Crimson Hound Training

06/07/2026

06/07/2026

FEARFUL DOGS

It’s June and we are going to look at FEAR … what is fear, why are dogs fearful, how can we recognize it and how can we help our fearful dogs.

Day 7: Get to Know your Dog’s Body Language

In order to determine whether your dog is relaxed and happy, in flight mode, fidgeting, freezing or entering fight mode, you absolutely have to be able to read your dog’s body language.

The corgi on the left is relaxed. His ears are in neutral position, his eyes are soft and his face lacks tension. His mouth is relaxed and hanging open with his tongue hanging loosely.

In stark contrast, the corgi on the right is stressed. His ears are pulled down and back. He is averting his gaze and has whale eye. His face is full of tension and his mouth is tight.

Take the time to get to know your own dog and how his body language changes in different circumstances.

For an in-depth look at canine body language, check out my January series or sign up for my Canine Body Language for Pet Parents webinar (https://www.crimsonhound.com/dog-training-services/canine-body-language-pet-parents-online-course/ ).

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com .

06/05/2026

The medication that you are looking for, that doesn't sedate your pet or change your pet's personality, but magically completely changes the part of their personality that is fearful, distressed and panicked doesn't exist.

I know we all want it to.

I know how exhausting it is to live with a pet who is struggling.

I know how badly you want relief for them and for you.

But here’s the truth:

Medication is support, not a cure.
It lowers the volume, but doesn't cure the underlying fear, anxiety and stress.

Medication is necessary for many pets to live in the scary world that we created, but medication cannot completely remove fear from your pet's life without any other actions on your part.

The best progress comes from the combination of:
👉The right medication (when needed)
👉Behavior modification
👉Avoidance through changes in the environment.

Treating systemic disease and illness.
👉Time, consistency, and follow-up

If your pet is on medication and the intensity, frequency and recovery are improving and they still have their same wonderful personality, you are on track most likely.

06/05/2026

FEARFUL DOGS

It’s June and we are going to look at FEAR … what is fear, why are dogs fearful, how can we recognize it and how can we help our fearful dogs.

Day 5: The Four F’s of Fear

Fear can be expressed through one of four types of behaviors: Flight, Freeze, Fidget or Fight.

Flight: The first inclination of any fearful animal would be to run away from the threat.

If flight is not an option, the animal will express one or more of the following,

Freeze: The dog will freeze in hopes that he will escape notice. A good example of this is in horror movies when the person being pursued hides under a bed or in a closet - staying as still and quiet as possible in the hopes that the pursuer will give up and go away.

Fidget: Also known as Fawning or Fooling Around, the dog will display stress behaviors as a means to ask for more distance from the threat. Displays such as lip licking or yawning out of context, averting eyes, etc.

Fight: When other options fail, the dog will revert to displays of threat in order to gain more distance from the trigger.

When none of these options is successful, the dog may feel compelled to follow through on threats of violence to end the threat.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com .

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

FEARFUL DOGS

It’s June and we are going to look at FEAR … what is fear, why are dogs fearful, how can we recognize it and how can we help our fearful dogs.

Day 4: The Dog Decides What is Scary

Regardless of how we may feel about an object, environment or situation AND regardless of how other dogs may have handled that same experience either in the past or right alongside your dog …. The ONLY one who gets to decide whether something is scary or traumatic is your dog.

Once we accept that our dog is afraid, it is our job to support our dog in ways that will help him feel safe and secure. If a dog does not feel safe and secure, he is not in a place to overcome his fear.

SPECTRUM OF FEAR

Fears run along a spectrum … your dog may be afraid of just one or two select things …. or he may be afraid of a select category …. multiple categories … or he may have a universal fear of the world and all that it offers.

An individual dog may be afraid of a single trigger in a specific situation - e.g., fear of men in hoodies coming through the front door.

OR

Maybe he is afraid of all of the tools associated with husbandry … the nail clipper or grinder, the brush etc.

OR

Perhaps he is afraid of all husbandry and veterinary tools, as well as the vet’s office and riding in vehicles.

OR

Maybe the idea of stepping out of your front door or out of the yard presents such an overwhelming fear of the unknown that he is not able to cope.

The dog gets to decide what he finds scary.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com .