in the wind
• Traffic cones
• Trees
• Open spaces
• Subways
• Trains and other loud forms of transportation
• Shiny hardwood floors
• Steps
• Going to the veterinarian
• Going in the car
• Other people
• Men
• Children
• Other dogs
• Specific dogs
• The world in general
  
  That’s a lot to contend with.

But if we can recognize and address our dog’s fears, not only can it greatly improve their quality of life, it will help foster a more trusting relationship between us and them too.

What Causes Dog Fears?

Specific Experiences

Dog fears can originate from specific experiences, such as:

• Traumatic Events: e.g. being involved in or experiencing abuse.
• Loud Noises: e.g. thunder or fireworks.
• Changes in Environment: e.g. being adopted into a new home or going to the vet.

Lack of Socialization

Lack of socialization during the important puppy stage is one of the main reasons why dogs develop fears and fearful behaviors.

The sensitive period for socialization in puppies begins around 3 weeks of age and continues to about 12-14 weeks.

This period is crucial for their development as it is when they are most receptive to new experiences, people, and other animals without getting scared.

Proper socialization – including positive exposures to different sights, sounds, and people –  during this time can help prevent fear-based behavioral issues later in life.

Genetics

Genetics play a role too and some breeds are more naturally anxious or fearful.

Research shows that if a mother dog is stressed when pregnant (for example, if she lives in an impoverished environment and struggles to find enough to eat), it can affect the personality and temperament of her puppies.

Common Signs of Fear in Dogs

The first step to helping your dog is recognizing when he is scared, stressed, or anxious.

Behavior changes are often the most noticeable sign.

Common reactions include trembling, drooling, panting (when he’s not hot), yawning (when he’s not tired), pacing up and down, and excessive barking.

You might also see fear-based behaviors like hiding, cowering or whining.

Physical signs include flattened ears, wide eyes, stiff posture, and a tucked tail.

In more severe cases, dogs may go into a panic mode.

This can lead to attempts to escape, even if it puts the dog at risk.

Destructive behavior, like chewing or ripping up furniture, can also occur as a dog tries to find a coping mechanism to help him manage his fear.

15 Common Dog Fears and Phobias

These are 15 of the most common fears and phobias, but there are certainly others.

#1. Thunder

Thunderstorms can be terrifying for dogs because of the loud noises, bright flashes of lightning, and sudden changes in air pressure.

You may have seen your dog trembling, whining, or barking during a storm.

Some dogs will even try to escape the sound by trying to get into a small room or a closet.

Our rescue dog Lennox is terrified of heavy rain and thunder.

We always know bad weather is coming because he starts pacing up and down several minutes before it actually arrives.

If your dog is scared of thunder, you can help by creating a quiet, safe space where he can retreat.

Some dogs will respond to calming aids like synthetic pheromones, an anxiety jacket or wrap, calming dog-specific music, or white noise machines.

We’ve had great success with a ThunderShirt for Lennox.

Gradual desensitization to thunder sounds can also reduce fear over time.

#2. Fireworks

Fireworks are stressful for dogs, again due to their loud, unpredictable noises and bright lights.

Like with thunderstorms, many dogs tremble, hide, or attempt to run away when fireworks are anywhere nearby.

There’s a reason so many dogs escape and get lost on New Year’s Eve and the 4^th of July.

To help, keep your dog safely indoors during fireworks displays.

Provide a calm environment with calming music or white noise to help block out the sounds.

Draw the blinds or curtains to minimize exposure to flashing fireworks.

When our neighbors had fireworks on New Year’s Eve, predictably, Lennox was terrified.

For the next few weeks, he’d come and stare at the window around midnight, anxious that the scary experience was going to repeat itself.

Just like with thunder, using pressure vests or calming aids may help to reduce anxiety.

#3. Car Rides

Car rides can be stressful for dogs, mainly due to the confined space and unfamiliar sounds.

Some dogs get scared because they associate car rides with trips to the vet or motion sickness.

They may whine, drool, or even try to escape.

To help ease this fear, start with getting in the car and going nowhere.

Build that up to turning on the engine, then turning it off again with nothing happening.

From there, start with very short, pleasant trips and gradually increase the length.

