Sensitivity in dogs shows up in behaviors that many human caregivers view as "problem behaviors". For the dog, however, the behaviors are coping mechanisms.
Common sense solutions exist but getting them to work successfully requires a mindset shift. You must consider not only how the dog's behavior makes you feel, but also how the dog's emotional state affects his actions. Emotions drive behaviors. If you go "upstream" to the emotional source and address that first, the behavior will change.
Consider stress barking caused by anxiety. There are aversive ways to force a dog to stop barking. But aversives aren't just inhumane; they're also ineffective. Aversives increase anxiety and make the dog feel hopeless and helpless. The dog gives up.
What are the common sense, compassionate, and effective ways to address coping mechanisms such as barking?
Your first common-sense decision is acknowledging that the dog is trying to cope with feeling unsafe. Felt Safety isn't learned; it's felt. Your words matter because dogs intuitively understand the intention behind what you say. "I can see you're feeling afraid" holds a very different intention from "Don't be afraid". The first acknowledges the dog's truth, while the second statement denies it.
Your second common-sense decision is taking compassionate action to bring your dog relief. What must be done immediately to restore your dog's inner sense of safety? Barking at or lunging toward a trigger is often misunderstood as aggression. Yet, sensitive dogs want relief. The trigger is too close, too big, and too scary so they want it to go away. Compassionate action creates more space between the dog and the trigger.
Finally, dogs feel safer when they know a safe exit is always available if they want to use it. The outdated notion that dogs must be controlled causes sensitive dogs to feel helpless. Forcing a dog to "face fears to get over it" damages a dog emotionally and destroys trust in your relationship.
The Common Sense Solution is:
- Acknowledge the truth of the dog's emotion
- Take Compassionate Action to give the dog space
- Allow your dog to safely exit a stressful situation
Need more support with your sensitive dog? Reach out to me at marilyn@marilynmele.com
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