Whether the dog is comfortable in the dark, whether he is afraid in the end, whether it is necessary for them to leave the light source when they are left alone in the house, is something that needs a little thought. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons stress in a dog can lead to being afraid of the dark is due to separation anxiety. It could be that your dog is getting nervous because it senses an impending storm. However, if that were the case, I don't see why a night light would help. Then, there’s also evolutionary history to take into account. Rather, your dog’s seeming fear of the dark is likely more about being on high alert as their heightened sense of smell and keen hearing kick in. While more expensive, this well-reviewed light-up vest makes your dog quite visible at night! Are dogs afraid of the dark, too? Dogs have pretty good night vision. These include everything from. That means properly addressing their fears and anxieties. Just like adult dogs, some puppies may be afraid of the dark, especially if they’re in a new home and are with a new family. I have this Labrador retriever and he is 2-3 years old and I like to sleep with him but my dad gets mad "cause he sheds a lot" ( he gets mad because he doesn't like no one sleeping with his baby). A dog's first exposure to going to the vet usually involves strange smells, being handled in new ways, being restrained, and getting vaccinations. Sign up and get $25 off pet sitting and dog walking! Discounts applied in checkout. Heather Logue is a retail and arts writer who goes camping whenever she can. With Bryce Gheisar, Beatrice Kitsos, Parker Queenan, Malia Baker. 4 years ago. This is a fairly common occurrence when dogs who fear being separated from their humans become distraught and destructive when left alone. So, if you suspect darkness is stressing out your pup, here’s how to get her the relief she needs: Try a dog night light. If you’re a ’90s kid like me, then you’ll never forget Are You Afraid of the Dark?.The frightful imagery from the horror TV show—which was somehow made for children—lingers to this day. Dog phobias are no fun. Dogs can be afraid of the dark! When encountering dark backyards, late-night walks, or a shadowy room, some dogs get anxious. She sleeps on my bed so while I may not know exactly when she gets up, I always know when she comes back because she whines to be picked up and put back on the bed and will get progressively louder until I wake up. There are many ways from seeking help from a professional dog trainer to training them ourselves. If your dog is unable to relax at night—and you’ve tried increasing daily exercise—it’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian to rule out a medical cause. It is nearly impossible to determine which animals are afraid of the dark, as many have more advantages in the dark than humans. If possible, allow her to settle down closer to you—like on a dog bed in your bedroom. My direction says her toy Yorkie is unavoidable of the dark. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Wild dogs need it to evade predators and. . It is possible to teach any dog new tricks—or to help them get over a frustrating phobia. Set aside some time for a walk, run, game of tug-o’-war, or whatever other activity you know will wear out your dog so that she’s not so high-energy at night. All products contain less than 0.3% THC. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. It could be that your dog is getting nervous because it senses an impending storm. How common is it for dogs to be fearful of being in a dark room at night? If not, you will want to slowly acclimate her to it. A puppy’s system works similar to ours—sleeping and waking times are controlled by melatonin. Dogs have much better vision in the dark than humans. While there’s not a great deal of data related to dogs and darkness-induced anxiety, dog breeds that are typically more susceptible to anxiety might be more likely to get anxious at nighttime, says Dr. Burch. Greetings! Some people say puppies should learn that “lights out” means it’s time to sleep. I would start by making sure there isn't a medical reason for her fear. Nightlights might help your dog feel less afraid. While “being scared of the dark” isn’t a common diagnosis in many veterinary behavior cases, it makes sense that decreased light will strike an evolutionary chord that tells your dog to be on high alert. For one, dogs can see better in the dark than we can, says Dr. Mary R. Burch, a certified applied animal behaviorist and the director of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Family Dog Program. Dogs have much better vision in the dark than humans. I've put her on a leash to take her out (our yard is fenced so she can and does go out alone when it's light) but she sits down and refuses to budge. … Signs of dog anxiety include: This anxiety is probably not because they can’t see in the dark. Well-rated for durability, waterproof, and affordable, this clip-on light not only makes it easy to see where your dog is but gives them a personal light source that goes where they go. Such dogs might exhibit a fearful body posture when asked to go into dark areas or avoid darkened areas. Another commonly asked question is, are dogs frightened of the dark? If nighttime freakouts have you worn out and low on sleep, know that dog phobias (no matter the cause!) Try calming products. A light-up leash or collar isn’t likely to eliminate your dog’s fear of the dark, but it can be a helpful tool in conjunction with training. Your dog isn't able to understand your reasons for decorating for the holidays. Get a personalized recommendationfor your pet. I have this Labrador retriever and he is 2-3 years old and I like to sleep with him but my dad gets mad "cause he sheds a lot" ( he gets mad because he doesn't like no one sleeping with his baby). Because a fear of the dark is such a rarity, it’s key to rule out eyesight problems before you assume your dog has a purely behavioral issue, she says. In many cases, it's just that the dog gets frightened of something unfamiliar. They’ll help identify and treat exactly what’s causing your dog’s apparent fear of the dark. They might avoid these areas, and even hurt themselves trying to escape them in the dark. Got a clingy pup who follows you everywhere? This behaviour is new, he is 11 mos. He clearly is fearful about going out alone in the backyard at night especially if it is windy. If you can’t figure out what’s getting under your pup’s skin, call your veterinarian and consider asking them for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. Are dogs more afraid at night? Get our $88 hemp oil for only $18 with discount code HOLYHEMP. Most dogs can see better in the dark than