But if you think about it, a dog has every reason to be afraid of something it doesn’t understand and may have never seen before. And doubly so if it moves or makes noise unexpectedly!
Of course, occasionally a dog is afraid of something truly strange – like fruit. That one we can’t explain.
These 50 dogs got their heart rates up by encountering some pretty random things. And while we don’t want to laugh at their fear, their faces and reactions are pretty comical (and we know good dog owners comfort their pets after a scare).
Here’s what they’re scared of:
1. Bubbles
What’s not to fear?
Just wait until he figures out he can attack them at will though.
2. The scariest stuffed mouse
But to be fair, that’s a pretty big mouse. And it’s looking right at him so menacingly.
3. Tiny kittens
We think this dog is right to be cautious of the kitten attack.
They could probably back us into a corner too!
4. The biggest zucchini
And in their defense, that’s a huge zucchini.
At the very least, they’re right to be skeptical of this garden marvel.
5. Squishy yellow sheep
This little one happens to be startled by a stuffed sheep.
And we can’t blame him – what kind of sheep is bright yellow?
6. The vaccuum cleaner
But we love that this pup thinks the back of its owner is the safest place to be.
7. The blowdryer at the groomer’s
Guess they have those noise-canceling headphones for a reason and he’s not the first pup to be scared of the blowdryer.
8. The family’s new puppy
And not only is it going to steal the attention, but it’s also a yippy little thing.
Someone’s not pleased.
9. Demented giraffe toy
We’re scared just looking at the photo, so we’re not surprised at this dog’s reaction when its owner revealed its hideous gaze.
10. Suspiciously smiley duck
This duck looks pretty friendly, but it’s clear this pup didn’t know there would be guests at the pool party.
11. Sliced cucumbers
Maybe it’s just judging its human for drinking cucumber water.
12. The one and only Julia Roberts
We’re not sure which Julia Roberts film this dog has seen, but it’s clearly been scarred for life by it.
Probably Eat, Pray, Love then.
13. An overly friendly bird
But clearly this feathered fiend knew that the dog would be afraid.
We like how the pup still refuses to give up the chair though.
14. Housecat duo
They look like they’re about to steal this pup’s lunch money. And he’s going to give it up without much of a fight.
15. A rogue feather
We’re just not sure it’s as menacing as this dog thinks it is.
Meeanwhile, the cat in the background is pretty chill.
16. A birthday candle
We’re not sure if this dog is worried about getting a burn or turning one year older, but both can be pretty scary.
17. A stuffed dog
We hope this dog knows that the interloper couldn’t replace him because…well, he isn’t real.
The pup won’t even have to share its snacks.
18. The uncarpeted floor
Put this puppy in the “pro-carpet” group.
He can only be lured part of the way out, even with a snack on the line.
19. Grapes
Perhaps this pooch knows that and is looking at their human like “Are you just doing this for the Internet?”
20. A pink squeaky pig
Judging from the comments, this is not the only dog to have been scared by the pink pig.
21. This photo
This pup has every reason to be suspicious of it.
22. Fire drills
But we love how this dog is quite sure that waiting for his owner to carry him is the surest and safest way downstairs.
That’s trust!
23. Taxidermy
Who expects to see a boar’s head when they stroll out onto the porch?
Not this pooch, that’s for sure!
24. That mean cat stepping on the couch
For its part, the cat seems pleased with the reaction.
What a surprise.
25. Humans dressing as pugs
This pug is simply shocked at what’s going on here.
Then again, the shirt really is overkill.
26. This big, mean ladder
Instead of just jumping over, it looks like it’s going to sit there and be sad that the big, bad ladder is in the way.
At least he or she is going to make sure their owner feels bad about it.
27. Teensie doggos
Perhaps it seems too small to be the same species.
28. Shark Week
Try telling that to this dog who is not about to go into the water again any time soon.
29. Cups, just all cups
That’s certainly a random phobia, but we hope he or she is able to get over it someday.
30. The car wash
This poor pooch is terrified of those soapy, noodly things and random squirts of detergent the rest of us find endlessly amusing.
Come to think of it, who ever thought it would be a good idea to take their dog through the car wash?
31. The sentient Roomba
In the end, isn’t it better that your dog doesn’t want to play with it?
32. The smell of carnations
Carnations aren’t terribly fragrant, but they’re just potent enough to turn this pup off.
Then again, he does have a far keener sense of smell than any of us do.
33. Dinner
When dinner is still alive even we’re freaked out by it.
And since lobsters don’t live on land, they look pretty funky.
34. Boundaries
Sometimes it’s best to instill some healthy respect (not fear, necessarily) for barriers so pups don’t get into too much trouble.
35. Citrus
But sometimes you really need to prove that your dog has an irrational fear of citrus.
Because who’s going to believe you?
36. Bananas
This one seems to want to reject the mere existnce of the banana.
What kind of tropical trauma would cause such a reaction?
37. This festive birthday hat
Humans are so weird when it comes to dog birthdays.
38. Balloons
This little guy seems to know those are going to take forever to disintegrate.
What a little environmentalist!
39. Having all 4 paws on the floor
Props to this dog owner for taking it slow and giving their pup the ability to acclimate slowly to being carpet-less.
We bet he’s a pro at playing “The Floor Is Lava.”
40. The Christmas tree
It’s a fair question.
And while cats might think this is their opportunity to explore the great outdoors, dogs aren’t always fond of finding a big tree in their house all of the sudden.
Especially when they get in trouble for peeing on it.
41. A paper bag
Apparently, Sadie hates them.
No one tell her they’re harmless.
42. A moving tortoise
You look away for one second and all of a sudden ATTACK!
Who knew those things could move at all much less so quickly?
43. Its own reflection
It’s like when you go to take a photo and realize your phone is turned around to show your face instead of your actual subject.
Terrifying.
44. A tattoo
And, to be fair, it probably does look like some creature has landed on its dad.
45. A toy
Let’s just leave those for the cats, shall we?
46. The basement stairs
Now, it can be helpful if you want to keep your dog out of the basement.
But when your dog is ok going up the stairs of the main level and refuses to come back down, it’s not so cute.
Maybe it’s another case of the hardwood vs. carpet.
47. Just this one step
If you’ve brought home a dog that has never seen stairs before even one of those things can put it in a tizzy.
No doubt this pup will get over it eventually.
48. The sound of leaves
Whatever this little one is afraid of is clearly REALLY disturbing.
Disturbing enough to make this dog’s neck disappear completely.
49. An adorable duckling
They’re a menace even inside the house!
We’re not sure if this chubby pug has seen a duckling prior to this moment, but it’s clear this is an unexpected visit.
But props to the duckling, which seems totally unfazed by the whole encounter.
50. Plates and bowls
Those must be fun to clean.
So where’s the water then?
Dogs are wonderful creatures and can be best friends and fierce protectors.
But occasionally they can be big ol’ babies who are scared of everything from bubbles to birds.
Here’s hoping that all of these pups find a way to conquer their fears!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.