Spooky season is upon us, and Rover.com has revealed that hoovers are one of the most terrifying things for dogs (42%), alongside traditional scares such as fireworks (53%) and thunder (43%).
In fact, it seems many pooches are living in a ‘haunted house’, with other scary household items including a blender (17%) and the kitchen mop (11%) frightening dogs across the country. However, we can’t blame the house alone, as a sneeze can also give dogs the heebie-jeebies.
According to the Rover study, over a third (38%) of dogs show their fear by fleeing, whilst 17% bring out their inner werewolf, whining specifically in a higher pitch until their fear has passed. In more extreme cases, 27% begin to shake or seek comfort by going to bed (11%).
Moreover, it is Cockerpoos and Beagles that scare the most easily (both 92%), closely followed by Golden Retrievers (90%). On the other hand, breeds that stare fear in the face and get least spooked include German Shepherd (64%) and Labrador Retrievers (72%).
Forget the term ‘scaredy cat’, it seems the term should be ‘scaredy dog’, as a whopping 84% of pet owners admit that their dog is easily spooked – even more so than their young children (51%). And never mind spiders or the dark, 12% of dogs are even terrified of the wind. However, 39% pet parents shared that their pooch has got more fearful with age, with almost half (46%) claiming that their dog is jumpier now than they were as a pup.
When it comes to soothing their fur-babies, 65% claim that a cuddle is the best way to calm their dogs down. For others, a treat does the trick (38%), along with speaking to their dog in a gentle, reassuring voice (47%). However, a third (33%) play classical music to their dog to help lift their spirits, opting for the likes of Beethoven and Mozart. Other pet parents choose the pop hits of Beyonce and Taylor Swift (21%) to soothe their pup.
For dogs, the scariest Howlloween costume we humans could dress up as this year is a vet, with nearly half (46%) confessing that their dogs are terrified of these dreaded visits. Meanwhile, 26% have an irrational fear of delivery drivers, and others hate when a stranger calls – with a quarter jumping out their skin at the sound of the doorbell (24%).
But while some dogs fear humans, the feeling can be mutual. Despite now owning a dog, a quarter (25%) confessed to being fearful of dogs as a child, and over half (54%) know someone with a fear of dogs. In fact, it was only when a family member (67%) got their own dog, that they overcame their fear – with a further 22% even having hypnosis to get rid of their phobia.
Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist comments: “It is important to remember that our dogs do not always understand the world like we do. There are many factors that can contribute to a dog having a fearful reaction; from a negative experience to a lack of positive socialisation and experience – this goes for objects, places and people as well as other dogs.
“Genetically, some dogs are also more prone to becoming more fearful or nervous than others and, similarly, a dog with a more observant temperament as a whole may be more likely to worry about things they perceive as ‘unusual’ over a dog more relaxed in nature.
“If your dog is showing their fear, the best way to help them is through positive reinforcement (think food, treats and affection). You will initially need to work at distance to any triggers in order to help your dog to understand that there is nothing to fear. Over time you can build up their confidence and, as they improve, you can start to move closer.
“Of course, humans can also be fearful of dogs. The same kind of psychological approaches will apply, and it is necessary to build positive experiences with dogs at an individual pace, as well as the right dogs chosen for this important job – think calm and controlled! A fear of dogs may not be cured overnight but with the correct approach it can be achieved.”
The top ten things that dogs are most spooked by:
- Fireworks – 53%
- Thunder – 43%
- Hoover – 42%
- The doorbell – 24%
- Going to the vets – 22%
- Being left along – 18%
- A blender – 17%
- Cats – 16%
- Other dogs – 16%
- Unfamiliar family members – 15%
The top ten breeds that are easily spooked:
- Cockapoo – 92%
- Beagle – 92%
- Golden Retriever – 90%
- Maltese – 90%
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – 89%
- Whippet – 89%
- Chihuahua – 88%
- French Bulldog – 87%
- Pomeranian – 87%
- Jack Russell Terrier – 87%
