Fear and Phobias

Fear and Phobias

Can dogs experience phobias like humans do? The answer is yes — and these intense, persistent excessive fears can make life difficult for both pets and their people.

Fears and phobias in dogs are more common than you might think. Just like humans, our canine companions can develop fears and phobias that can significantly impact their quality of life. Understanding these fears and learning how to manage them is crucial for ensuring your dog’s well-being.

All Services

Schedule your Initial Consult

All in-person services will start with a 90 minutes initial consultation.

In our first session, I will gather detailed information about your dog’s history. We will discuss important concepts that will help you understand your dog’s behavior much better, and I will assist you in setting realistic expectations. Additionally, I will provide you with information about how dogs learn and give you tips that will help you maximize success in your training. Most importantly, I will collaborate with you to develop a particular plan for moving forward.

150€ for 90 minutes

(Travel fees apply for in-home consultations)

Private Training Sessions

After the initial consultation, we will start working on your training plan and aim towards achieving the goals that we set together. Training sessions are customized to support the learning styles, lives, and needs of both humans and dogs. During the process of teaching your dog new behaviors and life skills, you will gain a better understanding of your dog’s emotional state and perspective. 
The number of recommended sessions will vary depending on the goals we set together and the severity of the behavior concern. 

€80 per session (60 minutes)

(Per-session travel fees may to some areas)

Fear is a rational and emotional response to an actual threat or danger. For example, a dog that has been scratched by a cat will learn to be afraid of the pain that the cat caused him and will behave fearfully the next time he finds himself in the same situation! In any case, the fear is real, and, like all types of anxious behavior, it is there to prevent future pain or even death. The term "phobia" describes an irrational fear that has no specific cause or basis. Dogs can experience phobias just like people can; for example, a fear of shadows, sciophobia, is not uncommon in dogs. Zuigerphobia is a familiar phobia in dogs—more commonly known as the fear of vacuum cleaners.
Fear of thunder (astraphobia), fear of fireworks, fear of shadows (sciophobia), fear of being left alone, fear of the veterinarian, fear of riding in the car, fear of going up and down the stairs, fear of men, fear of strangers, fear of children, fear of specific objects (vacuum cleaners, garbage bins, ...), fear of certain floors, fear of noises, ...
No, I don't. My studies don't focus on separation-related disorders. Watch out as there is considerable false information online. If you suspect your dog suffers from separation anxiety, please contact me, and I will be glad to redirect you to a CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer).
There are many variables to consider when determining how many sessions may be required to help you and your pet. Some of these variables include your overall goals, the severity of the behavior, the "type" of problem behavior your animal is displaying, your pet's behavior history, how much time and resources you can commit, how your animal responds to the behavior modification plan, and addressing any underlying medical issues that might exist and contribute to the behavior.
Our initial session is held either at Maison Dog, at your place (travel fee may apply / 0.50€ per roundtrip km), or virtually. The location of each training will be defined based on your dog’s specific needs.