What are dogs scared of?

One large-scale study of 13,000 dogs found that loud noises were a prevalent fear, with almost a third being afraid of fireworks, thunder or gunshots. The sound, and sensation, of strong winds can also be unnerving for some canines. Even the noise of everyday objects and appliances can make dogs scared – with one in three afraid of vacuum cleaners, 24% scared of hairdryers and 21% of the lawnmower!

A phobia of loud noises is an issue for many dogs, so make sure they can always remove themselves from noisy situations, and try leaving the radio or TV on to drown out external sounds (such as thunderstorms or Bonfire Night). You could even build a cosy den at home for times of stress, to help them feel safe and secure. Read our top tips on helping keep your dog calm in fireworks season – including how to use desensitisation therapy to gradually acclimatise them to troubling noises played at low volumes.

Watch our video for an overview of dog fears - and why not share it on social media for the benefit of other dog owners? Read on for more detail.

Our dogs are naturally sociable animals and find it hard to go without company for long periods. Little wonder, then, that separation anxiety is another common canine fear, affecting around 40% of dogs.

Again, providing a den may help with separation anxiety, as can leaving a piece of clothing that smells like yourself to comfort them. See our advice on tackling separation anxiety for more on how to help your dog feel less scared when you’re not around.

One study found that more than half (55%) of dogs showed some level of fear while visiting the vet. This most likely stems from previous negative experiences of feeling ill or having injections.

Providing plenty of praise and reassurance can help turn a vet visit into a less negative experience, as could making an advance social call to the vet where your dog receives plenty of fuss and a treat, to help break their negative associations. Find out more about preparing your dog for vet visits.

Our dogs often feel a bit wary around strange dogs – but after a few quick sniffs, they generally get along just fine! Some dogs, however, develop a more persistent fear of their own kind – especially if they didn’t mingle with other dogs as a young pup – and need further support with this.

If your dog reacts badly to other dogs when you’re out and about, follow our behaviourist’s advice on getting them used to being around other dogs (and when to seek expert help). Similarly, always proceed slowly and carefully when introducing your dog to a new pet at home.

There are many other things that can cause dogs to feel scared, with owners regularly reporting their pets being nervous around new people, in the dark, or when travelling by car – or young dogs, especially, being surprised or scared by their own reflection.

If it’s a person, animal or object that makes your dog nervous, it’s important to desensitise them very slowly – and from a distance at first – before gradually building up their exposure. Praise them and reward them with treats if they do well, to help make the experience a positive one.

So for a dog that’s scared of car rides, try using treats and praise to slowly lure them into the car, then take a short drive to somewhere fun, such as the park. Building up to longer drives and making new, positive associations with the car will help to build confidence.

With a dog that’s afraid of their reflection, bear in mind that our dogs believe they are seeing another canine in the mirror, rather than recognising themselves. If your dog does seem rattled by their own reflection, be patient and comfort them. Next time they approach a mirror, use a treat or toy to keep them calm. They should quickly start to realise the ‘other dog’ will do them no harm.