Pets and Their People Blog

by Sam Wike

I get asked by many clients if they’re reinforcing their dogs’ fear(s) by trying to comfort them and the simple answer is NO.

We aren’t reinforcing fear with reassurance- we are reducing fear by reassurance. This is not my opinion but a scientific fact.

If you’re feeling sad, grieving, scared, unsure, or anxious, don’t you seek out some way to feel comforted?

Do the calm words or actions of a friend, loved one, trusted colleague or even a stranger help to mitigate, in some way, what you’re feeling? Is the recitation of a prayer or mantra helpful? Do any of these things exacerbate what you’re feeling? No.

All species, humans included, are born with a degree of fear- it’s instinctive and necessary for survival. Then there are circumstances, interactions and environments which produce a more palpable level of fear, one that is readily apparent to others, or possibly to no one but yourself. Our dogs are no different. 

So, the next time your dog is feeling shy, timid, anxious, scared, stressed or exhibiting any behavior that’s indicative of fear, recognize what your dog is feeling, create distance from the trigger if applicable, and most especially be loving, be comforting, be kind, and be supportive. Your dog will feel better, be able to cope better and know that you can be trusted to help them feel safe.

About the Author

Sam Wike is the Pet Professional Guild Canine Division chair. Sam’s work with dogs started in 1983 in the U.S. Army as a sergeant in the Military Police Corps in West Germany and New Jersey. While in Germany, he was billeted with the K9 handlers and their dogs. He became a New Jersey Transit police officer in 1989, later a patrol sergeant, then one of the three officers to start the explosive detection K9 unit, eventually becoming the unit sergeant. He and his K9 partner, Sanders, retired together in 2006. Sam then embarked on a new career in dog training. He earned a CPDT-KA certification and successfully completed a rigorous personal and professional vetting process to become a Victoria Stilwell Professional Dog Trainer (VSPDT). He became involved with the Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS) and was mentored by six of their trainers working with dogs with behavior challenges. This experience decided his path to work with behaviorally challenged dogs, which he continues to do today through his business, The Inner Dog.