{"id":20521,"date":"2018-01-15T12:25:36","date_gmt":"2018-01-15T12:25:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/?p=20521"},"modified":"2025-06-14T18:27:14","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T17:27:14","slug":"nervous-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/nervous-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Labrador More Anxious Than You Think?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>We don&#8217;t usually think of a Labrador as a nervous dog. But canine fears and phobias are a serious business and can occur in any breed. If you have a nervous Labrador Retriever you are not alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a resource page for anyone with a nervous dog. That includes dogs that are nervous about one particular type of activity &#8211; swimming for example. And dogs that are just generally anxious. You&#8217;ll find help for your scared Labrador and links to information on some of the most common canine fears and phobias in&nbsp;these articles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a title=\"Socialise adult dog\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/how-to-socialize-an-older-dog\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to socialise an adult dog<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a title=\"Separation anxiety\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/does-my-labrador-have-separation-anxiety\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Separation anxiety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a title=\"Labradors and fireworks\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/dogs-and-fireworks\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dogs and fireworks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a title=\"My labrador won't swim\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/my-labrador-wont-swim\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">My Labrador won&#8217;t swim<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"549\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nervous-dog-1024x549.jpg\" alt=\"How to help a nervous dog\" class=\"wp-image-20523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nervous-dog-1024x549.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nervous-dog-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nervous-dog-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nervous-dog-696x373.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nervous-dog-1068x572.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nervous-dog-784x420.jpg 784w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nervous-dog.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Life with a nervous dog can be tough<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What makes a dog a nervous dog?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many causes of nervousness in dogs. The leading cause is lack of socialization during the critical period of puppyhood. This is a very important developmental phase that all puppies pass through, during which they are especially receptive to new experiences, and to making friends. This period &#8211; known as the socialization window &#8211; ends at 13 to 14 weeks of age. Beyond that, puppies are likely to be wary of experiences that seem strange or very different from anything that they have known before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A puppy that has not had a wide range of experiences before reaching that critical three month point will be more prone to fearfulness. And more likely to become a nervous dog as he grows up. Especially if no further efforts are made to socialize him in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"555\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/are-labradors-aggressive-long-1024x555.jpg\" alt=\"are labradors aggressive\" class=\"wp-image-23540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/are-labradors-aggressive-long-1024x555.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/are-labradors-aggressive-long-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/are-labradors-aggressive-long-768x416.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/are-labradors-aggressive-long-696x377.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/are-labradors-aggressive-long-1068x579.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/are-labradors-aggressive-long-775x420.jpg 775w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/are-labradors-aggressive-long.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fear can lead to aggressive behavior if not handled carefully<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Genes and the nervous dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, environment isn&#8217;t everything. Some dog are temperamentally pre-disposed to nervousness than others. And to a certain extent <a href=\"http:\/\/www.journalvetbehavior.com\/article\/S1558-7878(06)00115-8\/abstract\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the personality of a nervous dog may be inherited<\/a>. The problems caused by an inherited tendency to nervousness can be mitigated by socialization but sometimes not be avoided altogether. That&#8217;s why occasionally, a very well socialized dog will still display signs of nervousness throughout the rest of his or her life.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/growling1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/growling1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/growling1-253x300.jpg 253w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/growling1-354x420.jpg 354w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Socialization and genetics both play strong roles<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hormones and the nervous dog<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There is growing evidence to show that sex hormones are involved in fearful or nervous behavior in dogs. A <a href=\"https:\/\/avmajournals.avma.org\/doi\/abs\/10.2460\/javma.244.3.309\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">recent study on Hungarian Vizslas<\/a> for example showed that castrated dogs were significantly more likely to develop a fear of storms. Testosterone is considered to be a confidence boosting hormone for male dogs. Removing it by neutering a dog, either surgically, or chemically with implants, may induce nervousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to discuss this with your vet before neutering your dog, especially if your dog is inclined to be fearful. Your vet may recommend a trial run with a hormone implant to observe the effects on your nervous dog, before making the decision to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/yellow-lab-puppy-in-car-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"golden yellow lab puppy in car\" class=\"wp-image-39954\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/yellow-lab-puppy-in-car-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/yellow-lab-puppy-in-car-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/yellow-lab-puppy-in-car-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/yellow-lab-puppy-in-car-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/yellow-lab-puppy-in-car-696x696.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/yellow-lab-puppy-in-car-1068x1068.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/yellow-lab-puppy-in-car-420x420.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/yellow-lab-puppy-in-car.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Puppies can develop fears at a very young age<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1013\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cartrophen-1024x1013.jpg\" alt=\"cartrophen for dogs\" class=\"wp-image-20531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cartrophen-1024x1013.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cartrophen-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cartrophen-768x760.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cartrophen-696x689.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cartrophen-1068x1057.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cartrophen-424x420.jpg 424w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cartrophen.jpg 1250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Go slow and steady with new experiences<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unusual experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Very frightening experiences may sometimes have occurred in the history of a nervous dog. A dog that is involved in a road traffic accident may become steadfastly afraid of cars for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the dog is generally confident, this may not affect other aspects of her life. But in any case, it&#8217;s a good idea to discuss with your vet as they may be able to help your dog overcome his specific fear with the right treatment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does is matter if my dog is nervous?