Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working closely with a small dog and his devoted family to help him feel more comfortable being approached, picked up, and transported in the car. This little guy struggles deeply with anxiety—he trembles like a leaf whenever someone walks toward him, and the shaking continues as he’s being handled or lifted. Even familiar situations, like playtime with my own dogs—whom he generally trusts—can overwhelm him, especially when they’re chasing their big, bouncy orange ball
I observed a particularly telling moment when I was stretching on the floor with Deuce and Rio, and they started playing with their toys. Despite the calm environment and familiar faces, this sweet pup began to tremble. I believe it was the unpredictable movements that startled him—something as small as a toy flying through the air can trigger a fearful response.
Understanding the Root of the Fear
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what caused this dog’s anxieties, but all signs suggest a lack of proper early-life handling and exposure. It’s likely he was raised in a setting where gentle, consistent human contact was minimal—or even entirely absent. He may also have grown up in a quiet or stagnant environment, one that didn’t offer opportunities to build resilience to new sounds, sights, or changes in surroundings.
Sadly, stories like his are all too common. Many dogs miss crucial developmental milestones during their formative weeks—specifically between birth and 18 weeks of age. Without positive experiences during this critical window, they may grow up wary or even fearful of everyday stimuli. And for the rest of their lives, the people who care for them must work patiently to make up for that lost time.
When Fear Hinders Learning
I’ve worked with many dogs who exhibit generalized anxiety or fear-based behaviors, and I believe my current board & train guest is one of them. Beyond the specific triggers I mentioned, I’ve noticed something else: he has a hard time learning. This is a common hallmark of anxious dogs—their minds are so preoccupied with potential threats that they struggle to absorb new information or skills.
In more severe cases like this, I often recommend that my clients speak with their veterinarian about the possibility of medication. When used in combination with behavior modification, psychotropic medication can open the door to meaningful progress. The right medication doesn’t sedate a dog; it helps them become calm enough to learn, to process, and to build confidence.
Once a dog begins to develop new coping strategies and gains some emotional stability, the quality of life—for both the dog and their humans—can significantly improve. While it’s true that all medications come with potential side effects, it’s also important to recognize that chronic fear or anxiety can be just as harmful, if not more so, to a dog’s well-being.
Working With the Right Professionals
I want to be clear: I am not a veterinarian, and I do not make specific recommendations about medication. That’s a conversation that must happen with a qualified vet. However, not all general-practice veterinarians are well-versed in treating behavioral conditions. If that’s the case, I strongly encourage families to seek out a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
These specialists are trained in both medicine and behavior, and they can help identify the right medication and dosage, tailored to your dog’s specific needs. A word of caution: some veterinarians still view behavior through the outdated lens of dominance and “alpha leadership.” This framework is not only outdated—it’s also counterproductive and potentially harmful. I do not subscribe to this approach, and I encourage others to seek professionals who use evidence-based, compassionate methods.
Working with fearful dogs requires patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of how trauma and lack of socialization can shape behavior. But with the right combination of professional support, gentle guidance, and sometimes medical intervention, dogs like this sweet little one can learn to feel safe, to trust, and to live fuller, happier lives.