Help for Anxious Dogs

Sometimes it seems that the dog world is polarized between people who "get" anxious and reactive dogs and those who do not. Worse, people who do not understand their pets' issues can be dismissive and unkind, not to mention that it can be difficult for you to navigate the world with them without respecting their personal space.

However, recently people are starting to realize that completely calm dogs are more of an exception than a rule. Many have something that causes problems, whether it be loneliness, fireworks, cats, or children.

First, let’s look at the typical behaviors associated with anxiety:

What are the signs of a dog's anxiety?

• Excessive barking and howling.
• Excessive whining.
• Aggression.
• Stress.
• Depression.
• Excessive licking of objects.
• Restlessness at home.
• Compulsive behaviors, such as unusual chewing.
• Urination or defecation in the house.
• Trembling or shaking at loud noises.

When your pet becomes tense and anxious, this disorder often manifests in symptoms that mimic misbehavior. If your dog is experiencing some of the common symptoms of nervousness, you may be wondering what you can do to help them. Here are eight ways to make life with your anxious four-legged friend better for both of you.

Tips on how to reduce your pet's stress:

1. Find a specialist who emphasizes positive reinforcement.

Qualified dog trainers know that the overwhelming majority of individuals who attack, bark, and fight with other dogs and people do so not because they are "dominating" or want to be "pack leaders." They do it because they are afraid. A scared dog, especially one that feels it cannot escape, will turn to aggression to “get them before they get me.” Once we realize that aggression is rooted in fear, we know to avoid methods used by uneducated specialists who "rehabilitate" aggressive dogs through domination. Causing anxiety does not stop their fear; it just makes them shut down. On the other hand, change the emotions, and you change the behavior. A dog that is not afraid of other dogs should not bark or fight. Find a good trainer, ideally one who follows the principles of positive reinforcement and is certified, and you can work wonders together.

2. Avoid creating dangerous situations.

This may sound strange, and many might say that the dog needs to be socialized. But you do not control such situations, and with each repetition, the problem worsens. Imagine that every time someone familiar approaches to pet your friend, he is scared and hides, and you can do nothing about it; it’s better to avoid such pressure.

3. Put a muzzle on them.

If your dog reacts to other dogs, and the reaction is strong enough that you might lose control if they lunge, consider a good quality muzzle. While most people still perceive a muzzle as a danger, fortunately, a muzzle saves! Yes, it won't solve the problem, but it allows you to protect those around you.

4. Consider changing your trainer if the problem isn't resolved.

While some specialists do well with nervous and aggressive dogs, others from the "old" school are used to employing submission as their main tool; they impose aggressive and harsh treatment on owners. However, there are new methods for specialists dealing with anxious dogs.

5. Learn your dog's body language.

Your pet is constantly communicating how they feel, and the better you understand what they are saying, the easier it will be to avoid stressful situations. What was fine for them last week may be too difficult for them to handle the next, due to a phenomenon called trigger stacking (the increase in a dog's anxious behavior caused by their experience of repeated stressful events without enough time for the stress-related hormones to leave the nervous system). Avoid this by watching for body language signs that tell you how your dog feels.

6. Consider medication.

You might be thinking, can I give my pet something for stress? Many of the same antidepressants used by millions of people have been shown to help your pet cope with stress.

Talking to your veterinarian is the first step.

Deciding on medical intervention may seem like a big step, but there is a lot of specialized information available to ease this process. There are also many over-the-counter pills and products marketed to help you cope with this issue, but be cautious if you decide to experiment with them. Most "calming supplements" have not been tested, and the evidence for those that have is, at best, inconclusive. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice, but remember that treatment has its own placebo effect.

7. Find a common interest.

It’s perfectly normal to be frustrated that your dog doesn’t want to go to the park or outdoor cafes. Try to focus on what you can do together. Don’t try to force your dog into places where they are very scared. After all, you will likely make their problems worse, not to mention the strain on your relationship.

8. Consider rehoming the dog.

If you truly feel out of your depth, or your dog poses a serious danger to you or your children, you might consider rehoming the dog to a trainer for rehabilitation. Training and medication can be expensive, and anxious dogs often require a lifelong commitment. In some cases, it may be safer for you and better for the dog to spend some time with a specialist who will address their issues over a period of time and return the dog to you with a solid foundation to work from. Don’t expect a complete fix to the problem, but the outcome should definitely be much better!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my dog is experiencing anxiety?

Signs of anxiety in dogs can include excessive barking, aggression, stress, depression, and compulsive behaviors such as unusual chewing.

What should I do if my dog is afraid of loud noises?

Try to create a safe space for your dog to retreat to, and use positive reinforcement methods to help them cope with their anxiety.

How do I choose the right trainer for an anxious dog?

Look for a specialist who focuses on positive reinforcement and has the appropriate certification. This will help change your dog's behavior without using aggressive methods.

Can an anxious dog be socialized?

Socialization is important, but you should avoid dangerous situations that could exacerbate anxiety. It’s better to gradually introduce your dog to new social contacts in a controlled environment.

How can I help a dog that shows aggression due to fear?

It’s important to understand that aggression is often caused by fear. Avoid dominance methods and work with a trainer to change your dog's emotions and, consequently, their behavior.