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Owning a nervous dog is a big responsibility, because no matter how kind and gentle your dog is, nervousness in dogs increases the risk that the dog will bite. Aggression and fear in dogs is tightly linked, and if any dog is scared enough the possibility of that dog biting is always a risk. So, not only will your dog be happier if he is helped to overcome his fears, he will also be a safer dog to be around.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Training methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional training methods using punishment and dominance reduction techniques have been shown to increase aggression in dogs. In <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0168159108003717\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a study of over 140 dogs<\/a>, a quarter of dogs that were subjected to punishment reacted with aggression. This is because punishment deters behavior by inducing fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern dog training methods are now available that don&#8217;t use punishment at all. And it is doubly important that only these methods are used on any dog that is inclined to be nervous. All <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/labrador-training\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the training guides on this website<\/a> are based on modern positive reinforcement training methods.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1198\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/scared-dog.jpg\" alt=\"How to help your nervous dog - advice and information from The Labrador Site\" class=\"wp-image-20524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/scared-dog.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/scared-dog-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/scared-dog-768x1150.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/scared-dog-684x1024.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/scared-dog-696x1042.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/scared-dog-280x420.jpg 280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoiding fears and phobias<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best ways to avoid your Labrador puppy becoming a nervous dog is to ensure that she is well socialized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/labrador-puppies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our Puppies section<\/a> for extensive information on puppy socialization, care and behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your Labrador is often scared, and you are struggling to help him, a visit to your vet is in order. He or she will make sure that there are no underlying health issues upsetting your dog, and in some cases may be able to treat your dog himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Separation anxiety for example <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0168159199001276\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sometimes responds to treatment with drugs<\/a> that your vet can prescribe. In other cases, your vet will refer you to a behaviorist who will help you make some changes in your routines, that will help your dog, to be happy and confident. Sometimes a combination of temporary treatment with drugs combined with behavior therapy works best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll also get help and support<a href=\"https:\/\/thelabradorforum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> in our forum<\/a>, where there are many knowledgeable dog parents, some of whom have first hand experience of owning and managing a nervous dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safety first<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, a frightened dog may bite if approached. Never attempt confrontational behavioral modification techniques such as &#8216;flooding&#8217;, or &#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/dog-dominance\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">dominance reduction<\/a>&#8216; &nbsp;which can make matters far worse. Check with your vet before using methods suggested on this or any other website. And always get professional help if you cannot make progress in resolving problems at home<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><span class=\"affiliate-link-image-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3EHWJlS\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"195\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/labrador-jacket-800-195x300.png\" alt=\"labrador-jacket-800\" class=\"wp-image-11241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/labrador-jacket-800-195x300.png 195w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/labrador-jacket-800-768x1179.png 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/labrador-jacket-800-667x1024.png 667w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/labrador-jacket-800-696x1068.png 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/labrador-jacket-800-274x420.png 274w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/labrador-jacket-800.png 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 195px) 100vw, 195px\" \/><\/a><span class=\"affiliate-link-text-below\" style=\"color:#757575;\">(paid link)<\/span><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget, <a href=\"https:\/\/thelabradorforum.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our busy, friendly forum<\/a> is available free, for more help and advice on managing a nervous Labrador.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;d like all of our best Labrador information together in one place, then get your copy of The Labrador Handbook today. The Labrador Handbook looks at all aspects owning a Labrador, through daily care, to health and training at each stage of their life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can buy The Labrador Handbook from Amazon <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3EHWJlS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">by following this link<\/a><span class=\"affiliate-link-text\" style=\"color:#757575;\">(paid link)<\/span>. If you do, The Labrador Site will receive a small commission which is greatly appreciated and won&#8217;t affect the cost to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References and further reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>King J, et al. Treatment of separation anxiety in dogs with clomipramine: results from a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical trial. Applied Animal Behavior Science. 2000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overal K, et al. Understanding the genetic basis of canine anxiety: phenotyping dogs for behavioral, neurochemical, and genetic assessment. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2006.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zink C, et al. Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2014.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Herron, et al.Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors. Applied Animal Behavior Science. 2009.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We don&#8217;t usually think of a Labrador as a nervous dog. But canine fears and phobias are a serious business and can occur in any breed. If you have a nervous Labrador Retriever you are not alone. This is a resource page for anyone with a nervous dog. That includes dogs that are nervous about&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20523,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[221],"class_list":["post-20521","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-labrador-health","tag-fetch"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Nervous Dog: Help With Canine Fears And Phobias<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Information and advice for anyone caring for a nervous dog. People assume that Labradors are easy going and friendly, so caring for a nervous Labrador Retriever can be challenging. This is where you&#039;ll find the help and support you need\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/nervous-dog\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Nervous Dog: Help With Canine Fears And Phobias\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Information and advice for anyone caring for a nervous dog. People assume that Labradors are easy going and friendly, so caring for a nervous Labrador Retriever can be challenging. 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