There are dozens of reasons why your puppy princess or dawg-dog is experiencing anxiety. The most common causes include loud noises, increased contact with strangers, and separation from you.
The good news is that there are ways to help ease symptoms like whining, panting, licking, shaking, peeing, excessive barking, aggression, and destroying things. We have a few listed out below, so when you get a chance, try ‘em out. We’ve seen positive results with our furry friends, and we wish nothing but the best for yours! 🙂
If You’re Leaving the House, Give Your Dog Plenty to Do
Dogs are inherently social, which means they want to be around their owners and other dogs. The separation is what causes distress. So if you’re planning to leave for a few hours, prepare efficiently. Teach your dog how to be alone by giving them plenty to do.
What are some good examples? Provide chew bones to gnaw on, classic Kongs to lick PB out of, and plush squeakies for added entertainment. You could also consider a puzzle toy to exercise your pooch’s mind, hiding tiny training treats in all the nooks and crannies.
Leave Some Music or White Noise On in the Background
Music and white noise can amplify a calming environment to humans, why can’t it have the same effect on pups? Luckily, it can and it does.
Put the television on before you exit the front door and choose a constant for your fur baby to listen to. We suggest keeping it to music all the time, or to white noise all the time. Don’t flip flop.
This small action can reduce stress drastically. It can also drown out unpredictable noises like weather-related winds and summer neighborhood fireworks.
Encourage Increased Physical Activity
A tired dog is a happy dog – have you ever heard that saying? It’s 100% true, and what better way to get your puppy princess or dawg dog exhausted than with additional exercise?
Let’s be honest, most dogs won’t say “no” to running around in the backyard. So all in all, upping the PE will only make them happier. Then, when it’s time for you to exit the house for a little bit, they’ll be too exhausted to keep their eyes open. We call that a win-win.
Consider Creating a Safe Space for Them to Retreat
Establishing an area that’s all theirs… Now that’s a great idea.
If your furry pal has anxiety, they’ll find comfort in a spot that’s solo-dolo theirs. Pick a room, or area of a room, and create a cozy space. Add some of your pup’s fav toys, comfy blankets, desired bedding, and familiar objects. A good go-to we like to recommend is a piece of your (the owner’s) clothing. A little scent can go a long way in the comfort department.
Perfect Your Massage Skills
If you haven’t figured it out by now, dog anxiety is a lot like human anxiety; things that work on us normally work on them. So, why wouldn’t a massage be a good idea?
Yes, we did say massage. Why? Because it feels good and helps them relax. Plus, it gives a sense of physical and emotional closeness that other tricks and tips don’t. We would even go one step further and suggest that giving your pooch a massage may relax your overall anxiety (if you have any).