What is the term for the phenomenon when a dog becomes immobile due to an inability to escape a negative stimulus?

The term for the phenomenon when a dog becomes immobile due to an inability to escape a negative stimulus is learned helplessness. This concept refers to a situation where an animal learns that it has no control over the negative events in its environment, leading to a state of passive resignation or immobility. In the context of dog training and behavior, learned helplessness can arise when a dog is repeatedly exposed to situations where it cannot escape an unpleasant experience, such as fear or pain. Over time, the dog may stop attempting to escape or avoid these situations, even when an opportunity for escape presents itself.

Understanding learned helplessness is crucial for trainers and behaviorists because it can impact a dog's overall behavior and mental health. This phenomenon highlights the importance of creating positive experiences and ensuring that dogs learn to feel safe and capable in their environments. Training strategies should focus on empowering dogs through positive reinforcement and creating environments where they can feel secure and are encouraged to engage with their surroundings positively.