Helping an Insecure Dog Confidently Adjust to His Environment

My dog, Misty, was an insecure dog and I hope to educate fellow dog guardians
so they can help their canine friends.

My new pup hiding to feel protected.

Michelle Liew (self)

Is My New Dog Aggressive or Insecure?

So you have just adopted a dog or bought a new puppy and are completely
ecstatic over your new member of the family. The joy, however, is a little
dampened after a while. Your dog begins to cower under chairs and beds when
you approach or snarls for no apparent reason. His relationships with people
and other dogs are also shaky.

What the owner in the scenario above has on his or her hands is a rather
insecure dog or puppy. The dog is unsure of his environment, lacks confidence
in himself and manifests his fears by behaving in a seemingly aggressive
manner towards people, animals, and his owner. He also begins his search for
ways to feel protected.

How do we help a dog who suffers from emotional insecurity or—on an even more
disturbing level—past trauma? This article will delve into the causes of
canine insecurity and its signs, and make some suggestions on what owners can
do if they find that their new furry companion needs a little help to get over
the things that overwhelm them.

Michelle Liew (self)

What Are the Causes of Canine Insecurity?

We humans have a wide range of phobias and insecurities and quite simply, so
do dogs. There are many causes of a dog’s lack of self-esteem and confidence.

Genetic Disposition

A dog may already be predisposed to being shy when he is born. He could have
parents who are timid and thus inherited the tendency to be a bit more
withdrawn.

Some breeds of dogs have a generally less friendly disposition. These are:

Akitas
Shiba Inus
Salukis
Neapolitan Mastiffs
Komondors
Dogue de Bordeaux
Black Russian Terriers
Catahoula Shepherd dogs
Australian Shepherd Dogs
Chow Chows
Xolos
Cardigan Welsh Corgis

It is good to remember that generalizing a particular breed of dog as friendly
or otherwise is not advisable. With proper socialization, any dog can get used
to being around others and can be a welcome companion.

Lack of Early Socialization

Dogs, like children, need to interact with others. Socialization needs to take
place when they are young so that they can get accustomed to the people and
other dogs around them.

A friend made a mistake with her 19-year-old (yes, she has lived a long life)
Bichon Frise, Mei. Mei had an early tendency to be withdrawn from people as a
puppy and being afraid of flea infestations, my friend did not want to walk
her. The result was a little dog who became quite resistant to visitors to the
home and, of course, other dogs.

It was only in her later years that Mei got to walk around her housing estate,
by which time it was a little too late. Neighbors who walked past became a
little afraid to see her because she would snap at them and their dogs.

Traumatic Past Experiences

Unfortunately, some people have a rather unsettled relationship with dogs.
Their dogs become victims of rather aggressive and even abusive behavior. The
unsympathetic treatment could have left them rather fearful of being
approached by or approaching people.

Alternatively, it may have gotten into fights with other dogs, the experience
leaving it with a bitter taste in its mouth. The offshoot of that is
frustration when coming across other dogs, especially if they are bigger than
it is.

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I have encountered a Yorkshire Terrier which was adopted by the owner of a pet
shop after being abandoned by its previous master. When I tried to pet it, I
almost got my finger voraciously bitten off. It remained in the corner of the
pet shop, cowering as if something dreadful was about to happen in the next
minute.

Lack of Proper Leadership

Very much like children, dogs need guidance. If an owner distances himself
from his dog and does not assure it that it can turn to him when it needs
food, play or a walk, the dog begins to withdraw. A dog also needs an owner to
let it know that it is safe being around other people or those of its furry
kind.

Mei, mentioned above, is a dog who lacked leadership. Not having the guidance
she required, she saw everything around her as a threat. Till this day, she
regards everything around her with suspicion.

Michelle Liew (self)

What Are the Signs of Insecurity in a Dog?

The signs of insecurity in a dog may be obvious or may only be observed over
time. Whatever the case may be, an insecure dog will display some rather
telling traits.

It Sits in the Corner by Itself

An insecure dog will feel the need to be protected from whatever it perceives
will harm it. It will withdraw into a corner, crouch under a bed or hide under
a sofa when it feels threatened.

It Snarls When Approached

An insecure dog will growl at whatever it thinks will do it harm. A point to
note is that this is often mistaken as aggressive behavior on the dog’s part.
Rather, the dog could be worried that it is about to be attacked and go on the
defense.

A Dog That Yawns Frequently Could Be Insecure

When we get used to our dogs, our tendency is to treat them as little human
beings, much like our own children. We, therefore, see yawning in a dog as a
sign of it being sleepy.

A dog’s yawn, however, can have a few meanings attached to it. It could be
getting more oxygen into the lungs. Quite often, a yawn acts as a calming
signal to other dogs or shows that it is stressed by something in the
environment.

