A thunderstorm can be very stressful for pet owners, as the echoing thunder and dark skies can trigger anxiety in dogs. Blaring noises, unfamiliar places, and people, as well as animals, can also be a source of this anxiety and fear. Panic, phobias, and fear are quite common in our furry companions than you might realize.
This fear can be brought about in dogs for various reasons. While normally a natural reaction as a fight or flight response to a possible attacker or in a compromising situation, it can be mitigated by proper training and socialization. With the proper instruction and exposure, your dog can suitably manage strange people and situations. Without this guidance, though, a dog may not be ready to face these circumstances as he advances in age.
The nature of a dog can also be a factor in the expression of certain fears. The character or nature of a dog, much like humans, is determined by hereditary factors, and how they are nurtured. The way they experience incidents in the past, especially negative ones, will make the dog learn to fear these negative situations.
