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> 5 – Fear of Dogs

5. Fear of Dogs

Definition Absent Very Mild Mild Moderate Severe
Inhibited response to other dogs on leash or off leash such as low body posture, pulling back, head low, apprehensive, avoidant, hackles, withdraws, reluctant to proceed, watches
  • Shows no signs of fear or suspicion of unfamiliar dogs
  • Comfortable around other dogs
  • Slightly cautious when approached by isolated unfamiliar dogs
  • Signs may include:
    1. very mildly raised hackles
    2. very mild slowing down
    3. tail low, and/or slight avoidance
    4. quickly refocuses on work with verbal encouragement
    5. recovers immediately
  • Remains responsive to handler
  • Occasionally mild cautious around other dogs
  • Signs may include:
    1. mildly raised hackles
    2. mild slowing down
    3. moving away from and/or avoiding an approaching dog
    4. may briefly vocalize
    5. recovers quickly once past the dog
  • Responds readily to handler
  • Moderately cautious around other dogs
  • Signs may include:
    1. low body posture
    2. pulling back
    3. head low
    4. watching other dog closely but typically without facing them directly
    5. repeated vocalizations
  • Requires a lot of handler support in the presence of other dogs
  • Very cautious or fearful of other dogs and typically avoids them
  • Signs may include:
    1. stress and/or fear (very raised hackles, tongue flicking, trembling, growling, retreat, escape).
    2. May become aggressive when in a situation where it can’t easily escape (‘cornered’)
  • Requires a lot of handler support in the presence of other dogs
Video Examples
GDBart Adult Dog Test
Walk & Talks
Puppy Test
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