?imgeng=/w_auto,140/h_53 "svg-icon"){kind=logo}
Questions
- Why is my Dog Nervous?
- What Are The Signs Of A Nervous Dog?
- How to Help a Nervous Dog
- How to Stop a Nervous Dog Barking
- Can a Nervous Dog be Aggressive?
- How to Deal With Nervous Dog Aggression
How to Help a Nervous Dog
Just like humans, all dogs have different personalities - some are bold and playful, others are more reserved and timid. Certain dogs are more prone to anxiety and nervousness than others, especially rescue dogs who have a history of trauma.
Whether your pup is showing signs of fear aggression or separation anxiety, the good news is that there are a number of different methods to help a nervous dog to boost their confidence and make their anxious behaviour a thing of the past.
Why is my Dog Nervous?
Dog anxiety can present itself in several different ways, but separation anxiety is one of the most common forms. This often happens when a dog associates everything they value, such as food, play, walks, and company with their owner - resulting in panic when they’re left alone.
)
However, sudden anxiety in dogs can be triggered by certain events, such as thunderstorms and fireworks. Dogs have a natural fear of these loud, scary noises, so they can become stressed during these events, which is why so many pet owners dread bonfire night!
Additionally, some dogs may become anxious about a change in their environment, such as going to doggy day care or into kennels when their owners go away. If they’re particularly sensitive to change, some dogs may become anxious by a simple change of routine, such as going on a walk at a different time of the day.
Rescue dogs are particularly renowned for being nervous. A dog that has spent time in a shelter often remembers being left there, which can then turn into separation anxiety over a fear of being left again. They may also have specific worries associated with past trauma, such as being scared of men or children.
What Are The Signs Of A Nervous Dog?
There are a few common signs of nervousness in dogs. , but some are more obvious than others, including:
Barking or howling when left alone
Pacing
Excessive panting when it’s not hot
Shivering
Running away
Cowering in a corner of the house
Digging
Escaping the garden Trying to escape
Destroying furniture
Self-harm, such as excessive licking or chewing
Not eating
Urinating more frequently
An inability to settle
How to Help a Nervous Dog
If you’ve noticed the signs of a nervous dog in your pup, there are some great options that can help them, including training and treatment.
Positive Reinforcement for Separation Anxiety
For separation anxiety, you should work to change your dog’s negative association with being left alone and help to turn it into a positive experience that they may actually look forward to.
Puzzle food toys like the iQuties Wobbler Interactive Dog Toy are a great way to keep your pooch entertained and happy whilst you’re out. Simply give the toy to your pup whenever you need to leave them on their own and they should gradually start feeling calmer when you’re not around. Once your dog begins to cope with being left alone, you can gradually work on increasing the amount of time that you leave them for.
)
If your dog is scared by a particular activity, then you can use a similar principle to change the negative association to a positive one. Pair the thing that scares them with something that they like.
For example, if your dog finds travelling in the car scary, then break the process down to help them calm down. Start by taking them near the car and rewarding them. The next day, get them in the car and then reward them. Gradually work up to travel in the car with rewards, so they stop feeling frightened.
Stress and Anxiety Medication
If your dog’s anxiety is more extreme, then you might be able to give your dog medication to help alleviate it. Although you may be reluctant to go down this route, some pups need this to deal with very high levels of anxiety that inhibit their ability to learn through behavioural training.
You could give your dog anti-anxiety medication before a certain event, like bonfire night. However, make sure you choose anti-anxiety medication and not sedatives, as a dog who has been given a sedative may appear relaxed, but they can just mask the problem instead of fixing it.
It’s important to speak to your vet to find out if this option might be suitable for your dog before giving them any medication for their anxiety.
Create a Safe Space for a Nervous Dog
One of the best ways to help a nervous dog is to provide them with safe, familiar spaces for them to go when they’re feeling nervous. Doggy day care or a dog sitter, such as a friend or family member, can be a good option for pups who struggle with separation anxiety. You can also create a safe space for them in your home. Whether it’s a corner in your living room with all of their favourite toys, or a crate to make them feel safe and secure, it’s beneficial for them to have somewhere comforting to go when you’re not at home.
)
If you’re up for the challenge, another option to consider is to get another dog to keep your pup company – especially if you need to be out of the house for long periods of time. This can be especially useful if your dog has suddenly become anxious after the passing of another dog. However, this isn’t guaranteed to help with separation anxiety, as some dogs are simply nervous when their humans aren’t around, so it may be worth borrowing a dog to see if it helps before you add a new furry member to your family.
