How To Minimize Stress If You Have A Nervous Dog
A nervous or stressed dog can be difficult to deal with. They might hide away or can even get aggressive if they're scared. When your dog gets nervous, stressed, or scared, whether it's around other dogs, because of fireworks, or whenever you leave the house, you don't want to have to see them suffer. Watching your dog trembling, whining, or hiding under the bed isn't fun, and it's not an enjoyable time for your dog, either. If your dog often gets anxious or scared, there are some things you can do to help relieve their stress.
Find a Vet Solution That Works
One of the big problems that many owners have with their nervous dogs is taking trips to the vets. It can be a noisy environment, with other dogs and animals, and lots of people too. Even though you're there to keep your dog healthy, it can stress them out. Finding the right vet for your dog is important. Some veterinary offices have quiet rooms set up for nervous dogs or cats that dislike the noisy environment. Another option is a mobile vet, who can make house appointments and visit you at home. This allows your dog to be more comfortable in a safe place.
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Create a Safe Space at Home
Your dog should be able to feel safe at home, no matter what is happening. This can be particularly important when there's a stressful event happening, whether it's fireworks, trick-or-treaters, or lots of people visiting your home. If your dog has a safe space, they have somewhere to go to when they're feeling stressed. This could be as simple as having a bed or blanket in a quiet corner so that your dog has somewhere to go when they feel anxious and need some space.
Keep Your Dog Healthy
Your dog's health can affect how they feel emotionally. The right diet and exercise schedule can help your dog to feel better. Like humans, exercise is a great way of dealing with stress for your dog. If your dog needs to relieve some stress, going for a walk or having a play session can help to release tension. Speaking to your vet or to a dog behaviorist about your dog's anxiety or stress can help you to come up with solutions that will help your dog to be healthier overall.
Work on Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can be a problem for a lot of dogs. This might be something you experience if you've spent a long time at home with your dog but now need to be away from them for most of the day. If your dog finds it hard to be away from you, you need to encourage more independence. You can distract your dog with a toy (with some food or treats) and slowly move them further away from you over several weeks. Some dogs also like to have comforts such as having the radio on when the house is empty.
If your dog gets nervous, find ways to make their environment more comfortable but also work on training your dog to help them adjust too.
Have you tried our FREE course Focused Fido? If not and you find you could use your dog’s attention in high stress situations like walks, dog parks, vet visits, then take our free, quick and easy training course on gaining your puppy or dog’s focus today!
Please contact us if you have any questions on these tips, [email protected] or by visiting www.newmansdogtraining.com.
Also, follow us on Instagram and Facebook @newmansdogtraining. You can also follow us and our dog Barry on our training and outdoor adventures on Instagram @adventuredogbarry.
