How to teach a dog to be less anxious?
Rigoberto Zboncak
2025-10-06 06:24:17
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To reduce stress levels, you may seek comfort in several ways. Our dogs can become stressed too. If you notice signs that your dog is stressed, first remove them from the stressor. Find a quiet place to regroup. Resist the urge to overly comfort them. You may be able to use a treat to lure them to a safer spot. For some dogs, being asked to follow some routine commands for treats provides a positive distraction. As with humans, exercise can be a great stress reducer. For healthy dogs, physical activities such as walking or playing fetch may help both you and your dog release tension. It is also important to provide your dog with a safe place in the home where they can escape stimuli that trigger a stress response.
Kamron Waters
2025-10-06 05:50:41
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One is to change the animal’s emotional response, so there is less stress to begin with.
For example, you might give a dog a treat every time he sees a scooter, which helps the dog learn that maybe scooters aren’t so bad.
The other method — which in some ways is even more powerful — is to give the pet better behavioral tools for dealing with the anxiety-producing situation.
When you teach animals what to do (rather than working on punishing problem behavior), you give them something to focus on instead of the stress.
So you teach her a simple behavior pattern: When you (my dog) see another dog, I will say your name.
When you look at me in response to your name, you will get a treat.
You’re teaching her that (A) when she sees other dogs, treats appear.
This helps her learn to feel less stressed about the sight of other dogs.
You are also teaching her that (B) when she sees other dogs, she can focus on checking in with you rather than barking and lunging at the other dog.
Focusing on what you want your pet TO DO, rather than what behavior you want to stop, may seem like a small thing, but the impact of it can be huge.
Margaretta Gutmann
2025-10-06 05:02:26
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For dogs, separation anxiety, loud noises, new environments, and changes in routine can lead to anxiety. Loud noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud sounds can be terrifying for dogs. Consistent routine: Maintain a consistent daily routine for feeding, walking, and playtime to provide stability and reduce anxiety. Desensitisation: Gradually expose your pet to their anxiety triggers in a controlled manner to help them become less sensitive over time. Positive reinforcement: Reward your pet with treats and praise when they remain calm in situations that typically cause anxiety. Exercise: Regular physical activity helps reduce anxiety. Take your dog for walks, play fetch, or engage in other active games. Interactive toys: Provide toys that stimulate your dog’s mind, such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys. Calming products: Consider using calming sprays, diffusers, or treats designed to reduce anxiety.
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