Dog massages, snuggles and a good brushing can help distract a dog from its triggers and make it easier for them to feel safe and at ease. Mentally stimulating toys can provide a distraction for pets experiencing anxiety, hyperactivity and boredom.
Most canine behavior problems are a result of fear or anxiety, meaning that the behaviors you actually observe your dog doing are elicited by fear or anxiety. You cannot resolve these problems by using punishment and you cannot 'train them out'.
Try a technique called counterconditioning: leave them a special treat each time you leave that calms their nerves. Treats that entertain dogs for longer amounts of time, like food-filled toys or durable chew toys, not only act as a distraction, but they're also something your dog can look forward to while you're away.
As with humans, exercise can be a great stress reducer. Physical activities like walking or playing fetch help both you and your dog release tension. It is also good to provide your dog with a safe place in the home where he can escape anxious situations. Everybody enjoys a calm place to retreat.
Most dogs are comfortable being petted on the chest, the shoulders, and the base of the neck. When petting these areas, reach in from the side, rather than moving your hand over the top of the dog's head.
Recent research has shown that dogs with mild separation anxiety fare better when alone with one minute of slow, gentle petting and soothing talk from their owner just before leaving than being ignored. Dogs with moderate to severe cases should be ignored or just get a “See you tonight” as you walk out.
Common symptoms of anxiety include increased vigilance, drooling, panting, restlessness, compulsive behavior, changes in sleep patterns, more barking than usual, urinating or defecating indoors, destructive behavior, and depression.
Dogs learn from positive association. The best way to help a shy or fearful dog gain confidence is to expose them to what frightens them at a low intensity. Pair this exposure with something positive, like a tasty treat.
It Can Help Keep Them Calm
If you are worried that your dog is home with anxiety all day, keeping the TV on can help to keep them calm. You might find that your dog seems much less stressed out when you get home at the end of the day when the TV has been on.
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
Dogs can have a pathological anxiety response to any stimulus with which they have had a very significant negative past experience. Again, the dog's behavior may range from a violent, panicked attempt to escape, to constant panting and pacing, or severe trembling and shutting down.
An illness or painful condition can increase dog anxiety. A history of limited social contact, neglect, and confinement may cause both fear based and separation anxiety. This can also occur in dogs that have spent time in a shelter. Some dogs will experience General Anxiety, and some breeds are more prone than others.
That's why many people sneak off without saying goodbye to their pups, worried that the moment will only cause more stress. But according to science, not acknowledging your dog might do more harm than help.
For example, most dogs prefer being touched with long gentle strokes along the chest, shoulder and base of the tail. While some dogs have other places they enjoy a gentle fuss, such as along their ears. And, there are areas which are more sensitive to touch and therefore, less welcome!
Large dogs can lie on their back or side between your legs on the floor. If your dog fights those positions, just choose a position in which he feels most comfortable. It also can be helpful to put small dogs on a table on a non-slip mat and large dogs on a bench or chair so you can reach their feet more easily.
Dogs appear most calm when listening to classical music, reggae, and soft rock. In addition to genre and rhythm, variety is key. Dogs tend to tune out music they hear all the time. The relaxing effect declines once music turns into ambient noise.
Repeated exposure and rewarding positive behavior can go a long way toward managing anxiety. You might want to contact a professional dog trainer to help you choose the best approach for your dog, as training an anxious dog is not always easy.
Simply ignoring a dog's stress in a misguided attempt to change behavior is counter-intuitive to most owners who love their dogs – as it should be. Not only does comfort not reinforce fear, we have evidence that our dogs benefit from our comfort and support by showing reductions in stress and anxiety.
Often fear comes from a lack of exposure. Dogs are naturally afraid of new things, and dogs that grew up in a deprived environment might be jumpier around "normal" things like traffic cones or men in hats. Even dogs that had a normal upbringing are often afraid of new things that we humans know are harmless.
A long walk, jog, or game of fetch before you go to work can help your pets release pent-up energy that could otherwise turn destructive when you leave. Leaving them with interactive puzzle toys, or a new and exciting chew toy can encourage independence while keeping them busy.
We miss those furry little faces while we're gone. But does your dog miss you back? Studies show that dogs form positive associations with their favorite people, and they don't like being separated from you for long. Dogs can handle alone time, but they do miss you when you're gone.