The dog is afraid to walk in the dark

Some owners complain that their dogs are afraid to walk in the dark. Why is this happening and what to do about it?

Why is my dog ​​afraid to walk in the dark?

If your dog is afraid to walk in the dark, first of all, you should check if everything is in order with his health. First, it is worth checking your eyesight. If the dog does not see well, it is quite logical that walking in the dark will be uncomfortable for him. Also, fears can be associated with impaired functioning of the thyroid gland.

Another reason that a dog may be afraid to walk in the dark is a negative experience. If the puppy was frightened of something in the dark, he could well associate the frightening situation with the darkness. And in the future it will not be so willing to go outside late at night or early in the morning when it is dark.

In the dark, many objects change shape, and in dogs, especially timid ones, this can cause discomfort.

In addition, the owner himself may feel uncomfortable on the street at night and behave anxiously. And dogs very quickly “turn on” in the emotional state of the owner. And they also get nervous.

What to do if the dog is afraid to walk in the dark

First of all, understand why exactly your dog feels uncomfortable in the dark.

If she has health problems, you should contact your veterinarian and follow his recommendations.

If there was a negative experience, it is necessary to replace it with positive associations with walks.

If the dog is timid, it is worth working on increasing his self-confidence.

Well, if you yourself are nervous, then you should understand yourself and your reactions. Then the dog will react to the darkness more calmly.

If you can’t figure out the reasons and find a solution on your own, you can seek help from a specialist who works with humane methods. And by joint efforts to help the dog cope with the fear of the dark.