Green silhouette of a small scared dog laying on the ground, its ears back, body tense, and shaking.

Fearful Dogs

Is your dog afraid of the world?

Does your dog act like there’s a monster around every corner? Do they startle, cower, or shake, when they meet a stranger, or explore a new place? Do loud sounds like fireworks, thunderstorms, the vacuum, or a dropped pan send them running for cover?

Your dog can learn to be calm and confident!

Instead of shutting down, your dog can learn to bounce back and face their fears without overreacting. Imagine this - you drop a pan, and your dog startles but quickly recovers, walks over to the pan, and sniffs it. Even your dog can learn that the world isn’t ending when something scary happens!

Our fearful dog lessons support you as you teach your dog that the world isn’t as scary as they think.

Image shows a beagle laying on a blue blanket printed with cartoon dogs. in front of hard wood floors. The beagle is practicing calmness in a store environment because she is fearful of new people and places.
Image shows a fluffy black dog who is an adolescent on a walk down a sidewalk in the fall. Juniper was afraid of trash trucks during his puppy fear periods, and had to learn that they didn't predict anything scary on his walks!

Fearful dog training

We offer private lessons and semi-private lessons tailored to the needs of fearful dogs in Columbia, MO.

In our private lessons you’ll learn foundational skills to help you reduce your dog’s background stress, to allow them more “breathing room” to face their fears without losing their marbles. Your dog will learn how to regulate their emotions, how to relax (even on cue!), and how to face the world with curiosity and optimism instead of constantly anticipating the next “monster."

When you and your dog are ready, you will be able to take our lessons “out on the town” and visit dog-safe public spaces where your dog can build their bravery in the real world.

Schedule your first lesson for your fearful dog today!