Routine and Training
For particularly nervous dogs, a strict routine will be a huge help so they know exactly what to expect day-to-day and hopefully realise there’s nothing to stress about! In order to create a predictable routine, you’ll need to feed, walk, and play with your dog at the same time every day.
If you ever have to deviate from routine a little, for example, because you’re taking the dog on holiday with you, you can still keep meals and walks to the same times so your pup has something familiar to help them manage with any slight changes in their environment.
For some nervous dogs, a professional dog trainer might be able to help. A well-behaved dog may still struggle with feeling nervous, so a dog trainer can give you the tools to work on at home to help your dog manage their worries a little better.
Avoid Anxiety-Inducing Events
If you know what makes your dog anxious and it’s something that can be avoided, then this might be the best course of action whilst you’re working on their anxiety.
Of course, if your dog is afraid of the vet, then this isn’t practical. However, if you know your dog becomes anxious around large groups of dogs, then you can do things like avoiding the park at peak times, or making alternative arrangements to doggy daycare.
Slowly introducing your dog to the things that trigger them may be a lot more beneficial than throwing them in at the deep end, so although it may feel frustrating to have to avoid these situations, it may be the best course of action in the short-term.
How to Stop a Nervous Dog Barking
It’s normal for your pup to bark every now and again (they are a dog, after all), but if it’s becoming a problem and keeping you (and your neighbours!) up all night, then you’ll be keen to find a solution.
)
Anxious barking often occurs when your dog sees their trigger – something that they’re afraid of, such as other dogs, a particular object, or even certain sounds. Therefore, the first place to start when trying to stop a nervous dog from barking is to identify their triggers and slowly work to desensitise them.
Barking out of fear is usually due to a traumatic experience in the past, or poor socialisation as a puppy, which is why it’s so important to expose your pup to a variety of situations and experiences when they’re young.
If your dog is barking due to separation anxiety, then follow our tips to alleviate your dog’s worries when left alone. However, if they’re showing these signs when you’re out and about on walks, then it might be a good idea to work with a professional to help to modify your dog’s behaviour. However, it is important to note that you should never punish a nervous dog for barking, as this will only exacerbate the issue. Instead, be patient and try to reassure them that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Can a Nervous Dog be Aggressive?
Anxiety is one of the most common causes of aggression in dogs due to their fight or flight response. When a dog feels afraid, they may show aggression towards a person or another animal, especially if they feel cornered or trapped.
The first signs of fear-related aggression are usually defensive, where they will display defensive behaviour in order to increase the distance between themselves and the perceived threat. However, over time, the aggression may become more offensive.
Aggression in dogs is offensive when displayed while closing the distance between them and the perceived threat. While these behaviours look different, fear and wanting the threat to go away are what motivates both kinds of aggression.
Some of the most common warning signs of aggression include:
Turning away from the threat
Yawning
Licking the lips
Growling
Lowering the body
Tucking the tail
Pinning their ears
Fear and anxiety-related aggression are very common in places like the vet’s office, or in situations where strangers approach or handle the dog. A dog that displays aggression like this is not a bad dog. They’re just afraid.
How to Deal With Nervous Dog Aggression
If your dog has become aggressive due to anxiety, there are some things that you can do to help them, including:
Identify their triggers and try to avoid them
Stick to a strict routine
Expose your dog to things that trigger them if avoidance isn’t possible
Practice obedience training to encourage your dog to listen to you in scary situations
Always keep your dog on a lead around other dogs
Use a muzzle if necessary to avoid your dog attacking other dogs
Learn the warning signs that your dog is feeling anxious
Seek professional help
)
Many nervous dogs who display signs of aggression are often met with anger or panic from their owner or other dog owners, however, this can make those feelings of anxiety worse. If your dog is acting out due to anxiety, then it’s important to stay as calm as possible around them in order to mollify the situation. If you don’t feel confident enough to deal with your dog’s behaviour – or it’s getting worse – then enlisting the help of a professional can be a huge help.
So, whether your dog is displaying signs of aggression towards other dogs or humans, or you simply cannot seem to get them to stop barking the minute you leave them alone – our top tips will help you to identify their triggers and alleviate some of their anxiety with just a little bit of time and patience. Explore our blog for more top tips when it comes to parenting your dog!