In behavior, a reinforcer is what prompts a behavior to be reproduced. This implies that if Doggy does a behavior, if he does it again, it means that he/she received a reinforcer, that an element was added or removed to motivate him/her.
Fear is an emotion. This is a spontaneous reaction of the body over which Doggy has no control.
When we intervene when a dog shows discomfort or fear (moving away for example or barking with hostility to keep away the frightening element), it is a question of soothing his/her emotion. Indeed, in those moments, he/she is not able to “reason” about his/her behavior ; and sometimes even unable to produce others. If your presence is enough to calm him/her down, a more thorough intervention from you will give him/her more serenity (talk to him/her, touch him/her, guide him/her away).
If I reassure you, will you be more afraid ? If so, it's either that you were too exposed to what frightens you, or that my own behavior actually sent a contradictory message and confirmed a danger, or that my information has no value for you. The same is true for your dog.
Be the one he can rely on!
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