Anxious dogs come in all shapes and sizes – and display different behaviours. Whether your fur kid is big, small, timid or shows signs of aggression when anxious or fearful, there are some ways to help calm them and give them a feeling of safety and comfort.
They might only display signs of anxiety during storms, or it could be when someone new is in the home. In such cases, it’s wise to give Pup something natural and safe to chew, like Twiggies from Nude Pets. Chewing has been shown to have a calming effect on dogs. Plus, if you opt for a natural, lean product, it can double as a teeth and gum cleaner.
You could back this up with an anti-anxiety spray like Peaceful Pup, which uses dog-safe essential oils that help to calm them down.
For very anxious dogs, a thunder jacket can provide a sense of calm and security, too.
“Watching your pet struggle with anxiety and behaviour issues is difficult, especially if these are new, says Lara Shannon, certified dog behaviouralist and trainer. “During the pandemic, many pups spent a great deal of time with their owners. Now, these dogs are struggling to separate, and they’re experiencing anxiety and reactivity issues.”
Don’t Force Interactions In Anxious Dogs
“It’s tempting to push your pet into new interactions with another dog, a friend, or a family member.,” says Lara, adding that it’s best to allow your dog to find its confidence and calm in its own time. “Avoid forcing interactions and allow your dog to make friends on their schedule.”
Avoid Exposing Anxious Dogs to Potentially Stressful Triggers
“If your pet becomes reactive or anxious around crowds, loud noises or children, it’s best to avoid these things until you’ve had time to work together to reduce their anxiety.”
Find Private Play Areas to Train
“Dog parks are often one of the worst areas to train your pet, as they’re loud, crowded, and full of strange dogs and people,” says Lara. “It makes it difficult to focus. Instead, find a small private area where you can train together, away from distractions, where your dog can feel safe.
If you don’t have a property of your own, or know someone who does, there are areas that you can safely rent for an hour or two.
A new initiative called SniffSpace offers numerous smaller areas where you can play with and train your dog privately. Consider renting a SniffSpace location for training. That way you can practice the important skills needed to help socialise your dog and to ease its anxiety.
Focus on one new friend at a time
“When making new friends, reach out to one person or pet at a time,” advises Lara. “Schedule a quiet play date in a private area (try SniffSpace’s invite a friend feature). Plan ahead and be ready to cancel the event if your dog becomes afraid or reactive. Meet and greet slowly, and allow them plenty of time to introduce themselves, sniff about, and get used to making new friends.”
Don’t punish your dog for reacting
“If your dog does react badly to a situation when scared, don’t punish them,” stresses Lara. “Instead, remove them from the stressful situation immediately. Stay calm and model calm behaviour for them. This helps them know they are safe with you and can trust you when they are scared in a new situation.”
Train together to use positive reinforcement to eliminate reactive behaviours
“Dogs that have become reactive are often anxious or afraid,” says Lara. “They can be trained to be less reactive when they are stressed. Use a combination of positive reinforcement and counter-conditioning techniques.”
Counter conditioning is simply working with the dog’s response to stimulus. If something triggers anxiety, fear or aggression, rather than scolding your dog, you would favour them with a treat or a positive, joyful hug and talk calmly to it. This can help change a reaction from one that is anxious or fearful to one that is positive and enjoyable. CBM
