Calming your anxious dog
Do you have an anxious dog? We do. Booker, Fran’s eight-year-old Boston Terrier is one. We love him to bits, but sometimes he’s annoying.
We know he can’t help it. Booker is a really good boy and tries very hard. He has multiple titles in Obedience, Rally, and Agility competition. That may seem contradictory, but it’s actually the opposite. Having fun things to focus on has been a saving grace.
Comfort in routine
We have a routine that Booker relies on. Every day before work we have short training sessions with each of our dogs. We call them training, but it’s really an excuse to play with each of them individually, have fun with our dogs, and start each day with a little bit of joy.
Our little training area is in the basement. And every time the basement door opens, Booker tries to dash down the steps to start playing. He’s high-stress, not stupid. He knows that’s where we have fun. He knows what to expect, that he’s going to have fun, and he loves it.
Relief for anxiety
Familiarity and habit are keys to calming an anxious dog. Even in an unfamiliar, or stressful situation, you can bring elements of routine to help keep your dog calm. If, for example, you’re taking your dog to the veterinarian, bring along his/her favorite toy or chewie.
Torque, Hope’s French Bulldog, gets a little nervous, so he carries his special toy around in new situations. We’ve discovered lots of benefits for the behavior. Some people are afraid of bulldogs, and seeing him carrying his pink toy relieves their fears. He also can’t bark when the toy is in his mouth. And it keeps him from being overly interested in what other people and dogs are doing.
Take it easy
For a seasonal example, during the winter many people tell us that their dogs won’t wear dog boots. Many actually won’t move at all when they try to put boots on. But the paw protection is necessary, especially in areas where road salt may be.
Gradually is the best way to introduce anything new for anxious dogs. Inside at home, put one boot on one back paw. And while your dog is wearing it, do something fun. Play tug, or give the dog a chew toy. Or put the one boot on right before you give a meal.
After a few minutes, put another boot on the opposite front paw. Your dog will still have two “naked” paws and should be used to the first one. Again, do something fun for a few minutes.
Add the third and fourth boots using the same procedure. Most dogs will remember it’s no big deal – you only have to go through this once.
Surprises aren’t fun
The internet is full of videos of dogs who were subjected to all four boots at once. It may make for funny video, but it doesn’t get paws protected for walking in winter.
Anxious dogs, allowed to adjust, can adapt. Familiarity and routine are the keys to calming anxious dogs.
