Dogs can get excited or scared for a number of reasons, and being prepared for them is a must if we want to avoid things like awkward situations, excessive barking, mess in the house, chewed up furniture, and other things. Knowing the dos and don'ts of keeping your dog calm will help you to ensure your dog is happy and free from anxiety most of the time, and that you can both live together in harmony.
Do: Know Your Dog’s Triggers
Pay attention to what your dog’s triggers are. They may not like large groups of other dogs, so they act out at the dog park. Perhaps they hate it when you leave the house, and get terrible separation anxiety. Whatever your dog’s triggers are, pay attention and come up with a plan to help them. Usually, this means exposing them to what they are afraid of just a little bit in a way that you can control, to show them that the world is not ending.
Don’t: Throw Your Dog Into The Deep End
If you think repeated exposure to what your dog hates will help, you’re wrong. This could lead to a deeply depressed, anxious, and timid dog. You want your dog to be happy. Just because they may eventually get used to you leaving them for hours and hours on end, doesn’t mean it’s ok to do so or fair on them.
Do: Consider Various Methods To Keep Your Dog Calm
There are so many options out there that could help you to keep your dog calm, depending on what you’re looking for and what the situations is. A Thundershirt, for instance, can wrap tightly around your dog and will help to ease anxiety when there is a storm, or fireworks are being let off. CBD treats every day can help to keep their anxiety on an even keel and make them far happier - just make sure you choose the right treats and give them the correct amount. Then, there are options like anxious pet therapy. Dog massage, soothing music - the list goes on. You’re going to need to pay attention to what works for your dog in certain situations.
Don’t: Get Angry With Your Dog Or Punish Them
This is not the time to get angry with your dog or punish them. They cannot help feeling anxious or scared. Imagine being a dog and not really having any idea about the world around you. When you hear loud noises, it would seem obvious that you think something bad is going to happen. When you leave, it won’t always be obvious to them that you’re going to be back in an hour. This is why you absolutely must stay patient. Do your best to train them from when they are very young, and this will make it easier for them as they age. Training an older dog is possible, but it can be a little more difficult to get them out of bad habits that they may have picked up.
