Understanding Dog Fear (Part 1): Genetics, Trauma, And Your Dog's Well-being #236

from Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett · host Susan Garrett

Visit us at shapedbydog.com How to help frightened and anxious dogs is a question I receive frequently, so I'm diving into identifying and overcoming canine fears and phobias that often lead to withdrawal or reactivity. Today's focus is on overlooked reasons dogs become fearful and what you need to know about anxiety. It's important to recognize a dog's fear triggers and the role we might play in unconsciously creating stress. In this episode you'll hear: • Overlooked triggers to many dogs' fears. • Natural dog fears during certain life stages. • The difference between alert, excited or anxious dog behavior. • How genetics predispose some breeds to fear or confidence. • That animals inherit generational trauma, too. • How events, medical conditions and lack of education can create fear in dogs. • How spaying may impact a female dog's hormones. • How gut health impacts animal behavior and emotions. • The effect of EMF's on dogs and animals. • How dogs absorb and internalize human emotions. • How to decode your dog's body language. • Why we should observe how our reactions impact our dogs. Resources: 1. Podcast Episode 235: AMA With Susan Garrett: Leash Lunging, Dog Anxiety, Agility Angst, Bad Breeders, And More - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/235/ 2. Podcast Episode 199: Puppy Fear Periods: Help For Socializing Puppies Or Rescue Dogs Scared Of People - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/199/ 3. Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/4/ 4. Podcast Episode 29: Understanding and Preventing Reactivity and Aggression in Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/29/ 5. Podcast Episode 136: Help Your Excited Dog Calm Down And Stop Barking, Lunging, Spinning, Nipping - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/136/ 6. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Essentials with Susan Garrett Dog Training - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5&si=xyNUFR7eV7G1W2d4 7. Podcast Episode 127: Puppy Socialization: Playtime For Puppies And Permissions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/127/ 8. Podcast Episode 180: Taking Your Puppy To A Café Or Restaurant: Socialization Success - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/180/ 9. Podcast Episode 79: Reduce Anxiety and Grow Your Dog's Confidence with These Pro Dog Training Tips - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/79/ 10. Podcast Episode 45: My Dog Just Got Jumped, Now What? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/45/ 11. Podcast Episode 78: How to Train a Rescue Dog with Behavior Problems - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/78/ 12. Podcast Episode 81: Sudden Aggression and Your Dog's Thyroid - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/81/ 13. Podcast Episode 203: Reactive, Unmotivated and Fearful: Finding Resiliency For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 1 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/203/ 14. Podcast Episode 204: Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/204/ 15. Podcast Episode 189: All The Things That Influence Your Dog's Behavior And What Behavior Tells You - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/189/ 16. Podcast Episode 217: Understanding Emotional Regulation In Dogs To Create Calm - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/217/ 17. Podcast Episode 157: Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/157/ 18. Podcast Episode 62: 12 Keys to Helping My Dogs Live a Long and Happy Life - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/62/ 19. Podcast Episode 67: Are You Stressing About Your Dog's Stress? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/67/ 20. Podcast Episode 103: Excited Or Suspicious Dog? Dealing With Your Dog's Emotions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/103/ 21. Podcast Episode 168: Creating Confidence For Anxious, Stressed Or Reactive Dogs Part 1 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/168/ 22. Podcast Episode 169: Dog Training A Stressed, Anxious Or Reactive Dog Part 2 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/169/ 23. Podcast Episode 112: Stressed Dog? How Trigger Stacking Might Be Putting Your Dog Over Threshold - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/112/ 24. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/1baRrsgipII

NOW PLAYING

0:00 21:12

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

I'm ok

Mar 26, 2026 ·1m

REMIX: Why we over-shop and compulsively acquire, and how to stop, with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Jan 9, 2026 ·61m

REMIX: OCD and hoarding disorder with Jenna Overbaugh

Jan 2, 2026 ·47m

REMIX: Therapy and hoarding disorder - what are the options? With Dr Jan Eppingstall

Dec 26, 2025 ·78m

REMIX: ADHD and hoarding disorder with Professor Sharon Morein

Dec 21, 2025 ·46m

#207 13 actionable pieces of mental health advice from six former podcast guests

Dec 12, 2025 ·53m

Similar Podcasts

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world? That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding That Hoarder Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives. Flottengeflüster ALD Automotive Österreich | LeasePlan Beim Flottengeflüster powered by ALD Automotive | LeasePlan präsentieren Jörg Janik und Peter Gutenbrunner alle zwei Wochen spannende Informationen rund um das Thema nachhaltige Mobilität. Beide beschäftigen sich schon lange mit der Thematik und bringen umfangreiches Fachwissen mit. Sollten sie aber doch einmal nicht weiter wissen, werden unsere Expert*innen hinzugezogen, die ihnen gerne mit Rat und Tat zur Seite stehen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett?

This episode is 21 minutes long.

When was this Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett episode published?

This episode was published on October 4, 2023.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!