How to Help Fearful Dogs Feel Safe with Dr. Zazie Todd

Almost three-quarters of dogs have some kind of canine anxiety, according to research. This talk is an overview of how to help fearful dogs, starting with recognizing the signs of fear and helping the dog to feel safe. We’ll look at the prevalence of fears in dogs, the kinds of fears that are most common, and some of the specific steps that can be taken to protect fearful dogs.
Management is important for several reasons. We’ll also look at the role of the dog’s attachment to their guardian, why it’s so important to work at the dog’s pace and not make them face their fears, and which techniques work best with fearful and anxious dogs. We’ll also talk about how to evaluate and prioritize the changes that will be most important in an individual case.

Learning Objectives

1. Appreciate the importance of choices and routine (including how to cope with changes)
2. Describe the secure base effect and understand what attachment to the guardian means for a fearful dog
3. Evaluate the changes that will be most beneficial for a fearful dog, including the role of management
4. Recognize tools, approaches, and actions that are detrimental for a fearful dog, and help clients choose (and stick to) alternate approaches.

Your Presenters- Dr. Zazie Todd

Zazie Todd PhD is an animal behaviour expert and the award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. Her third book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, will be published in October 2024. Todd is the creator of Companion Animal Psychology blog and has a column at Psychology Today. She has a PhD in Psychology, is an honours graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, and has an Advanced Certificate of Feline Behaviour (with Distinction) from International Cat Care. Originally from the UK, she lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, a dog and a cat.

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