How to calm an anxious dog outside?

The most effective way to help dogs feel more confident outside is to change their association to the great outdoors through a combination of desensitization and counter-conditioning training. The first step is desensitization training, which allows the dog to experience the scary stimulus at a level that doesn’t evoke stress. For example, a dog who is nervous about encountering garbage trucks could be exposed to a truck that’s several blocks away, parked and silent, so that he can see it, but he’s far enough from it that he won’t react to it. Counter conditioning, which works in tandem with desensitization, helps the dog form a new association to the stressor through positive associations. With the garbage truck at a distance, feed your dog a series of high value goodies when he notices the truck, like bits of cheese or hot dogs, so that your dog starts to make a connection between the scary garbage truck and the wonderful goodies. Using a training process called “shaping” can help dogs that are afraid to go into their own yard. This type of training breaks down the process of walking outside into manageable pieces and rewards the dog for successfully navigating each one. Pet parents can begin the process by standing just outside the door with a handful of treats. When your dog takes a step towards the door, mark the behavior with a click from a clicker or verbal marker like “good!” then toss a treat to your dog where he’s standing.

If your pet fears strangers, then walk somewhere that is private or without a lot of traffic or people. If they fear other animals, avoid busy parks or dog parks. Keep your pet close to you, crossing the street if people or animals that would trigger anxiety start to approach. If you can’t avoid passing people or other pets, you can give them a wide berth when passing. Routine is comforting to dogs. Choose a route that avoids their triggers as much as possible, then walk the same route every time. Keep walks brief at first. Treats are a great distraction, so buy some small treats for positive reinforcement. Choose lickable food like peanut butter in a tube or cream cheese since licking is soothing to dogs. If possible, exercise your dog at home before you go, so they are a little tired when outside. You may want to try products like Thundershirt, flower essences like lavender or chamomile, Adaptil products, and Rescue Remedy which have calming properties. Work with a professional trainer to learn techniques for a positive association with former fears or training a frightened dog to walk on a leash.