We always say dogs are man's best friend and our loyal companions. Do dogs feel the same way about us? Surprisingly, not always.
Some dogs just aren't into human company, and some aren't even into other dogs. Yep, dogs can have “social anxiety” too.
Understanding Fear
Before diving into “social anxiety,” let's talk about what fear actually is. Fear is a normal and crucial emotional response. For wild animals, the right amount of fear helps them stay alert and survive in harsh environments.
Fear can be split into non-social fear and social fear. Non-social fear includes things like loud noises, sudden changes in environment, and heights. Social fear, on the other hand, is triggered by people or other animals.
Overly fearful dogs might experience strong fear that disrupts their daily lives, leading to behavioral problems and affecting their bond with humans. In the worst cases, fear can make dogs aggressive, potentially harming people or other pets.
Dogs Get Social Anxiety Too
Dogs can experience social anxiety, which is closely related to fear of unfamiliar people or dogs. Dr. Jenni Puurunen and her team at the University of Helsinki's Veterinary Department conducted studies on dog social anxiety. They analyzed data from a behavioral survey involving 14,000 dogs and identified factors that might cause social anxiety in dogs.
The study found that lack of exposure to various stimuli during puppyhood, leading to insufficient socialization, makes dogs more likely to develop social anxiety as they grow up. Spayed females and small dogs are more prone to social anxiety.
Interestingly, living environment also plays a role. City dogs are more likely to be socially anxious than their countryside counterparts. Studies show that fear is one of the most common behavioral issues in dogs, with about 10%-19% showing fear of strangers or other dogs. The new research indicates that dogs living in highly urbanized areas are 45% more likely to fear strangers and 70% more likely to fear other dogs compared to those living in rural areas.
Although there's no direct research linking this to dogs, studies in humans suggest that people living in cities are more prone to psychological problems than those in rural areas. Possible influencing factors include diet, environmental toxins, stress, and social isolation.
Researchers speculate that since pets share our living environments, the factors affecting humans could also impact animals. Busy and stressful city life exposes dogs to constant stimuli, like noise. Meanwhile, rural areas have lower population densities, meaning dogs encounter other dogs or strangers less frequently.
Different breeds also vary in their likelihood of social anxiety. Chihuahuas are most afraid of other dogs, while Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the least fearful. When it comes to people, Spanish Water Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs are the most anxious, while Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are the bravest. Popular breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors tend to fall in the middle of the spectrum.
Helping a Socially Anxious Dog
Socially anxious dogs are under a lot of stress and might inadvertently harm others or other animals. While factors like breed, gender, and size are beyond our control, we can still take steps to help.
Early socialization during puppyhood, exposing them to various social stimuli, can significantly reduce the likelihood of social anxiety as they grow. This also helps strengthen the bond between pets and their owners.
For scientists, these findings encourage further research, especially into genetics, to improve animal welfare, reduce the risk of social anxiety, and enhance pet-human relationships.
So next time you feel your dog's a bit shy or nervous, remember, they might just be a little socially anxious like some of us. Understanding and patience can go a long way in helping them feel secure and happy.
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