Some dogs are fearful by nature - and some are more predisposed to it than others. But fear is also something that many dogs learn - typical fears and even phobias are those related to veterinary practices, physical punishment, confinement, storms and loud noises.

If pressed far enough, fearful or anxious dogs may attempt to escape, urinate involuntarily, or even bite if cornered. And although the factors contributing to individual cases vary, there are some common threads that can help to alleviate and cure the problem.

Treating fear
If the cause of the fear or anxiety is known it helps to slowly reintroduce the dog to the root cause and reward calm behaviour. This is a technique known as 'desensitisation'. Punishment, scolding or harsh training methods - poor techniques in any situation - should always be avoided when it comes to fearful dogs. This will only make the problem worse.

In cases of aggression linked to fear, a behaviourist will be able to give you advice about safety issues and treatment. With patience and some consistent effort on your part, fearful dogs can and will regain their self-confidence. Visit www.coape.org for a list of qualified behaviourists and to learn how they practice.

In extreme cases, some fearful dogs benefit from temporary anti-anxiety treatment, prescribed by a vet in conjunction with a behaviour program, but it's much better to try and find the cause of the anxiety and start a training program that will help the dog learn to overcome it without medication.