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When Doing "Nothing" Overcomes Fear in a Dog

6/2/2014

18 Comments

 
Picture
Zuri is a cautious dog. She is curious about new things but hesitant in her approach to investigate. Ready to flee at the slightest hint of danger. Loud noises startle her.

Today I was prepared to protect Zuri from the noise and chaos when the tree loppers came with trucks, electric saws, grinders and mulching machines.  Part of me wanted to instigate a behaviour change plan to help her overcome her fear. The other part of me decided that I don't have to be planning alternative behaviours and graded task approaches to scary stimulus all the time. I can take a chill pill and just protect Zuri, put her in a quiet, safe room and manage the situation.

Dogs are the best teachers.

What started off as management actually became a process of changing behaviour, guided totally by Zuri's responses.  I closed the windows, shut all the doors and left Zuri in her safe place under the desk. I went outside to the mayhem of saws and rumbling mulchers. I peeked inside after a few minutes and Zuri was standing at the front door. Huh? Are you interested in what's going on, Zuri?

I opened the front door a little, so it still offered a buffer of safety but also enough so that she could come out if she wanted. She poked her head out and then walked out. She stayed close to me, watching intently. I had no treats. The door remained opened and was her escape route should she decide she'd been outside long enough. Having the choice to stay or go is very important for fearful dogs.

She stayed. The noise was quite incredible and when a tree fell, the ground actually shook. Zuri took it well. Then, after only a few minutes, she surprised me by moving away from me and settling on her favourite outside chair to continue to observe proceedings. Then she settled further by resting her head on the arm of the chair. When the noise increased and machines moved closer, she got off the chair and came back to me. I simply leant my arm on her back to give for moral/social support. The front door was still open, she could have run inside, but the social contact seemed to be what she needed in that instant. Then she returned to her bed.
Picture
When the noise stopped for intermission, Zuri went and investigated the site of the lopping. She sniffed the tree trunks, walked amongst the workmen who were raking, sniffed their rakes and let them pat her as they passed. This was sensational. Zuri was performing her own behavioural change programme, choosing when to approach (decrease distance) at her own pace. I was most impressed that although she had an escape route (the open door), she never used it. I didn't need to reassure her with treats, my proximity was enough and she chose when she needed to be closer to me and when she could explore further away.

My heart leapt when she started rolling in the grass, right next to the mulching truck, amidst the raking workers. This is the epitome of a relaxed and content Zuri.

Sometimes, doing "nothing" is one of the best ways to help a dog overcome fear. By nothing, I actually mean letting the dog guide the process. I actually did a lot of deliberate and strategic things:

* I made her feel safe and did not compel her to face her fear in any way.
* Yet I listened when she felt brave enough to come out and opened the door.
* I didn't cajole her out or coax her out with treats, I let her make the choice herself.
* I still provided safety by leaving the door halfway open/closed as a buffer to the noise and as an escape from the noise if required.
* I stayed still and consistent, let her do all the moving - she knew where I was all the time, could return to me or go inside at any time.
* I didn't ask her to do anything.
* I Let her take her time. She had all the time in the world to watch, listen and gather information from whatever vantage point she felt comfortable.
* I've provided her with a history of alternate behaviours to fall back and a history of removing her or helping her cope with stressful situations in the past.

Sometimes, seemingly doing "nothing" is doing a whole lot of something!

Watch the outcome in the video below. Email subscribers can see the video here.

18 Comments
Rise VanFleet, PhD, CDBC link
5/2/2014 10:31:44 pm

Nice video reminder of this very simple process. I've used this with my own semi-feral dog, especially in the early days - letting her decide what she could tolerate. Worked like a charm in many ways!

I would suggest a slight alteration in your title, though, to make it more accurate. You DID do something -- you provided safety. That's a biggie!! nice!

Reply
Sonya Bevan link
6/2/2014 04:08:01 am

Hi Rise,
I totally agree, I did do something. I've changed nothing to "nothing" in the title. I was trying to convey that the "nothing" was what it looked like to an observer and that I was very deliberately and strategically doing things - even if it didn't look like it. Who knows if I succeeded LOL

Reply
Steve White link
6/2/2014 08:27:19 pm

I'm with Rise on this one. You provided a safe environment in which to Zuri was able to proceed at her own pace as she process the stimuli, reconciling her perceptions of danger with the reality of safety.

While not suitable for all dogs and all situations, you are too be commended in this case. You thoughtfully harnessed the principle of removing ourselves from the equation as much as possible in order to put as much control as possible in the learner's hands (paws?). Maybe it's just me, but I think this is too often overlooked these days.

Reply
Sonya Bevan link
7/2/2014 01:29:32 am

Thanks for the comment Steve. I like your point about this particular approach not being suitable for all dogs in all situations. I'm not keen on "recipes" for dealing with dog behavior. Every dog and situation is different and should be assessed before making a plan.

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    Sonya Bevan is an avid dog lover with a Bachelor of Science degree in physiotherapy. This combination lead to seeking science based information on how to teach dogs and she commenced further study to complete a Diploma of Canine Behaviour Science and Technology. Dog training is both a science and an art. When based on solid principles of behavioural science,  teaching also allows creativity when applied to each unique dog. Most of all, it should be fun for both participants and a way to bond with these special animals we love so much.

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