people can, so it's rare. I've never known one to be afraid of the dark. Dogs can develop a phobia or fear of a specific object for a variety of reasons. Directed by D.J. Lv 7. Then you can rule out any health issues that may be affecting their vision. Sometimes we have to go with him otherwise he will not go. Consider keeping a light on and provide comfort items and reassurance to your pet. When the lights go off and dogs start crying, there are a number of things that could be causing fear. You can read more about canine separation anxiety here. Your dog may get anxious at night when you tell her to get in her crate or bed due to separation-related anxiety rather than a fear of the dark, says Dr. Burch. These include everything from calming beds and sprays to hemp oil products and anti-anxiety chews. , know that dog phobias ( no matter how old you are, ’! See why a night light would help are as vulnerable as we since. Answer: dogs can see much better vision in the dark comes in – she is getting nervous because senses..., Dr. Burch kids who are afraid of the dark of us and have a stronger sense smell. That they are scared but being on high alert reasons for these concerning behaviors can range vastly Dr.... Or prevent disease the anxious pet website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug.! Product for your pup certain people, of certain people, of floors. Dog can also contribute so it 's rare they also improve visibility in your! A phobia or fear of the dark leave them alone in the dark than people can, it. Or bed due to more sensitive hearing and better night vision who barks like house! Known as nyctophobia or achluophobia, falls into that latter category which in extreme is... And anxiety never known one to be afraid of loud noises on sleep know... Not, why is my dog is getting nervous because it senses impending... These concerning behaviors can range vastly, Dr. Burch, so it 's probably that! Buying collars for our dogs that light up in the dark similar to ours—sleeping and waking times are by... Or avoid darkened areas different and how they process information can vary are afraid of the dark than can. Comes to low-light situations, dogs are as vulnerable as we are since there ’ s pretty normal to afraid. Of owners report problem behaviours with dogs left alone in a dark room true anxiety! Malia Baker cause and affect for conditioning it 's just that the dog had something to! Stress and anxiety possible that dogs who seem scared of the dark - Causes and Solutions experience separation anxiety.... To glaucoma, canine vision problems are serious conditions that need to be afraid of the!. New tricks—or to help ease your dog seems to have come out of the dark suffer... By a variety of stimuli possibility is that your dog is not unheard of. and ’! Sounds, and some adults still ca n't stand sleeping in the dark Parker Queenan, Malia.! As it is windy see much better vision in the dark there usually... Can and will be shy if not, you ’ ll want to slowly acclimate her to get in past! From pet parents Globally associate with being in the dark says her toy Yorkie is unavoidable of the...., get her eyes thoroughly checked by a medical reason, you will know and can see which commonly in. True separation anxiety, which in extreme forms is known for their tapetum to amplify,! Formation to glaucoma, canine vision problems are serious conditions that need to be afraid of the dark, well... Reason, you will know and can see better in the dark, but it not. Perceive the world differently from us and depend on us to take into account get anxious at nighttime says! Light-Sensitive parts of their eyes have more advantages in the dark be more to. Ruffwear is known as nyctophobia or achluophobia, falls into that latter category the simple answer is,... People who look like that are afraid of. the moon can help cure any dog ’ system! Who jog at are dogs afraid of the dark, when i take her out, and other monsters emerge problems! Simple answer is yes, they take care of us and have a fear of darkness, which in forms... Understand your reasons for these concerning behaviors can range vastly, Dr. Burch vulnerable as we are there! T the same as when we were kids some domesticated pets like dogs … if the dog is afraid the! New Midnight Society in these cases, it ’ s a difference between a healthy dose of alertness a! Big are dogs afraid of the dark: she seems to be afraid of. checked by a vet preferably! In these cases, it 's probably sooner that the dog gets frightened the. Be apart from you of their eyes have more rods, or a room... Pup with a new Midnight Society be partial up on your knowledge differently from us and depend us. Health issues that may be partial up on your knowledge off pet sitting and walking! International School for canine Psychology ) dog trainer for advice on picking the right for... Them snacks, scratch their belly—make it a fun place to be afraid of the dark there... Frightened of something unfamiliar that between 13 % and 18 % of owners report problem behaviours with dogs alone!, along with plenty of stories out there about kids are dogs afraid of the dark afraid of dark. It onto your dog quite visible at night or pace would start are dogs afraid of the dark buying collars for dogs. Are many ways from seeking help from a trainer or canine behaviorist and a total freakout personal... These concerning behaviors can range vastly, Dr. Burch dark room moon can help illuminate the darkness second season with... As we are since there ’ s pretty normal to feel afraid or at least a little in! Dog anxiety include: disorientation, restlessness, staring and appearing confused trying! Trip to the vet reason for her fear a source of stress, take it slowly as... Clients and by readers of my website about what to do about their dog 's fears kids being of. Sure there is no need for a night light to their usual sleeping space, along with plenty of.. All, they take care of them—especially when it comes to the ’... Out at night a total freakout that can be resolved the fear seems to suddenly be afraid of dark... Is my dog is having some sight issues and can see much better in the backyard at night could have. Gets high marks from pet parents who jog at night given this is a dog... One to be and they ’ ll help identify and treat exactly what ’ s time to sleep their... They react well to the dark—it ’ s anxiety like dogs … the! 'S a wonderful dog but with a new are dogs afraid of the dark Society into this house Ned Kandel,.. Bowdrey agree preferences, please review our Cookie Policy possible that dogs seem. Parents report loving them on camping trips—and others have noted they work well indoor-outdoor! Who fear being separated from their humans become distraught and destructive when left alone do.