As a pet parent, you may think your dog is the smartest on the block, and we’re not here to tell you otherwise. Yet, even the most intelligent dogs aren’t reading the Merriam-Webster dictionary for fun. However, that doesn’t stop dogs from showing signs of anxiety when they hear certain things said. However, since dogs communicate different than people do, it’s hard to always know what phrases are stressing your dog out. To help out, we rounded up 8 words that make dogs instantly panic, according to professional trainers, along with tips to help your furry friend stay calm.

“Words themselves don’t make dogs panic, it is what the words have come to predict that triggers dog anxiety. When a word consistently signals discomfort, separation, isolation, or something else a dog finds scary, it can trigger anxiety before anything even happens,” explains Alexandra Bassett, the founder and head dog trainer at Dog Savvy Salt Lake City.

If you aren’t familiar with dog body language, it can be hard to spot when your anxious dog is reacting to what you’ve said. Once you learn to recognize the stress signals and behaviors your dog uses to communicate, you can help them feel calmer, stop using the triggering words, and start creating positive associations. Read on to discover which words and phrases make dogs nervous, why they become dog fear triggers, and trainer-approved tips to help fix the problem.

Related: 6 Words That Surprisingly Annoy Dogs the Most, According to Trainers

8 Words That Make Dogs Instantly Panic and What To Say Instead

Even simple words can trigger dog anxiety if they’ve become associated with fear, discomfort, or punishment. What sounds harmless to us might signal stress or danger to your pup, causing them to freeze, hide, or act out. The good news? By learning which words are dog fear triggers and swapping them for calm, positive alternatives, you can help your dog feel safer and more relaxed. Scroll on to learn more about why certain common words lead dogs to hit the panic button and what to do instead.

1. “Bye”

Parting may be such sweet sorrow for you. For your dog? It may not be sweet at all, and “bye” is one of the most common words that makes dogs instantly panic and makes your dog feel scared when its said.

“If your exits have been rushed, dramatic or followed by long periods of being alone—especially for dogs prone to isolation anxiety—the word ‘bye’ itself becomes a warning of abandonment,” explains Shir Limazati, CPDT- KA, the owner of Another Chance Training. “Over time, ‘bye’ alone can spike your dog’s stress hormones before you even touch the door.”

How to fix it

Kiss the word “bye” goodbye, at least around your dog. “If ‘bye’ already triggers panic, change the phrase to something else, like, ‘I’ll be back,'” Limazati explains. Overall, you want your dog to have a better association with saying something like, “I’ll be right back” instead. “Try to say your new phrase, pick up your keys, and then sit on the couch and watch TV,” Limazati suggests. “This will teach your dog that these cues don’t always mean you’re leaving.”

When you are really leaving, follow a calm and consistent routine. For instance, Limazati says you might say your new phrase, turn on the radio and a light, treat your dog and leave. Don’t worry. Reuniting will still feel so good—better, even—when you take these steps.

2. “Hi”

You might think “hi” is harmless—or even the opposite of “bye”—but for some dogs, it can surprisingly trigger anxiety or panic. Limazati, a trainer working with many urban pups in high-rise buildings, explains that certain everyday greetings can become dog fear triggers.

“Dogs quickly learn that when mom or dad answers the phone and says ‘hi,’ someone is about to walk through the door,” Limazati notes. “For dogs with stranger danger, this can trigger fear, anxiety, and even dangerous behavior.”

How to fix it

First, Limazati suggests swapping “hi” for “yes?” or “hello?” Using these word might seem like a siple change, but it can work wonders for your dog. “Better yet, use a silent cue,” Limazati says. “A silent text message instead of a call can make a huge difference.”

Still, stranger danger and other issues with guests may require more than a word switcheroo. “If your dog struggles with guests, work with a professional trainer to desensitize them safely,” Limazati advises. “Provide a safe room for breaks. Keep your dog on a leash for safety, and ask guests not to engage with petting or direct eye contact.”

3. “Crate”

One other word that scare dogs? Bassett warns that “crate” can become emotionally charged if your dog associates it with a loss of freedom, isolation, or stress. These associations often occur when the dog is crated for too long or as a punishment.

“In these cases, the word itself may trigger panic before the dog is even inside,” Bassett says. “When a dog is forced into a confined space they’re not emotionally prepared for, the crate stops being a resting place and starts feeling like a trap. Over time, this can lead to vocalizing, escape attempts, and heightened anxiety around both the crate and the cue associated with it.”

How to fix it

The goal is to help your dog see the crate as a voluntary and positive space, but it’ll take work. “Pair the crate with training games, meals and calm enrichment without closing the door at first,” Bassett suggests. “Allow your dog to enter and exit freely, and avoid physically placing or pushing them inside.”

Avoid using crates for punishment, and limit the time spent in it to your dog. “Generally dogs should spend no more than about four hours in a crate at a stretch, once per day, in my professional opinion,” Bassett notes. Doggie daycare or a pet sitter can help you fill in any gaps on days when you’ll be away for longer than this short period.

