Dog Anxiety is a common issue in the dog training community. All things considered Dog Anxiety is very common and often not talked among the dog community. Basically 90% of dogs I have worked with have anxiety in some form. Management and treatment are available for those who understand and want to help their dogs.
Herding and Working Breeds are the most common breeds who suffer from anxiety as a result of genetics and drive. As can be seen, Aussie my Cattle dog, hears an outside noise (fear releated) that she is unsure of she begins to pace and whimper. As a result we have taught her to go to place which now becomes her job to stay on that mat and calm down. Because these breeds need jobs to do to function properly, along with mental and physical stimulation as well.
Where does Dog Anxiety come from? Â
Causes of anxiety can take many forms, all of which will be discussed in this post. Fear, Separation and Agining Anxiety are the most common types.
Fear Related Dog Anxiety
Basically this is caused by loud noises, strange people or animals, visual stimuli, new or strange enviroments, specific situations, surfaces and more. Reactions can vary from severe to mild depending on the dog and thier expierences.
Seperation Dog Anxiety
Although the effects of dogs is about 14% there dogs are unable to find comfort when thet are left alone or seperated from thier family. Also this type of dog anxiety can create undesirable behaviors such as urination/defication inside the house, destruction of household things and barking.
Age Related Dog Anxiety
This effects older dogs and can often be associated with cognitive dysfunction. Because Dogs with CDS suffer from memory, learning, perception and awareness all start to decline. This is similar to Alzheimers disease in humans. CDS often leads to confusion and anxiety in senior dogs.
Dog Anxiety Symptoms
Aggression, Urinating/Deficating in the house, drooling, panting, destructive behavior, depression, excessive barking, pacing, restlessness, repetative or compulsive behavior
Above all it is important to note that these sypmotoms of dog anxiety can occasionally be the result of certain anxiety causing events and can be short lived or last a lifetime. Management and full understanding are key to helping your dog.
Dog Anxiety: Treatment, Training and Counterconditioning
- Talk with your Vet – identify what type of anxiety, possible triggers or causes and a treatment plan
- Training and Counter Conditioning- change your dogs response to the stimuli causing the anxiety (see Aussie’s example above)
- Desensitization – slow introductions to source of anxiety rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise
- Medications – SSRIs and antidepressants (fluoxetine and clomipramine), CBD Oils – Speak to your Vet about those
Contact me today if you think your dog may be suffering from anxiety.
Prevention of your dog anxiety
Above all by learning your dogs body language you can help guide them through anxiety situations and life with a better understanding onhow they perceive the world.
Socialization is key from a young age to having a well mannered dog. Socialization in this case means exposure to difference types of people, dogs, animals, places and expierenced with positive reinforcement and praise.
Obedience is an essential skill to have to prevent and manage dog anxeity. This lays the foundation of a strong, healthy relationship with your dog.
Having proper Exercise and Nurtition for your dogcan help with their developement, physical and mental well-being. A stimulated dog is less likely to pick up destructive behaviors and good nutrition will help with their overall health. Prevention of behaviors is crutical to understand.
Situation Avoidance is exaclty how it sounds. Management is the easiest way to help with your dogs anxiety but not allowing them to have that anxiety feelings. However as a dog trainer I have to advise I do not find this the best for dogs in most situations.
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