Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Fear and anxiety are common in dogs. Separation related disorders, fear-related aggression, and noise phobia are some of the most common problem-related behaviours in dogs. Fear and anxiety cause stress which could lead to chronic stress. Dogs that suffer from fear-related problems are often euthanized or abandoned. Dogs with fear-related aggression could be potentially dangerous to humans since the fear triggers an aggressive response which might cause the dog to bite. Fear is an adaptive response that increases the survival of a species and results in a physical and physiological response that prepares the individual for fight or flight. However, when this behaviour is generalised and/or triggered too easily and/or is expressed intensively, it usually becomes problematic for the dog, humans and society.
Fear-related aggression occurs when the dog encounters a problem stimulus which it cannot avoid. Fear-related aggression is often misinterpreted as protective aggression, e.g. that the dog wants to protect its owner. In reality, the dog is frightened and wants to defend itself from danger. Dogs could show signs of fear-related aggression by snarling, snapping or biting.
Dogs with noise phobia are commonly afraid of thunder, fireworks and/or gunshots. Fear of noises and thunderstorms tend to escalate, i.e. worsening with each exposure. A dog with a fear of gunshots might eventually become fearful of similar sounds or events associated with the noise (generalised fear). Panting, shaking or flight attempts could be signs of noise phobia.
Separation-related behaviour occurs when the dog is separated from the owner. It could be caused by a lack of habituation to being alone. Destructive behaviour, vocalisation or hyperactivity are some signs of separation-related disorders.
Behaviour therapy, changes in the environment and medication are common methods for treatment of fear-related aggression, noise phobia and separation-related disorders, the effects of these treatments are discussed.