Puppies often surprise us. They explore every inch of their surroundings one day, and the next they are barking or growling at their reflections in the mirror. Most likely, if you have a puppy, you have caught it barking, growling, or running away from it's own reflection. Well, let me put it this way: You are not the only one in this world. Many puppies respond to their first glance of a mirror in this particular fashion. And trust me, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.
So the question is, why does this happen? Why does some puppies get scared of looking at themselves while some others are captivated by it? And more crucially, how can you assist your puppy in conquering this fear? Psychologist have studied dogs long enough to develop answers to these questions. So, let’s take a look at puppy psychology which will provide us with the answer.
Why’s Your Puppy Afraid Of His Reflection
To us mirrors are simply a surface that reflects images. But to a puppy, a mirror is a completely new phenomenon, something they have to struggle to comprehend. Here are some of the reasons why mirrors tend to be confusing to puppies:
1️⃣ They Think It’s An Other Dog
Puppies as well as dogs rely on sight and sound, along with smell, to identify their surroundings. Mirrors pose challenge to the latter. When puppies first see the mirror, the reflection staring back at them is the same silhouette of a dog they saw but the smell is completely different and doesn’t exist. These factors end up conceiving them.
Some of the things they might do are:
🐶 Bark or growl at their reflection because they think it's a stranger.
🐶 Attempt to interact with it, hoping that it will react.
🐶 Retreat in dread when it simulates their actions.
2️⃣ Absence of Object Permanence
Young puppies are still familiarizing themselves with their surroundings. They do not grasp the concept that an object can exist even when they cannot hear or smell it. To them, a reflection has no sound, has no scent, and disappears when they look away—sounds very suspicious!
3️⃣ Trepidation of Something New
Puppies exercise caution for good reason. New things can either be terrifying or stimulating. A puppy that has never encountered a mirror before might be frightened or confused as to what is happening.
4️⃣ Motion Without a Cause
Puppies do not view mirrors the same way humans do. When they notice their reflection moving in synchronization with them, they wonder why this phenomenon occurs. For them, it can be unsettling and frightening.
How to Help Your Puppy Overcome Their Fear of Mirrors
If your puppy is scared of his or her reflection, do not worry! With time, patience, and positive reinforcement, they will learn to get rid of the fear. Here’s how you can assist your puppy overcome such fear:
1️⃣ Stay Relaxed and Allow Exploration
Your puppy will take behavioral hints from you. If you panic, laugh, or intensely respond, they may become more scared as they will think the mirror is something to be feared. Instead, you should try the following:
✔ Remain still around the mirror and do nothing out of the ordinary.
✔ Allow them to approach and check the mirror at their own pace.
✔ If they seem scared, do not push them to approach the mirror.
2️⃣ Use Positive Reinforcement
🐾 Offer treats and compliments to your puppy when he or she looks at the mirror devoid of any negative reaction.
🐾 If they approach the mirror and delightfully touch or sniff it, respond with “Good Job” while offering a reward.
🐾 You can sit next to the mirror and gently stroke them to calm their nerves and let them know there is nothing to really fear.
3️⃣ Bring The Mirror Closer Step By Step
If your puppy becomes scared too quickly, go a little bit slower.
✔ Begin with targets walls in regions they feel comfortable with.
✔ Be brief with them at first, and slowly increase the time of each of their interactions as exposure increases.
✔ Put a toy that they are fond of near the mirror so that they can cover the mirror.
4️⃣ Play a Game Next to the Mirror
Let the puppy interact with the mirror in a playful way.
🐶 Sit beside the mirror and interact with them using a toy.
🐶 Reward them when they don’t gaze at the reflection.
🐶 Encourage them to do what they love most so that they consider the mirror a happy place.
5️⃣ Show Them There’s Nothing There
Some puppies tend to get frightened because they are anticipating the mirror-dog to behave differently.
✔ Try putting taps on the mirror where you want them to see it’s solid.
✔ Allow them to see you touching your reflection so they understand that nothing happens.
✔ Stand behind them and wave at the mirror to demonstrate that it is only an image.
What NOT to Do
🚫 Don’t force them to turn and face the mirror if they seem too scared. Give them time to build self-confidence at their own pace.
🚫 No need to giggle at their fear. They notice how you react. Try not to laugh, though it does look humorous.
🚫 Don’t correct them for barking or growling at the mirror because they are trying to work out what it is!
🚫 Don’t punish them by the mirror. Putting their faces to the mirror when scared will only make them more frightened.
How Long Will It Take for My Puppy to Get Used to Mirrors?
Each puppy is unique in his or her own way! Some of them may completely ignore the mirror, while others take weeks or months to truly comprehend it.
🐾 Some pups get accustomed to it within a few days.
🐾 Some may take more time and require slower steps.
🐾 If your pup seems to be genuinely scared after a while, seek advice from a trainer or behaviorist.
In time, most puppies tend to learn that mirrors are nothing to fear with enough patience.
What If My Puppy Starts Playing with the Mirror Instead?
Puppies don’t have to be afraid of the mirror. Sometimes, they become fascinated with their reflection. As a result, they may:
🐾 Try to swipe at it
🐾 Bark or cry at it
🐾 Attempt to engage with their “mirror friend”
This type of behavior is generally not an issue, but can turn into a repetitive action. If pups begin engaging in excessive time interacting with their reflection:
✔ Focus their attention on other toys or engaging activities.
✔ Temporarily cover the mirror if the obsession is too much.
✔ Foster socialization with strangers or other pets to encourage more interaction.
Final Thoughts: Your Puppy Will Learn!
If your puppy is scared of his or her reflection, allow me to put your mind at ease—it’s totally fine. It’s simply part of the many new things they are trying to get used to.
With a little bit of patience, encouragement, positive reinforcement, and love, your puppy will realize that the mirror is not scary. One day, they will walk past it and completely forget about it.
So, the next time your puppy barks at himself like a crazy person, breathe and smile while guiding him through it. Remember, overcoming every little fear has them one step ahead towards becoming a confident, happy dog! 🐶💛