Actionable Tips to Raise a Calm and Anxiety-Free Dog

Raising a calm, anxiety-free dog is important as canine anxiety is more common than you imagine. 

A brain imaging study in PLOS One found that 13 out of 25 dogs in the study were diagnosed with anxiety. Further, the scans of these subjects revealed stronger connections between the brain regions called the anxiety circuit. These include the amygdala, frontal lobe, thalamus, hippocampus, and mesencephalon.

These terms may sound like jargon to a dog parent, but the basics of raising a calm canine are simple. It requires understanding, patience, and proactive strategies. All you need to do is to ensure that your dog feels secure, relaxed, and confident. However, this is easier said than done. 

In this article, we will share a few tried and true tips to help pet parents with raising a calm and anxiety-free dog.

Understand the Triggers

Dogs experience anxiety for various reasons, and identifying what triggers it for your pet is the first step toward alleviating it. Crowded spaces are often the biggest culprit. Dogs may be wary of unpredictable movements or unfamiliar people and pets. For example, your canine buddy may not be comfortable in a dog park, no matter how much you enjoy taking it there.

Let us consider the example of Chicago, which is the number three dog-loving city in the US, as reported by US News. According to the Chicago Reader, the city has 33 off-leash dog parks for pets. Owners only need a $10 annual vet permit to confirm that their pets are dewormed and healthy to use these parks. 

However, dog bites can be common in such crowded cities where encounters with strangers can affect anxious pets. This is also possible in smaller cities like Edwardsville, where there are fewer dogs and people. For owners, a bite means legal trouble as a victim can hire an Edwardsville personal injury lawyer to seek compensation. 

Personal injury compensation in such cases can be hefty as it includes more than the cost of treating injuries. You will also need to pay for lost wages, pain, and suffering. Being aware of triggers can save your pet and you from trouble. Besides strangers, sudden changes like moving homes, new furniture, or loud storms can cause anxiety.

Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. Loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, and construction noises can also trigger fear. Similarly, traveling can be a problem for anxious dogs. Be ready to manage and avoid these triggers, and create a more predictable and secure environment.

Provide Ample Exercise

Physical activity is a good way to promote calmness and relaxation in canines. Regular exercise helps burn off excess energy, lowers stress, and promotes the release of calming endorphins. When planning the ideal amount and type of exercise, you must consider factors such as your dog’s breed, age, and health.

Consistent walks are good as they provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Games like fetch, tug-of-war, or agility exercises are great to keep your dog engaged and happy. Socialization is equally important as it encourages interaction with other people and pets. Controlled playdates with other friendly dogs are effective.

According to the University of Portsmouth, group exercise has surprising benefits for anxious dogs. Besides exposing them to playmates, these activities improve the quality of life of dogs in the long run. Overall, a tired dog is generally a calmer dog, so ensure your pet gets enough daily activity.

Offer Mental Stimulation

Mental enrichment is just as vital as physical exercise when it comes to raising a calm canine buddy. Boredom often causes anxiety and destructive behaviors. Engaging your dog’s mind helps them stay relaxed and content.

The American Kennel Club recommends some easy ideas for mental stimulation. For example, interactive toys that require problem-solving keep dogs mentally sharp. You can teach new tricks or practice obedience commands to provide structure and focus. With scent games, you hide treats around the house or yard for your pet to find. 

Besides looking for engaging games, try changing toys to maintain novelty and interest. Mental stimulation is beneficial for dogs of all age groups. The best part is that it can even help lower the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Create a Calm Environment

A peaceful environment is a must to help your dog feel safe and secure. Designate a safe area for your furry baby. Set up a quiet, comfortable spot where it can retreat when it feels overwhelmed or anxious. A crate, a cozy bed, or a nook with their favorite blanket are good options. 

Stock this area with comforts such as soft bedding, favorite toys, and puzzle feeders. Reduce noise and distractions as they can trigger stress in canines. You can use white noise machines, calming music, or thick curtains to block out stressful sounds. Stick with routines for feeding, walks, and playtimes to provide a sense of stability.

Physical touch and relaxation exercises can also help teach your dog what calm feels like. Try gentle stroking, T-Touch, or firm but soothing rubs as they activate neural pathways associated with relaxation.

FAQs

What do vets recommend for calming dogs?

Veterinarians may suggest a combination of behavioral modification, calming supplements, pheromone diffusers, or compression garments to address canine anxiety. In more severe cases, prescription medications or other anti-anxiety drugs may be recommended. 

How do I make my pet less anxious in public places?

Crowds can overwhelm even the friendliest of dogs. You can do your bit to make things easiest for them. Gradually expose your dog to public environments, Start with quiet areas and slowly increase the level of activity as your dog becomes more comfortable. If your dog shows signs of stress, take it elsewhere and try again later.

Can training help get anxiety out of a dog?

While you may not be able to completely “train out” anxiety, consistent training, desensitization, and counterconditioning can reduce it. Positive reinforcement, gradual exposure to triggers, and creating a supportive environment can make dogs calmer and more confident over time. Severe cases may require professional intervention or medication.

Raising a calm, anxiety-free dog is a journey without shortcuts. You need to adopt patience, empathy, and the right strategies to help your dog thrive as a relaxed and happy member of your family. Don’t expect this to happen overnight because even the calmest of dogs may have rough days. Be there for your furry baby every day, no matter how happy or anxious it feels.