This must all be at the dog’s pace, without rushing, and all the while creating a more positive association (e.g. rewarding your dog with delicious treats for staying calm).

Make sure too that your car is cool and comfortable.

Using a dog seat belt or crate can provide security and may also help reduce motion sickness.

#4. Visits to the Veterinarian

Vet visits can be daunting for dogs due to the unfamiliar environment, strange smells, unfamiliar people, other pets, and potential discomfort or pain.

Going to the vet is a common fear in dogs, with as many as 55% of dogs showing some form of anxiety.

You may even find that your dog resists entering the veterinary clinic, or cannot settle once he’s inside.

Some dogs may growl or become aggressive to try to defend themselves from what they perceive to be scary people/situations.

Our fearful rescue dog Louis was so terrified of going to the vet that we found a vet that would come out to the car to examine him and administer vaccinations.

If he needed further treatment, they would sedate him first and then we would carry him in.

This way was the safest, and least stressful, for all concerned.

You can help your dog build a more positive association with going to the vet’s office by making short visits where nothing actually happens.

For example, walk in, get a few treats or a fun new toy (either from you or the staff – ideally both), then walk back out again.

#5. Being Left Alone (Separation Anxiety)

Separation anxiety occurs when dogs become distressed or panic when left alone.

Signs include barking, whining, destructive behavior, and attempts to escape.  

When we first adopted our rescue dog Maggie, she would physically try to prevent you from leaving by grabbing onto your bag, clothing, or even your hands.

Sadly, separation anxiety is a very common condition in dogs of all shapes, sizes, ages, breeds, and backgrounds.

To manage separation anxiety, practice leaving for short periods (literally 1-2 seconds) and gradually increase the duration, making sure your dog remains calm.

Always go at your dog’s pace and don’t be tempted to rush the process.

You can also mix up your departure cues to help alleviate your dog’s feelings of anxiety.

For example, pick up your keys and then put them down again.

Pick up your bag as if you’re about to leave, then sit back down and watch TV.

Interactive toys, chewies, or puzzle feeders that provide a mental challenge can also help calm and distract your dog from your departure.

However, in my opinion, it’s usually best to treat and manage separation anxiety with the support of a certified canine separation anxiety specialist.

I’ll list some of my favorites at the end of the article*.

#6. Unfamiliar People

Some dogs are fearful of unfamiliar people due to a lack of socialization or previous negative experiences, which can lead to defensive or aggressive behavior.

These dogs may find strangers intimidating because of their unfamiliar scent and appearance, resulting in fear-based behaviors like cowering, barking, and trying to hide.

Sometimes a dog’s fears are very specific, like kids on skateboards, or tall men with baseball caps or beards.

To help alleviate these types of fears, it is important to slowly introduce your dog to new people in a controlled environment, encouraging positive interactions with treats and praise.

Avoid forcing your dog to interact if he shows any signs of stress.

Early socialization and positive experiences with new people can significantly reduce this fear.

#7. Men

I’ve met many rescue dogs who are scared of men, perhaps due to past negative encounters or a general lack of socialization.

Dogs who are scared of men may show defensive behavior, avoidance, or even aggression.

To reduce this fear, men can offer yummy treats (preferably something irresistible that the dog doesn’t get any other time) and engage in positive activities like playtime.

Our rescue dog Roxy barked non-stop at my husband when we first adopted her.

She had spent the first two years of her life at the shelter and had very little experience of the world.

It took several months for her to completely trust him, but in time they became the best of friends.

#8. Children

Children’s unpredictable movements, loud voices, and unfamiliar behavior can be frightening for some dogs, especially if they haven’t had much exposure to children in the past.

When dogs feel threatened, they almost always give several signals before resorting to aggression.

Signs include flattened ears, stiff body posture, dilated pupils, raised hackles, a curled lip, and growling.

If these signals are ignored or not seen, then he may escalate his behavior to try to make the scary thing go away.

To mitigate this, it is important to ensure that children understand how to approach and handle dogs gently.

Supervised, positive interactions between kids and dogs can help ease the dog’s anxiety and reduce fear-based behaviors.

Our neighbor’s young daughter loves our rescue dog, Roman.

But Roman was rescued from the street and doesn’t appear to have had much experience with children.

