Ultimately, how you calm your dog will depend on the situation. Strangers, storms, fireworks, dump trucks, trips to the vet, and the presence of other animals can cause a dog to become frightened, anxious, or excited. Our instinct is to pamper and cuddle him, but there are better ways to handle this situation--it will teach your dog not to be afraid, anxious, or overly excited. To calm your dog down, you must interpret the dog's behavior and try to understand what is causing your dog's reaction.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Calming the Dog
Step 1. Recognize the body language of an anxious dog
Dog body language is very complex and can be difficult to read. There are no general signs to look for when a dog is anxious or frightened because each dog will react differently. It is not uncommon for some timid dogs to act aggressively and some choose to run away and hide. Both breeds want to feel safe, but they process the situation differently.
Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
- Slouched posture
- Diverted vision/dilated pupils
- Ears drooping or pointing slightly back
- Wrinkled eyebrows
- whining
- Shaky
- Sweaty feet
- Inability to control the urge to urinate
Step 2. Understand the causes of the dog's behavior
Often, the cause is obvious. Your dog's fear of lightning, certain people, loud noises, or certain places will be obvious. Try to feel what your dog feels. Your knowledge of the world is very limited, but you see something powerful. How did you react? Have empathy for your four-legged friend.
Step 3. Minimize sources of anxiety
Take the dog to another room if someone is worrying him. Close the curtains and play music to drown out the sound of lightning or fireworks. If your dog wants to hide in a safe place, such as in his crate, cover him with a light blanket to help drown out the terrifying sound. Again, the method you choose to calm your dog will depend on what he's afraid of.
You can create a safe place for your dog by opening the door to a room away from loud noise sources or you can train him into a crate. If you choose the latter, your dog will find his crate the most comfortable place to be
Step 4. Distract the dog
Give the dog something else to focus on--that is "positive" and even productive. Does he have a favorite toy or chew stick? If so, give it to your dog to distract him from negative stimuli. Turn a stressful situation into a happy one. Eventually, your dog will associate whatever makes him stressed with a pleasurable experience so that later on, he won't be affected by negative stimuli (for example, strangers, lightning, the vet, or other animals).
Step 5. Pet the dog
Every dog is different so will enjoy a different pet. Some dogs like gentle petting, while others prefer rough pats and cuddles. One of the most common petting strategies for dogs is to gently stroke their back. Place your palms on top of the dog's head, then slowly follow the dog's vertebrae up to the waist. Do this repeatedly to calm him down.
However, be aware that petting a dog can be mistaken for a compliment by the dog because he is afraid. As counterintuitive as it sounds, petting a dog can inadvertently train it to become a coward in the future. Assess the situation, but sometimes it's better to ignore his timid behavior so he'll understand that there's nothing to worry about
Step 6. Use “Thundershirt”
This outfit is worn over the dog's torso and will press against his body when he is feeling anxious. Dogs will interpret pressure as babies interpret swaddling. This outfit will be comfortable for some dogs.
Step 7. Play classical music
Most dog owners and animal shelters will play classical music to soothe the dog.
Method 2 of 2: Preventing Anxiety in Dogs
Step 1. Train your dog
Most dog trainers believe that dogs with excessive anxiety, excitement, or fear are the result of inadequate training. You should encourage positive behavior when training your dog. Teach him not to get anxious at the vet, not to get too excited at the dog park, or get scared when he hears thunder. Do this by distracting him with certain tasks so he can focus on something else and then reward him when he does a good job.
For example, on the way to the vet's office, if your dog starts to get anxious while in the waiting room, tell him to “sit” or “lie down.” Any command you can do. Then give him a reward after successfully following your orders. This will encourage the training process and your dog's mind will be distracted from the stressful situation. In the future, he may associate sitting in the waiting room with the treats he receives, rather than associating it with being examined by a stranger
Step 2. Cover your own reaction
Your dog will think that you are part of the herd. If you look worried or frightened, he will imitate the same reaction. If you're in an uncomfortable situation, don't show it. Take a deep breath and count, then exhale slowly.
For example, if you take your dog to the vet for surgery and you're really depressed at the thought, don't let your dog see it. You should always make it a positive experience for him in these situations. Likewise, if you scream every time you hear thunder, your dog will think that lightning is something to be afraid of. This will make him feel anxious
Step 3. Use a pheromone spray
Pheromones are chemicals that a mother dog gives during lactation to reassure her puppies that all is well. Artificial versions of this chemical, known as Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) are available at many pet stores. Just stick it on the wall or on the leashes and watch as your dog calms down.
Step 4. Give your dog a zylkene supplement
Zylkene contains a protein extracted from milk and acts as a sedative--like diazepam. These capsules are given twice daily and have been shown to calm dogs during lightning strikes, on trips to the vet, or while in the crate.
Step 5. Consult a veterinarian
Your vet will advise you to assess what is the right course of action--both behaviorally and medically. If necessary, you can ask for a prescription for a stronger medicine. Only give this medication to your dog if your vet prescribes it and do what the veterinarian gives you. There are five types of medications commonly used to treat behavioral problems in dogs. These drugs include benzodiazepines (BZ), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Tips
- Research shows that neutering a dog will help it stay calm. The exact timing of surgical castration (eg before or after estrus) is debatable.
- Be sure to only pet the dog's body and not cuddle it. The results showed that 83% of dogs showed at least 1 sign of anxiety when hugged.
