Fear is probably one of the most basic emotions dogs can experience, as it shows a deeply rooted defense mechanism. In the face of such imminent danger, fear enables the body to fully prepare itself, either to flee or to defend itself.

But it’s worth noting that excessive fearful behavior oftentimes exceeds what is “natural and expected” in dogs, and it’s often linked to three factors: lived experience, dogs’ socializing skills, and their genetic heritage.

Curious to know more about fearful dog breeds? Trust me, there are plenty of interesting things to unpack.

Fear is a survival instinct in dogs that usually comes as a response to dangerous situations. Even so, dogs might show different fear responses to circumstances that pose no real danger, and it can be caused by all kinds of factors, such as a lack of early socialization, genetic factors, and negative experiences.

A dog’s fears and phobias can easily manifest in the following ways:

• trembling;
• drooling;
• barking;
• destructive behavior;
• aggressiveness.