02/14/2025
Helping an anxious dog takes patience, consistency, and the right approach. Here’s what to do—and what to avoid!
✅ DO:
✔️ Stay Calm & Confident – Dogs pick up on your energy. A relaxed leader helps them feel safe.
✔️ Give Structure & Routine – Predictability reduces stress. Regular walks, feeding times, and training sessions build confidence.
✔️ Reward Calm Behavior – Treats, praise, or affection should come when your dog is relaxed—not when they’re anxious.
✔️ Provide Mental & Physical Exercise – A tired dog is a relaxed dog! Training, sniff walks, and enrichment activities help drain nervous energy.
✔️ Desensitize Triggers – Slowly expose your dog to what makes them nervous in a controlled, positive way.
❌ DON’T:
🚫 Reinforce Fearful Behavior – Comforting your dog when they’re anxious (e.g., petting or saying “it’s okay” when they’re shaking) can reinforce the fear. Instead, redirect their focus.
🚫 Force Interactions – Let your dog build confidence at their own pace. Pushing them into stressful situations can make anxiety worse.
🚫 Use Punishment for Fear Reactions – Corrections for anxiety-driven behavior can increase fear and confusion.
🚫 Overdo Affection During Anxiety – Love is great, but too much at the wrong time can encourage needy, insecure behavior.
🚫 Ignore the Signs – Lip licking, yawning, whale eye, and excessive panting are all signals of stress. Recognize them early to prevent escalation.
Need help building your dog’s confidence? Reach out!
🐾 📱Call/text 732-598-3903
📧 [email protected]
💻 pawsandplaytraining.com
