Many people still think it is wrong to comfort a fearful dog. Not true! Please share this information for Dog’s sake.
Here’s to being our dog’s best friend,
Linda
Just a quick reminder for the upcoming fourth of July holiday in the U.S. with the attendant loud booming noises.
- Behaviors can be reinforced.
- Emotions can’t.
- Fear is an emotion.
- If you comfort your fearful dog, it doesn’t somehow “reinforce” the fear and make them more scared next time.
But don’t take my word for it.
Take Dr. Patricia McConnell’s: You Can’t Reinforce Fear; Dogs and Thunderstorms
Or Suzanne Clothier’s: Calming the Fearful Dog
And this post by Tena Parker has both information on fear and also some other great safety and preparation tips: Fearful Fourth of July
Everybody’s dog is different. Maybe your dog profits from just hanging out with you. Or maybe you make her more nervous and she’d rather get in a crate. If she isn’t too scared to eat, maybe she would like a food toy. You can judge what helps the most.
At my house…
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