IS YOUR DOG SUFFERING FROM FEAR (DCS)?

A fearful dog displays anxiety, licking, pressing against a wall as it glances warily to the side.

I feel a strong need to convey this message to every dog enthusiast, dog walker, dog trainer, and handler in our community. We are currently encountering a major issue in the dog behavior training field, which I have termed 'Dog Covid Syndrome' (DCS). But what does this term signify to me? Is your dog experiencing fear? Is your dog scared of people and other animals? What does DCS entail? Allow me to elaborate.

There are countless dogs out there who are experiencing extreme fear and anxiety. As a behaviourist and dog trainer I see it so often now, in young dogs. They are terrified to go outside or engage in any activities. And most of them, as I write this in early 2026 are under 6 years old. Did something happen six years ago that could have caused these high numbers of terrified dogs we see today?

In my nearly two decades of experience in this field, I have not encountered such a widespread phenomenon, and it truly breaks my heart to witness. The root causes of this issue are all too familiar to us. This situation brings to light something I have been reflecting on for quite some time. Our dogs are, in many ways, a reflection of our own behaviours and emotions. Throughout the past pandemic, we all grappled with fear and uncertainty surrounding the virus and the surrounding environment. Our fear became their fear, and they couldn't understand it.

So, the pressing question remains: what can we do to alleviate this distress in our beloved pets? Initially, many of us believed that adopting a dog during the lock-down would be a wonderful way to cope with the isolation. We had no idea that the lock-downs would extend for such a prolonged period. However, after over a year of restrictions, it has become painfully clear that this situation has had enduring effects on our dogs' mental health.

They have observed our anxiety as we tense up around others, don masks when stepping outside, and even when driving in our cars. Our dogs have sensed our discomfort and fear of close contact, which has naturally led them to develop a fear of other people. They see us distance ourselves from others, hiding behind a mask and feeling the tension in the air.

Our own hesitations about going out, adhering to social distancing, and covering our faces have inadvertently instilled a fear in our dogs about venturing outside. They now find themselves overwhelmed by the multitude of unfamiliar faces that approach them, speaking to them, and, most concerning, getting too close for comfort. It begs the question: where did our sense of security go? Can we learn to trust again?

So, what steps can we take to address this issue? The first step is to confront and manage our own fears. When we are in the presence of our dogs, it is essential to practice deep breathing techniques to calm our energy. We must be mindful of our interactions with others, projecting calmness and confidence in our demeanour. Instead of coddling our dogs when they exhibit fearful behaviour, we should simply be present and breathe steadily, allowing them to feel our steady energy.

Moreover, it is crucial to communicate with our dogs in a manner that conveys strength and reassurance. Avoid using a high-pitched or frantic tone when speaking to them, as it can come across as weak and exacerbate their anxiety. Instead, utilize a calm, slow, and low voice to help soothe a scared dog. I use a low growl to calm my pack.

Learning to interpret your dog's body language is vital in understanding their emotional state. Establishing clear rules and boundaries provides the guidance they desperately need, helping them to understand their place in our world. By assuming the role of a pack leader in your dog's life, you remove any undue responsibility they may feel for your well-being, the family's safety, and even their own life.

This sense of leadership fosters security, love, and respect, which in turn allows you to mirror positive behaviour back to your dog. There is truly no greater satisfaction than being loved, respected, and followed by your dog. It is an invaluable experience that enriches both your lives.

A dog daycare that emphasizes the pack mentality, where dogs care for, protect, teach, and play with each other like a family, would be an ideal environment for a frightened dog. Such a dog may not understand how to behave like a dog or interact with other dogs. It's forgotten the playfulness of a litter of mates and has replaced it with a image of fear. A pack of dogs would be patient with the newcomer, acknowledging its anxiety and fear, and providing it with space and time to acclimate. Observing from afar is not only beneficial but also helps the dog envision a different way of being, potentially encouraging it to join the pack. This would not happen in an off-leash dog park, as they are all individual dogs sharing a space, not a pack sharing a dwelling.

To learn more about Pack Leadership visit my PackLeader Academy page for the details on the private training available to help you and your dog find peace, and to give you the control you need to make your dog feel more safe and secure.

IT'S PRICELESS… 😊