New Puppy or Rescue Dog?

Almost every veterinarian will tell you, “don’t take your dog outside until it’s had all its shots.” This is to keep them safe from dangerous bacteria and viruses such as Bordetella, Distemper and Parvo, which can be fatal.

The most important time in a dog’s life is when its brain is developing. Exposure to the real world must happen in order for it to become a confident adult.

Most fears don’t go away on their own and can even get worse over time. Fortunately, using emotionally positive modification tools like desensitization can help gun-shy dogs become fear-free.

It’s also important that your relationship with your dog is built on a foundation of trust, which takes patience and consistency to establish.

Be patient and desensitize your dog in small increments. It might take a few training sessions, so don’t force it or try to “flood” him with whatever the scary thing is. This can permanently damage your relationship with your dog because you’ll lose his trust. It can also make the fear even worse.

In some circumstances, a dog’s fear can get the best of him. If your dog has trauma or PTSD, professional help might be necessary.