Whenever she comes to visit him, he barks at her initially, before he calms down enough to take treats from her hand and lets her pet him.

It’s a work in progress, but by moving at a pace Roman is comfortable and removing him if he gets overwhelmed, we are slowly getting there.

#9. Other Dogs

Interactions with other dogs can be intimidating for some dogs, especially if they’ve had negative experiences in the past.

Dogs may bark, growl, lunge, or try to avoid other dogs altogether.

To help alleviate this fear, start with controlled, positive interactions with calm, confident, and friendly dogs, one at a time on neutral territory.

Socialization classes or professional training can also be beneficial in reducing fear and encouraging positive social experiences.

Having said that, not all dogs want to be friends with other dogs and that’s fine.

It’s always best to put your dog’s needs first.

If the very thought of the dog park stresses him out, just take him for a fun solo hike instead.

#10. Certain Dog Breeds

Some dogs may fear specific types of dogs because of their appearance (e.g. some dogs are scared of large dogs or dogs of a specific color) or previous unpleasant encounters.

Our dog Roxy, who I mentioned earlier, developed a fear of German Shepherd-type dogs because our neighbors allowed their dog to run out of their gate and jump on our dogs as we were walking past.

This can be very hard to overcome and after a couple of scary encounters, we decided simply to avoid the issue altogether and walk a different route.

While gradual, positive exposure to well-behaved dogs of the feared breed, plus supervised play sessions and training can help, sometimes it’s easier just to play the avoidance game and stay away.

#11. Unfamiliar Objects

Dogs are often scared of objects like vacuum cleaners, balloons, or certain toys due to their unfamiliar appearance or the noise they make.

Our dog Roman was very apprehensive the first time we encountered a traffic cone on our walks.

He is also highly wary of a large dog statue one of our neighbors has in their yard.

If this sounds like your dog, let him explore the scary object at his own pace while providing treats and praise to help him become more comfortable.

But don’t force him.

If he doesn’t want to interact, that’s fine too.

#12. Shiny or Slippery Surfaces and Stairs

I’ve seen many dogs who are reluctant to walk on shiny or slippery floors, either due to the reflection or they simply don’t feel secure on that surface.

This can easily be alleviated by placing rugs (or even yoga mats) in strategic places to block any reflections and help your dog feel surer of foot.

For the same reasons, many dogs don’t like the shiny, slippery exam metal table at the vet’s office.

If you take a non-slip mat with you to the vet, it’s a simple way to help reduce your dog’s stress levels and make him feel more comfortable in the unfamiliar environment.

Stairs can also be intimidating for dogs (especially puppies encountering them for the first time) due to their steepness, slippery surface, or open design.

Aging or health issues, such as joint pain, weaker muscles, or vision changes, can make it difficult for older dogs to navigate stairs safely.

Traumatic experiences, such as falling, or a lack of early exposure to stairs can also contribute to a dog’s phobia of going up and down stairs.

Just like with shiny or slippery floors, you can use non-slip mats or carpets to provide better traction and manage this common fear.

Gradual and positive exposure combined with treats and praise can also help build your dog’s confidence and overcome his fears.

#13. Specific Environment or Places

Some dogs may fear certain environments like dog parks, beaches, or busy stores or markets due to all the hustle and bustle, other dogs, unfamiliar people, and noise.

This can lead to avoidance or stress-related behaviors.

Honestly, if your dog gets stressed in busy, noisy environments, it’s kinder to leave him at home.

Our nervous boy Louis spent the first two years of his life chained up in the desert, and was only familiar with surfaces consisting of sand or cement.

When we moved from the Middle East to Europe, he was terrified of going into the forest, with its narrow trails shrouded in tall pine trees.

Rather than force him to do something that scared him, we managed his fears by walking in more open areas, often around lakes or across fields, instead.

#14. Trucks, Trains or Planes

Large vehicles like trucks, trains, or planes can be intimidating due to their size and noise.

Our rescue dogs Lennox and Esme are particularly scared of the freight trains that go past from time to time.

Even though they are in the distance, the noise is still enough to make them freeze and cower.

It’s the same if noisy jets fly overheard from the nearby army base.

In this instance, the fear is not so bad that I can’t easily distract them with delicious pieces of hotdog.

