For many dog owners, our dogs are not just pets we must take care of; they’re valued parts of the family, and their well-being is paramount. Like humans, dogs can experience a range of emotions, including anxiety. And this can, unfortunately, end up harming their general health and behavior if not addressed properly. In this article, we will look at the various aspects of canine anxiety and the benefits of balanced dog training to ensure that our four-legged friends have happier and healthier lives. So, let’s get right into it! Exploring Anxiety in Dogs Anxiety in dogs, like in humans, can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Excessive barking, destructive behaviour, trembling, panting, pacing, cowering, or attempting to escape from restricted settings are all indicators of anxiety in dogs. These behaviors are a telltale sign that their emotional energy is misaligned. Dogs often vocalise to seek comfort or alert their human companions that they are in a situation of discomfort. Your dog might also pace around restlessly, trembling and shaking as they struggle to find solace in their environment. In the most unfortunate cases, your dog can also resort to aggression to defend themselves from perceived threats. Understanding and recognising anxiety symptoms in our canine companions is critical to provide them with the assistance and care they require to manage their emotions and settings with confidence and security. If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your canine, you might be panicking and wondering why that is so. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs get anxiety: ● Separation Anxiety: Dogs are usually quite social pack animals and love being with humans. This is why they often get separation anxiety, one of the most common forms of anxiety among dogs and occurs when they become distressed and anxious when left alone. ● Changes in Environment: Dogs are creatures of habit, and sudden changes in their environment, such as moving to a new house or having new people or pets, can lead to anxiety. ● Loud Noises: As tough as your furry friend might seem, dogs are often scared of loud noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or construction sounds. If your dog is pacing back and forth or whimpering and cowering during a thunderstorm, the fear of such unexpected and intense noises is likely causing them anxiety. ● Lack of Socialisation: As mentioned before, dogs must be socialised properly, especially at a young age. Canines not adequately socialised during their early development stages may feel anxious and fearful in unfamiliar situations or around other dogs and people. ● Previous Traumatic Experiences: Some of our previous canine friends who have undergone abuse, neglect, or traumatic events may develop anxiety due to those distressing experiences. ● Health Issues: Lastly, if your dog has any underlying health problems, such as hormonal imbalances or chronic pain, there’s a higher chance that they will develop anxious behaviours. Managing Anxiety in Dogs Now that you know how and why your dog is experiencing an uncomfortable state of anxiety, you might be anticipating techniques to help them out. Fortunately, several effective coping strategies can help dogs manage anxiety and feel more secure and comfortable. Creating a safe space by giving your dog a “place” When your dog feels anxious, they will likely be uncomfortable and restless while roaming around the house. It might be too loud in areas like the kitchen or the television room, where people are going back and forth. These noises can further trigger your dog when they are in an anxious state. This is why you need to create a safe space such as kenneling or having your dog learn Place to promote your dog to learn self soothing behaviors. Desensitisation Exposure therapy or desensitisation can help expose your dog to what makes them anxious, helping them realise that the sound, item or being isn’t a threat. For example, if your dog hates loud noises and car rides, you canacquaint them with noises gradually growing louder or with short trips around the block in your car. This will help them gain more confidence. Counter-conditioning This involves changing how your dog perceives a certain stimulus emotionally or mentally. Your dog might get scared and anxious every time they hear the neighbors through the wall or the thud of you closing your car trunk. But if you associate that sound with something positive, such as words of praise or their favorite treat, your dog will soon start to change the way they think about loud noises. Consistency As dogs prefer consistent routines and habits, it is best to establish a proper routine to feed, walk, and play with your dog. Your dog will know what to expect throughout the day, and this predictability can help them feel secure. Overall, they’re much less likely to feel anxious and resort to destructive habits. Professional help Reach out to your local Balance Dog Trainer that specializes in Behavior Modification or help from a veterinarian. In a nutshell Understanding dog anxiety is critical for providing the care and assistance they require to live happy and fulfilling lives. Recognizing the causes and symptoms of anxiety allows us to use appropriate training methods to assist our canine companions in overcoming their anxieties and worries. If you want more help to manage your dog’s anxiety and train them to become more confident and content, visit us at Granite Mountain Dog Training and elevate your dog’s lifestyle today!