If a dog does so very frequently, it’s worth looking around the environment to
see what could be making the dog frazzled.

A Panting Dog Could Be an Insecure Dog

A dog might pant in anxiety or excitement when something around him makes him
a little disturbed. If you notice a dog panting, take a look at its entire
body language. If its ears are folded back, it is likely being nettled by
things around him.

An Insecure Dog Takes a Submissive Posture

If a dog crouches or has its ears folded back, it is not confident of itself
or unsure of its environment. This signals to the owner that it is time to
break him in!

If a Dog Frequently Urinates, Something Is Bothering Him!

Frequent urination can have a number of causes, and it might be good to take
the dog to the vet when it happens. A probable cause if it is stress or
pressure from the environment.

I observed this in my dog, Misty, recently when I brought her to the vet for a
follow-up check on the neurological problems she has unfortunately developed
due to old age. Unfamiliar with the environment, she began urinating,
defecating all over the area around her and whining. It takes time to cajole
her into stepping into the vet’s office.

Michelle Liew (self)

How Do I Help an Insecure Dog?

Helping a dog to overcome his insecurities requires a little time and
observation, but is nevertheless not impossible. There are a few things that
owners can do to help.

Establish Yourself as a Pack Leade r

As said before, the dog needs to know who to turn to and trust. It is only
then that he can be more secure with his environment. Start teaching simple
obedience skills like sitting, staying, and to come. This helps him to trust
and associate himself with you.

Do Not Coddle Your Dog When It Is Afraid

For many, the first instinct would be to give our dogs a hug or pat. That is
in fact reinforcing to the dog that being afraid is the right behavior.

Instead, reward your dog whenever it acts with confidence. This will reinforce
his boldness.

Allow Your Dog to Face Its Fears

If your dog is afraid of people, gradually expose him to more of them. Limit
his interaction with the person he feels secure with. Do not impose the
interaction on the dog but let the dog make the decision to come to that
person.

If your dog is afraid of a certain person around the house, for instance, a
child, let your child prepare the dog’s meal for the day. It helps them to
bond and teaches the child a little responsibility.

If your dog is afraid of other dogs, let him get to know a dog that is smaller
and calm. As it gets comfortable, introduce it to bigger dogs with more active
behavior.

Introduce Your Dog to a Little Agility Training!

The purpose of agility training is confidence building. A dog, like all of us,
feels good about itself after crossing or going through obstacles. Take it to
dog runs or agility training classes!

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It
is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription,
or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional.
Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a
veterinarian immediately.

Comments

Nicole on February 19, 2020:

Just rescued a 2 yr old westie mix from Tennessee. He was found on the streets
unneutered. For the first few days he was very clingy and always putting his
head down in our lap/nudging our hand when we stopped petting him. Also likes
to sleep A LOT. We mistook this behavior as him being low energy and
submissive. However, we realized very quickly that he is aggressive towards
other dogs, especially when meeting on leash. He is clearly an insecure dog
who’s never been socialized nor had a strong pack leader. So far he’s learned
quickly how to walk on the leash and respond to redirection, but I’m still at
a loss as to what to do when we meet another dog on a leash. He can NOT meet
another dog nose to nose at this point, but so many dog owners ohh and ahh
over a little white dog and want their dog to make “friends.” Any suggestions
for dog interactions would be helpful.

Sherri on June 20, 2018:

My daughter just took in a 5 year old Sheba Inu breeder dog. She does well
peeing outside but doesn’t want to poop. She will act like she wants to then
stops. She, of course, is great around other dogs but when at her home she
doesn’t eat. She also whines and walks circles around the living room. She
also will not let you touch her. She will come to my daughter when she has the
leash in her hand but not any other time. She has had her for more the 6wks
now and we haven’t made any progress. What should we do now.

Michelle Liew (author) from Singapore on February 21, 2013:

Thank goodness for that, glimmer! Separation anxiety can be worked through,
there are some excellent hubs here on HP that address the subject! Have a
read!! Thanks for sharing!

Michelle Liew (author) from Singapore on February 21, 2013:

Thanks, Meldz! Yup, when they snap, they’re just reflecting insecurity. They
pee when they’re afraid too. Thanks for sharing!

Claudia Mitchell on February 20, 2013:

Luckily this is not a problem with my dog. Our problem is separation anxiety.
It is absolutely horrible for him, even after 7 years. Good info for people
that need it.

ignugent17 on February 19, 2013:

This is very useful Michelle. It really helps if we can understamd the
behavior of our pets or other dogs. Now I know that grawling doesn’t really
mean they want to bite. They are just shy and cautious.

Thanks and have a great day. 🙂

Michelle Liew (author) from Singapore on February 15, 2013:

Hi, Alexandry! Wow, kudos to your talent & patience. It really takes a lot of
that to train dogs with issues they have to overcome! Thanks for sharing!