It is common for our dogs to get scared occasionally; maybe we accidentally dropped a pan in the kitchen, or they are startled from a nap. While most dogs will recover from this event quickly, others do not. Caring dog owners frequently rescue dogs that have experienced trauma or neglect. Some dogs may even have a genetic predisposition to nervousness around new people, dogs, or environments. Whatever the cause of your dog’s fear and anxiety, we will develop a highly personalized training program to build your dog’s confidence and desire to learn and explore.
Why Choose Toko Dogs for Fearful & Anxious Dog Rehabilitation
Dogs with Fear and Anxiety
Like humans, dogs can have fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses to highly stressful events. For most dogs, these responses are reserved for appropriate situations, i.e., running away from a charging grizzly bear. For other dogs, these responses are triggered by frequently occurring events that impede daily life. For example, your dog may urinate and hide if a guest arrives or they hear an unfamiliar noise. Some examples of fearful and highly anxious behaviors are:
Shaking/Shivering
Panting
Avoiding eye contact
Turning away
Tucking their tail
Yawning
Hair standing up on their back
Snapping or Biting
Approach
Training Fearful and Anxious Dogs takes dedication, consistency, and patience. Our programs are designed to teach you how to create confidence, curiosity, and excitement in your dog so they can complete challenging yet manageable tasks. We will also implement strategies to
desensitize your dog to situations and stimuli that they find stressful or cause a trauma response.
Details of Our Rehabilitation Program
What to Expect
Fearful and Anxious Rehabilitation Programs are incredibly dynamic and vary greatly in their content and pace. Your dog will gain self-assurance in their daily life and activities, and you will learn how to adapt these strategies to different scenarios. Training sessions can cover systematic desensitization and counterconditioning, confidence-building activities, behavior modification, and obedience training.
Duration
Our Fearful and Anxious Dog Rehabilitation Programs typically last 6-12 weeks but can take longer. Your dog’s program includes one year of ongoing support, in-preson check-ins, and phone and email support.
Kris Hansford
2025-01-06
Zach is an absolute professional in every aspect of the word! After adopting my German Shepherd, Asher, I learned that my basic knowledge of "sit, stay, down" was not nearly enough for my dog's needs after he exhibited some reactive behavior. I invested in a comprehensive training program and was extremely lucky to have Zach help me overcome some huge obstacles with behavior modification for Asher. From day one, Zach was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and thorough in helping me understand the root of Asher's behavior, and various techniques to manage and maintain obedience. Zach gave me the tools and skills to succeed, and I had FUN putting in the time and effort to keep my dog well-trained! Zach made things easy to understand, and he helped me reinforce my bond with Asher. I am extremely grateful for Zach's time and expertise!
I HIGHLY recommend Zach for any dog training need - big or small. You won't be disappointed!!
Richard Beckhart
2024-12-31
Before Zach’s training our two dogs (a five year old Labrador retriever and a one year old German Shepherd/Great Dane/Mastiff mix) were difficult to walk and difficult to control in both inside and outside environments. Zack came to our house, met the dogs, talked with the family about expectations then went to work. Everyone (both dogs and all family members) were involved in the training. Zack showed how to train for a certain behavior, then each family member worked with the dog. After each training session we were given “homework” to continue the process between sessions. I am truly amazed at the change in our dog’s behavior. Our Lab is walking off leash and the youngster walks with a loose leash. Control is not an issue. Our dogs are much happier since they know what is expected of them and the family is delighted to be able to apply the teaching techniques we have learned. Toko Dogs provides exemplary training for all concerned (dogs and people). Zack and his company are highly recommended for your dog training needs.
Karry McDannald
2024-12-21
Our 1-year old Lab, Royce, had a few behavioral issues. My husband & I were needing some help with jumping, excessive barking & counter surfing. We opted for the Board & Train program as I was having back surgery and would not be able to put the training time in every day. Royce has learned SO much in those 3 1/2 weeks. Although we need to continue with his training at home, we are amazed at the difference Zach has made. Royce will come to us on command. He did not jump on us when he came home. He has very little reaction, if at all, when visitors come to the house. We are SO pleased and honestly in a bit of disbelief about how Royce is so well mannered after his “boot camp” training. Definitely recommend Toko Dogs & Zach for dog training. I am thrilled with the results!
Cy AB
2024-08-28
Meeting Zach was an absolute game changer for us! Our rescue dog, Gemma, had fear based aggression to dogs (not humans) and obsessive reactions to basketballs, soccer balls, bicycles and skateboards. We had several trainers before Zach. He focused on the whole dog in a kind, patient and passionate way for her overall growth. He is clear with his instructions and explanations of what to do and why to do it and teaches in layers of training with compassion and patience. Zach trains you as well as your dog. We have seen a tremendous change in Gemma. She is less anxious and is a much happier dog.
We are so happy to share that we just introduced her to a new rescue dog, Star, and they are best friends. That would not have been possible without Zach’s training. If you are in need of a trainer who truly cares and produces outstanding results, Zach is the best in the business.
G Galvin
2024-08-05
Zach was amazing with our rescued street dog, Charlie. Charlie was cute but could go from sweet to aggressive and biting in a second. Zach started with basic commands and heeling, which got Charlie to start listening to us. When Charlie kept grabbing any plastic bag or remnant of a food wrapper on our walks (probably how he used to feed himself), Zach made an inventive training process using plastic bags to get him to start ignoring them. Over the course of training, Charlie quit trying to bite us and even stopped chasing our cats! Almost from the first time Charlie met him, Zach had Charlie’s full attention and good behavior. Zach was just as great at teaching us how to do the same!
FAQ
Will my dog still get scared and nervous after completing your rehabilitation program?
Any dog, even the most courageous, self-assured dog in the world, can experience fear and anxiety. Your dog’s success in our Fearful and Anxious Rehabilitation Programs is measured in your dog’s ability to overcome stress and trauma responses. Success is dependent on a variety of factors, including your dedication to the process and the cause(s) of your dog’s behavioral responses.
How much time do I need to dedicate to training my dog everyday?
When you have a fearful or anxious dog, your everyday training sessions may vary widely in duration. Training may only take 10-15 minutes; however, some days may require longer time commitments of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Building your dog’s confidence takes patience, so be prepared to put lots of time and effort into this process.
How Much Does a Fearful and Anxious Dog Rehabilitation Program Cost?
Pricing for a Fearful and Anxious Dog Training and Rehabilitation Program depends highly on your goals, what is causing your dog’s behavior, and the severity of the symptoms. Contact us today so you can learn more about our training and pricing.
How To Start Your Training Journey!
Step 1
Schedule your free Phone Consultation with us so you can learn about our services, get a quote, and schedule a FREE In-Home Evaluation (zero obligation).
Step 2
Your In-Home Evaluation gives our trainer the opportunity to evaluate your dog, discuss program customization, and give you a live demonstration of how we will work with your dog.
Step 3
If we’re a good fit for each other, we’ll finalize your dog’s program, and start your dog’s training program as soon as the same week.
Toko Dogs provides services across the San Diego area including
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