How to fix social anxiety in dogs?
Roslyn Franecki
2025-05-17 13:04:06
Count answers
: 9
Gradual Exposure and Socialisation can help desensitise your dog to their triggers. Start with low-stress environments and gradually increase exposure as your dog becomes more comfortable. Positive Reinforcement can also help, reward your dog with high value treats, praise, or playtime when they exhibit calm behaviour in social settings. This can help reinforce positive associations with social interactions. Training with a dog behaviourist can provide structured opportunities for your dog to learn how to interact confidently with others in a safe environment. Routine and Consistency can create a sense of security, reducing anxiety. Consider using calming supplements designed for dogs with anxiety, such as PetWell’s CALM supplement, which can support anxiety management by promoting relaxation in stressful situations. If your dog is showing extreme social anxiety, remove them from the environment and consult with a professional dog behaviourist.
Tierra Steuber
2025-05-17 13:00:49
Count answers
: 13
Begin by introducing your dog to one person, ideally in your home or yard. Allow your dog to initiate contact and ensure it has a safe retreat where it can go if it begins to feel overwhelmed. Don't force contact, and reward calm behavior and efforts to "meet" the new person. When introducing your dog to another dog, remain calm and speak quietly so that your dog senses your comfort with the situation. Choose a gentle, relaxed dog that will not seem threatening to your dog. Take your dog to quiet outdoor areas and avoid crowds so that it develops comfort with the idea of outings before attempting to visit dog parks or walk along busy streets. Be attentive and carefully judge how much stimulation your dog can handle at one time, increasing the social challenges at your dog's pace. Desensitizing a fearful dog is hard work, this can be a long, drawn-out process that can take weeks to months, but it's well worth it. Helping your dog overcome its fears will not only make your pup happier, but it will also make it easier for you to enjoy outings with your canine companion. Proper socialization at a young age can help them learn to adapt to new situations throughout their lives.
Jaycee Hansen
2025-05-17 12:08:01
Count answers
: 8
Exposing them to lots of new things in their socialisation period as puppies can help reduce anxiety in adulthood. Provide a safe and quiet space for your dog to retreat to. Ensure your dog has toys to keep them occupied. Keep your departures and returns calm and quiet. Consider getting a diffuser, some spray, collar or medication for calming an anxious dog. If the stimulus is outside close curtains, turn on the television or radio and distract your dog with play or treats. Reward your dog for calming down and absolutely avoid punishment for behaviour related to fear, phobia, or anxiety. Gently reassure your dog. If your dog gets anxious, your vet can help.
Read also
- How to socialize a high anxiety dog?
- Is it ever too late to socialize a dog?
- How to desensitize an anxious dog?
- How do I build my dog's confidence in anxiety?
- How to make friends with a nervous dog?
- What are the signs of social anxiety in dogs?
- How do you fix a poorly socialized dog?
- Can you still socialize a 2 year old dog?