How to stop a dog from being anxious in public?
Kim Gulgowski
2025-07-22 13:16:21
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: 7
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. Gently reassure your 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. Exposing them to lots of new things in their socialisation period as puppies can help reduce anxiety in adulthood.
Cornelius Thiel
2025-07-22 10:05:56
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: 11
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, 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.
Jacques Nikolaus
2025-07-22 09:43:34
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: 17
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. This is called counter conditioning and desensitization, and when done successfully, it helps them feel more comfortable around the source of their fear. Allow your dog time to get used to people. Instruct others to ignore your dog, and let your dog decide whether they want to approach someone. Avoid direct eye contact, at first. Approach dogs at their level. Build up trust with your dog before bringing them to public settings like the dog park, a friend’s house, or a dog-friendly restaurant or brewery. Putting your dog in a stressful situation will set their progress back. Go slow and give them time to gain confidence and trust. Keep an eye on their body language and get to know their signs of stress or fear.