07/30/2026
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make with anxious dogs is talking to them too much.
As humans, we naturally want to comfort our dogs because they are our babies. We love them deeply, and our instinct is to care for them the same way we would a human child. Unfortunately, that well-intentioned response can sometimes add unnecessary stress to the situation.
I often see clients start saying, āItās okay. Itās okay. Itās okay,ā before their dog has even reacted to something. That alone can trigger a response that may not have happened if they had simply stayed calm and ignored it. When the owner stops reacting before the dog does, the dogās reactivity often decreases significantly.
Not every stressful situation requires your commentary. Repeating, āItās okay, itās okay, itās okay,ā can actually make a dog wonder if something is wrong. The rhythm, tone, and urgency behind those words can create anxious energy instead of reassuring them. Your dog is constantly reading your body language, tone of voice, and emotional state. If you appear concerned, they may believe there is something to be concerned about.
Allowing your dog to investigate things in their environment that startle them, but donāt send them into a full-blown panic, can help build confidence. By giving them the opportunity to process and work through minor stressors on their own, they learn they are capable of handling new situations.
Of course, there are times when your dog genuinely needs your help. If they become flooded, meaning they are so overwhelmed that they can no longer think, learn, or regulate themselves, then itās your job to step in and help guide them through the situation. A dog in that state isnāt learning anymore, so your support becomes important.
