What types of stimuli might trigger fears, phobias or anxieties?
The triggers for these behaviors are as varied as there are breeds of dogs and cats. Animals may be frightened of people, other animals, places or things. Others may only respond with fear or phobia in one particular situation such as toward a thunderstorm. What causes fearful, phobic or anxious responses? Sometimes fear is the result of an early experience that was unpleasant or perceived by the animal as unpleasant. If the fearful response was successful at chasing away the stimulus, or if the pet escaped from the stimulus, the behavior has been rewarded. Owners that try to calm their pet by providing treats or affection may be rewarding the fearful behavior. Also, it should be noted that punishment, in close association with exposure to a stimulus may further cause fear and anxiety toward that stimulus. It does not take an unpleasant experience however for fear to develop. Any stimuli (people, places, sights, sounds, etc.) that a dog or cat has not been exposed to during its sensiti
