Do you have a dog that shows anxiety? Or that you are afraid in certain situations? Or is he just nervous because of his age or because of his race? Whatever the reason, it is important to be able to fix it. For this reason we are going to explain in this article how to calm down a dog
Obviously, we must know and understand the origin of that anxiety that our dog shows. So we won't just give some tips and tricks on how to calm down a dog, If not, we will also talk about the most common causes that cause this nervousness in them.
How to reassure a dog: Causes of anxiety
Before giving some tips and tricks to calm our furry friends, we must first understand that there are different types of nervousness and anxieties. For this reason it is extremely important first determine the cause for which our dog may be restless or nervous. Let's see some of the most common factors that affect our dogs:
- Exchanges in the environment or in their daily routine.
- Stress related to behavior problems, such as isolation or boredom.
- physical or health problems, like pain or sickness.
- Previous traumatic experiences, such as abandonment, abuse or poor early socialization.
- Genetics: Some dogs are more prone to anxiety due to their breed or lineage.
Anxiety Symptoms in Dogs They can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the problem. Some common symptoms include excessive barking, destroying objects, urinating or defecating in inappropriate places, biting or chewing on things, running away, tremors, increased sweating, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your dog is having anxiety issues, it's important to talk to your vet to determine the cause and find an appropriate solution.
How to reassure a dog: Tips and tricks
Once we are clear about the cause of the anxious behavior of our dogs, it is time to find out how to reassure a dog. There are several ways to calm dogs who are experiencing anxiety or stress. Some common methods include:
- Exercise: The most important thing is to make sure that our dog has enough physical activity, and if possible of quality. This means that, depending on the breed, he will need at least one long walk of 40 minutes or more a day, with the short ones (at least two) lasting no less than half an hour. During this time that we spend with our friend we can play with him, teach him Tricks rewarding him with dog treats and letting him socialize with other dogs. It is highly recommended that, if possible, we avoid always taking the same path and look for more natural and less urban areas.
- Training: Working with a dog trainer or ethologist can help correct behavior problems and improve our dog's confidence. This will not only be more relaxing and enjoyable for us, but also for our furry friend, since it is not only important to maintain his physical health through exercise and regular visits to the vet, but also to maintain his mental health.
- Relaxation techniques: Today there are many relaxation techniques for dogs. Among them is music therapy, massages, the use of pheromones and smell, among others. Right now the so-called “olfactory carpets” are very fashionable. They are rugs with several loose strips, like thick fringes, in which we can hide food (cookies, prizes, feed, etc.). To find it, the dog has to use his sense of smell, since it is not exposed to the naked eye.
- Company and affection: Spending quality time with our dog and providing him with a safe and stable environment can help reduce his anxiety.
- Avoid reinforcing inappropriate behaviors: It is important to avoid reinforcing inappropriate behaviors, such as barking or biting, with attention or rewards.
It is important to mention that every dog is different and some methods may be more effective than others. The best thing to do is to work with a professional (veterinarian, trainer or ethologist) to determine the cause of our little friend's anxiety and find an appropriate solution. Especially if the origin of your anxiety may be related to a disease, which will need to be detected, reviewed and treated by a specialist.
Dogs with fear
Unfortunately, there are many dogs that are afraid, either due to abuse, abandonment or genetics. In these cases it is important to take into account the past of the animal in question. If you don't know it, you have to keep an eye on it to find out what might be causing you so much discomfort. In the event that your fear is of people, you have to dedicate time and patience, leaving your space and respecting the limits that you set for us. In this case, The best option is to go to an ethologist and have him give us some guidelines to follow according to each case.
Dogs can also be afraid of the environment. What is this? Well, it is about fear of "strange" noises, the crowd, cars, etc. This is usually the case of dogs that have grown up in the countryside, oblivious to the hustle and bustle and urban noise. Not being used to so many unknown stimuli, they may have a fear and anxiety reaction. As in the previous case, it is best to go to an ethologist and guide us to solve this problem.
There is also the best known case and that many dogs and owners suffer every year: Fear of firecrackers. Many dogs suffer a lot during the town festivals, New Year's Eve or San Juan. If we can't get away from that move, there are some methods we can try so our furry friend doesn't have such a bad time. In veterinary centers and pet stores we can find pheromones that are calming for dogs. They exist in different formats, such as sprays or diffusers that connect to a plug. In very serious cases we can go to the vet to recommend some medication.
At this point it should be noted that it is best to avoid exposing dogs to their fears, shock therapy is not good for them. Also, nothing happens to caress them or show them affection in situations where they have a hard time, because fear is not reinforced since it is not a behavior, it is an emotion.
In short, we can say that calming down a dog requires time and dedication. The key is to get them tired and spend quality time with them. Of course, in more serious cases related to diseases or fears, it is best to go to a professional.