Looking for something?
< All Topics
Print

5. Fear of Dogs

Posted
Updated
Bysitemaster

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:

    very mildly raised hackles
    very mild slowing down
    tail low, and/or slight avoidance
    quickly refocuses on work with verbal encouragement
    recovers immediately
    Remains responsive to handler
 Occasionally mild cautious around other dogs. Signs may include:

    mildly raised hackles
    mild slowing down
    moving away from and/or avoiding an approaching dog
    may briefly vocalize
    recovers quickly once past the dog
    Responds readily to handler
 Moderately cautious around other dogs. Signs may include:

    low body posture
    pulling back
    head low
    watching other dog closely but typically without facing them directly
    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:

    stress and/or fear (very raised hackles, tongue flicking, trembling, growling, retreat, escape).
    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

Test Type Absent Very Mild Mild Moderate Severe
GDBART Adult Dog Test Absent Example Example Moderate Severe
Walk & Talks Absent Very Mild Mild Moderate Severe
Puppy Test Absent Very Mild Mild Moderate Severe