Dogs who are afraid cower and try to escape. But sometimes they also bark, growl, lunge and get very close to what they are afraid of. Understanding different expressions of fear is essential when we try to help them get over it.

Learned helplessness describes a psychological state in which an individual, including dogs, stops responding to any stimuli around them. The dog has been subjected to stressful stimuli, difficult situations, even harm, on repeated occasions, over and over. With the passage of time the dog understands that there is nothing they can do regarding the outcome of such situations, and they stop trying to influence change.

Some dogs exhibit very obvious behaviours that show us they are having trouble, like barking, lunging, destructiveness and so on. Others do no such thing. Does that mean they are problem-free?

Splitting up is a management technique we can all use in difficult situations. We can use different elements in our daily walks as a useful barrier between something worrisome and your dog.

When dogs are puppies, infants of the canine species, we should ensure they are nurtured. That we surround them with love and safety. They will pass this period feeling safe and protected, allowing the puppy to develop without worry.