Have you ever returned home to find your furnishings completely trashed by a dog suffering from separation anxiety? If a thunderstorm approaches, does your dog cower in fear and shake? These are regular occurrences in the lives of troubled dogs, and this can also result in anxious owners.

Anxiety in dogs can an issue that many dog owners will have to deal with on a regular basis. Seeing your dog suffer from anxiety can be upsetting since you never want your animal to experience fear or worry in the first place.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to assist your dog in dealing with his fear. In this post, we'll go over some of the most effective techniques for calming a dog. Take a look at the methods listed below on how to calm a dog down (Proven Methods).

What exactly is Canine Anxiety?

People often ask how they can help a dog who is experiencing anxiety, you must first grasp what it looks like. Anxiety in dogs can present itself in a variety of ways, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. The greatest way for pet owners to help their dogs is to recognize the indications of anxiety in their dogs as well as the situations that generate nervous behavior in them.

Dog anxiety can be defined as any type of behavioral disorder triggered by a fear-inducing factor in a dog. When a nervous dog is confronted with a stimulus that causes them to feel dread, they begin to exhibit a number of undesirable behaviors.

When dogs hear the blasting noise of fireworks, this may appear to be a dog that shakes and runs away to find shelter. It is possible that the dog is suffering from separation anxiety while their owner is out of the house. When their owner departs, they become fearful, which leads to disastrous behavior such as tearing at furniture or barking incessantly.

Music Therapy

Music Therapy is a term used to describe the process of using music to relieve stress.

Both people and our canine companions have benefited from music therapy, which has been established. When you're at home, in the car, or otherwise separated from your pet,  the power of music may be both comforting and relaxing for you. Music can also help to decrease noise sensitivity by masking out the sounds of the street or terrifying noises that might affect some dogs and cause them to become nervous.

Classical music is a good example.

Some pet owners use classical music to soothe their canine companions when they are in distress. Studies have shown that the sound of classical music has a calming impact on animals who are agitated and that this effect can be enhanced by playing it for them.

Dog owners may choose to incorporate classical music into their daily routine or simply play it when they anticipate a stressful event in their house, such as fireworks or thunderstorms, to lessen their dog's anxiety.

Dogs Should Be Exercised

To alleviate your dog's separation anxiety, the most obvious solution is to never leave your dog alone in any situation. Because it is not a realistic expectation for most pet owners, it's often a simple option to use exercise as a bonding opportunity as well as a technique to tire out your pet!

Because fear can generate an outburst of energy, taking your dog out for a walk or play outside before you leave can be helpful to both of you.  It is also beneficial to provide them with plenty of physical contact and to speak with them during this time. Stress can be alleviated by releasing endorphins into the body through exercise, just like their own human counterparts.

Aromatherapy

And yes, aromatherapy can be used on pets! In order to quiet down a nervous dog, aromatherapy can be beneficial. Essential oils can be used to soothe your pet; however, you must exercise caution when using them. You should not use any essential oils that you may have in your home. Instead, invest in a veterinarian-approved, carefully formulated oil designed specifically for pets. These will include the appropriate proportions of oils and will be properly diluted.

When applying the oil, make sure to rub it down your dog's back and avoid applying it to areas where they might lick it off.

Don't forget to do your study on which essential oils dogs can enjoy using and which essential oils you should avoid using. Look for products that incorporate essential oils such as chamomile, lavender, cedarwood, and bergamot, which have relaxing and grounding characteristics.

Encouragement of Excitement should be avoided.

Remember that what you do when your puppy comes running up to you with excitement will decide whether this behavior becomes more or less regular in the future for your dog and you. Giving attention or affection to an overexcited dog is the very worst thing that you can do. This is simply a way of expressing your appreciation for what they are doing. He'll realize that getting thrilled results in a reward, and he'll continue to do so.

The best method to deal with an overexcited dog is to simply ignore her and go on. No touching, no talking, and no eye contact should be used. If she attempts to jump on you, simply turn the other direction or push her down to the ground.

Encourage the development of calm and consciousness.

As an example, this is diametrically opposed to the first suggestion, in a sense. It is possible to lavish your dog with affection and attention when he is in a submissive or calm state of mind, which will aid to reinforce his good conduct.

If treats are the primary motivator for your dog's behavior, then when he is calm, compliment him on his wonderful behavior. By utilizing a combination of ignoring excited activity and rewarding calm conduct, you can aid your dog in naturally and instantly transitioning into a calmer state.

Summary

Anxiety in a dog can be quite stressful as a pet owner. You always want your dog to be happy and relaxed. This is why it's vital for dog owners to effectively address their pet's fear.

Regardless of how you choose to handle your dog's anxiety, you should consult with professionals like veterinarians and dog trainers.