But Lennox also tries to chase big trucks to make them go away so you always have to be vigilant when walking him in busier areas.

#15. Grooming

Dogs can be scared or anxious about being groomed due to the many unfamiliar sights, sounds, and sensations from grooming tools, past negative experiences, and sensitivity or discomfort when being touched.

Lack of socialization and exposure to grooming at a young age can also contribute to this fear, as can underlying medical issues like pain or arthritis.

In particular, overly restrictive restraints like tight muzzles, neck restraints, or forceful holding can cause your dog to feel trapped and panicked during grooming.

When a dog is forcibly restrained without being given a chance to consent or have control over the situation, it can be very distressing.

This can lead to negative associations with the grooming process and heighten the dog’s anxiety.

Cooperative, consent-based grooming techniques that allow the dog some autonomy are less likely to cause fear and should be actively sought out by dog parents whose dogs need to be groomed, in my opinion.

Effective Strategies for Managing Dog Phobias

Helping dogs overcome fears and phobias involves using both specific behavioral modification techniques and seeking professional help when needed.

Behavioral Modification Techniques

Desensitization and counter-conditioning are key techniques professionals use to help in this regard.

Desensitization involves gradually exposing the dog to the fear source at a low intensity and increasing it slowly over time.

This helps to reduce his sensitivity to the trigger.

Counter-conditioning aims to change the dog’s emotional response to the fear source.

For example, if your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, pairing the sound of thunder with something positive like treats or playtime can help.

Short, consistent training sessions are important.

Frequent practice helps reinforce positive behavior and reduces fear responses over time.

Using positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, is crucial to build positive associations and encourage a calm and confident response.

Professional Help and Training

In cases where behavioral techniques alone are not enough, seeking professional help can be beneficial.

Certified positive reinforcement dog behavior consultants and trainers (see my recommendations below) can provide tailored strategies and support for more severe phobias.

By working closely with the dog and owner, they can create a comprehensive plan that includes desensitization and other tailored techniques.

Veterinarians might prescribe medications to help manage anxiety and phobic reactions.

This can be especially useful during specific events like thunderstorms or fireworks.

Long-Term Solutions and Preventive Measures

Long-term strategies for managing dog fears and phobias include creating a calming environment and taking steps to prevent future phobias from developing.

Creating a Safe Environment

A quiet, comfortable space or cozy retreat can help a lot when it comes to lessening a dog’s anxiety.

Using a white noise machine or playing dog-specific music can help muffle loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms.

Soft bedding with both the dog’s and the owner’s scent, familiar toys, calming aids, and pheromone diffusers can also help create comfort and a calming atmosphere.

Some dogs may prefer to be in a bathroom (or similar small space) with the windows covered, the door closed, and a stuffed KONG or Lickimat to keep them busy.

If it helps, you can sit calmly and quietly with your dog too.

When he sees you’re not worried about what’s going on outside, it will help show him that just maybe it’s not as bad as he thinks.

Sticking to a routine with regular feeding and exercise can also make dogs feel more secure.

The more your dog feels in control of his environment and knows what’s going to happen when, the less stressed he will be in general.

Training to Build Confidence

Training can build a dog’s confidence by establishing life skills such as ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘come,’ which give the dog a sense of structure and predictability and can help him feel more in control.

Not only does positive reinforcement (like treats and praise) training reward desired behaviors, but it also empowers the dog to make his own decisions, which encourages independent thinking, boosts confidence, and inhibits the emotional brain, leading to a calmer dog all around.

Lastly, positive training methods strengthen the bond and trust between you and your dog, further enhancing your dog’s confidence and sense of security.

READ NEXT

Overcoming Fear: How To Help The Rescue Dog Who’s Scared Of Everything

NEED A DOG TRAINER OR BEHAVIOR EXPERT?

If you need more help dealing with a training or behavior issue, please find professional help from a force-free dog trainer who can consult with you either in person or remotely.

GOOD PLACES TO START ARE:
- COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers
- Pet Dog Trainers of Europe
- International Companion Animal Network
- Institute of Modern Dog Trainers
- Pet Professional Guild 

All dog owners deserve to have successful relationships with their canine companions!