Also, not every dog will take to a crate. Bassett says some dogs do better in larger playpens, pet-proof rooms and gated hallways. “The goal isn’t containment,” Bassett says. “It’s helping the dog feel safe and capable of relaxing when alone.”

4. “No”

This is one more word dogs don’t like. To be fair, humans don’t like the word “no,” either. However, “no” is one of the most common words that makes dogs panic instantly, and it’s actually an issue. “When ‘no’ is associated with punishment, it can cause serious behavioral harm, especially if it’s paired with aversive actions like leash pops or other force,” Limazati warns. “The word becomes linked to fear or pain.”

As a result, Limazati reveals that dogs who spiral when they hear “no” may cower, retreat or tremble. “It can escalate into aggression when a dog feels they need to protect themselves,” Limazati says.

How to fix it

First things first, avoid punishment, which Limazati reports doesn’t work. “It only instills fear, which can lead to shutdown or eventually aggression,” Limazati reveals. “When you yell ‘no’ without teaching what to do instead, you’re not solving the problem. Instead, use positive reinforcement to reward the behavior you do want. Teach the alternative, then guide your dog toward that choice.”

Related: 5 Most Faithful Dog Breeds Who Love Unconditionally, According to Experts

5. “Bath”

Regularly bathing your dog is a responsible part of pet care, but for many dogs, the word “bath” alone can trigger stress, anxiety, and panic—often leaving pet owners feeling guilty.

“For many dogs, the word ‘bath’ predicts a cascade of unpleasant sensations,” Bassett explains. “Slippery footing, a loss of control, loud running water, unfamiliar smells, and uncomfortable handling can all act as common dog anxiety triggers. Even dogs that tolerate baths may experience mild stress, while more sensitive dogs can develop strong negative associations over time. This is why baths are one of the most stressful experiences for dogs, according to professional dog trainers.”

How to fix it

Bassett recommends pairing bath time with positive reinforcement to help reduce dog anxiety and prevent panic. One effective strategy is using a lick mat for dogs with a soft, high-value food placed at nose level during the bath.

“This allows the dog to engage in a calming, self-soothing behavior while remaining voluntarily engaged,” Bassett explains. “Over time, these small changes can help retrain your dog’s emotional response, shifting bath from a word that predicts stress and fear to one that signals a tolerable—or even neutral—experience.”

6. “Vet”

Like baths, taking your dog to the vet comes with the territory of pet parenthood. Your dog may wish to convince you otherwise, as just the word “vet” may trigger stress and fearful dog behaviors.

“The word ‘vet ‘often becomes a powerful predictor of discomfort,” Bassett says. “For many dogs, it signals unfamiliar handling, restraint, needles, invasive procedures and loss of control. Even routine visits can feel overwhelming, and repeated exposure without positive counterconditioning can cause anxiety to build over time.”

How to fix it

Vet visits are unavoidable, but they don’t always have to involve going inside the clinic or triggering dog anxiety and fear. “Start by visiting the parking lot or simply walking past the veterinary office,” Bassett says. “Offer high-value treats, calm praise, and relaxed interaction, then leave before your dog shows signs of stress or panic. These low-pressure vet visits help change what the location predicts and can significantly reduce vet-related anxiety in dogs.”

At home, Bassett recommends gently acclimating your dog to common veterinary handling to prevent fear responses during exams. “Practice touching paws, ears, mouth, and body while rewarding calm, cooperative behavior with especially high-value food rewards like cooked chicken, string cheese, or jerky,” she explains. “The emphasis should always be on consent-based training, giving your dog choice and control, and keeping sessions short, positive, and stress-free.”

7. “Come”

Dogs may instantly panic upon hearing this word if it’s said in an angry, frustrated tone. You can usually tell if by their body language and how your dog will behave and react upon hearing it. “When ‘come‘ is shouted in anger, frustration or even followed by punishment, dogs learn that coming to you isn’t safe,” Limazati says. “Hesitation isn’t your dog being stubborn, but rather it is self-protection.”

How to fix it

Limazati suggests changing the word and tone. For instance, Limazati notes you might change your dog to “touch,” or approach you and boop their nose to your hand in exchange for a treat, praise or both. “Never punish a dog for coming to you, even if it took time,” Limazati says. “Instead, celebrate when they make the choice to approach you. Recall should always mean safety, care and kindness.”

8. “It’s OK”

Bassett knows pet parents mean well when they use this phrase, but it can trigger panic in dogs. “Humans say, ‘It’s OK’ with the best intentions—usually when a dog is already stressed, startled, or afraid,” Bassett says. “Unfortunately, dogs don’t understand the reassurance behind the words. Instead, they learn through association. If “It’s OK” is consistently spoken right before or during something scary, the phrase itself can become a predictor of trouble.

How to fix it

Sometimes, it’s best not to say anything at all. “Rather than relying on verbal reassurance, focus on changing the situation itself,” Bassett explains. “Increase distance from the trigger, lower the intensity or give your dog a way to disengage and feel safe.”

Sources:

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.