Dog Social Anxiety: How to Help Your Stressed Out Pup

There is extreme joy and pride for pet owners when you can take your dog out, and they greet everyone while wagging their tails. However, having a social dog that displays good behavior is not something that comes naturally to all pets. However, abused rescue dogs, unsocialized puppies, or stray dogs that have been raised in puppy mills or neglectful situations often have dog social anxiety. Anxiety is a normal defense mechanism that many dogs and humans exhibit, but when anxiety symptoms overwhelm your companion animal and cause extreme stress, it’s difficult to know how to calm your dog. The simple solution is therapy and gentle, loving care. We address the struggle of social anxiety in dogs and how you can assist your dog to overcome their extreme nervousness.

Social anxiety is the fear of unfamiliar people or dogs. Your nervous dog could also fear non-social objects in new situations like heights, loud noises, a car ride, new sights, or even shiny floors. Anxious dogs may have a strong bond with their family members, but their behavior changes when faced with anyone or anything unknown outside of their comfort zone. Anxious behavior can be mild. But when a dog’s anxiety is severe, they may display harmful or aggressive behavior. If you do not help your dog work on their social skills, repetitive or compulsive behaviors can develop.

Dogs experience anxious behavior in a similar way to humans. When your dog is scared, they do what they can to protect themselves. This often includes shutting down of emotions as a way to defend themselves from trauma.

An anxious dog will show his fear in his body language by quivering, trembling, tail between his legs, ears back, and a refusal to acknowledge the one person they usually trust. Your dog may whine or cry when they experience anxiety.

Some dogs may even urinate or defecate in different places as a reaction to stress.

Destructive actions are more typically seen in dogs with separation anxiety. Still, dogs anxious due to strange people in the home might gnaw on furniture or destroy items within reach to redirect their stress.

A scared dog may become protective and show aggressive behavior towards other dogs or unfamiliar people that they encounter. Barking, growing, biting, or jumping are probably the worst symptoms for dog parents to try and control.No matter what, remain calm and never punish or reprimand your dog. A harsh and frustrated response from their owner will only instill the fearful behavior. Instead, calmly remove them from the situation.

The Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Research in Finland found that “deficits in early socialization and unpleasant experiences at any age affect a dog’s fearfulness.” They pin the cause of dog anxiety and fearfulness on “maternal care” and “lack of socialization” when they’re a puppy. Negative experiences during adolescence can also contribute to anxiety build-up. Often if an adult dog is adopted, its new owners may not know what’s triggered their social anxiety. Dogs raised alone in a home and isolated from other animals can develop fear when they eventually enter a new environment. Unfamiliarity with dog parks and other dogs can cause them to be fearful of the unknown.

Helping your dog overcome social anxiety and fear of others may take some time, especially if they distrust people due to years of neglect and abuse.Don’t expect a calm dog overnight. Changing behavior in adult dogs can take months or years.

Counterconditioning is a method that uses tactics to alter the way that a dog feels and responds to a situation that makes them anxious. You could do this by rewarding your dog with a toy or treat when they encounter a new person or fur friend. Methods of distraction or new commands (getting your pet to sit and face you) can help to take your pet’s focus off their trigger. Desensitization is a training method that gradually exposes your dog to situations until no negative response or behavior is triggered. It can take a few months until your dog is less fearful. An example would be introducing your fur ball to another dog in a safe environment. Once they’ve mastered that situation, you attempt to greet dogs in public, walk past other dogs, and eventually visit a crowded park for longer periods. The goal of desensitization is for your dog to become “less reactive” to places and people that would previously cause them stress. Some pet owners have found crate training to be helpful when they have visitors. The crate gives your anxious dog a safe, den-like space where they can escape and feel secure at home. A soft-sided carrier can be used when you have to take your pet to the vet or for longer outings.

Good treatment during training will encourage your fur baby and help them to change their perception of fearful situations. Rewarding your dog for calm behavior and making social situations fun and engaging can help your dog. Never force your dog to engage with another animal or person before they are ready. When your dog begins to socialize, stay close by and remove your furry friend if you sense that they feel overwhelmed. After some time, gradually decrease the distance between yourself and your dog until they feel at ease in the company of others.

A calm vest is a dog jacket that provides gentle pressure around the torso and chest. By stimulating these acupressure points, anecdotal testimonies have reported on a more relaxed demeanor in their dog. Anxiety vests may form part of the treatment for dogs with an anxiety disorder. Many online pet stores sell anxiety vests; look for one that is the right size according to your pet’s weight, with adjustable straps and breathable cotton fabric. A pressure vest can also help pets with separation anxiety or storm phobias.

CBD Cannabidiol from hemp has a calming effect on dogs exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, and discontentment. The natural product has minimal side effects when compared with anti-anxiety medication. Many dog owners have used CBD products to ease dog anxiety and fear reactions. CBD is easy to administer, and you can even get your dog some bites or chews. Dogs love Honest Paws CBD peanut butter pouches that are convenient for outings and oh-so-tasty!

If you’re not having any luck training your dog yourself, then it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. A fresh response may be a great starting point to reduce anxiety in your dog. Consulting a trainer may also be a good option if you struggle with anxiety yourself. Having your pet trained and socialized can even mean that they help you down the line with your anxiety disorder as an emotional support animal.

Not unlike humans, the stress in pets can have a detrimental effect on your pup’s health conditions. Their nervous system responds by releasing stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline (fight or flight response). Blood flow increases, heart rate rises, muscles tighten, breath quickens, and blood pressure rises. In short bursts and the case of an emergency, this response can heighten senses. But when experiencing stress as a prolonged state of being, the body suffers from these physiological responses. Emotional turmoil, fear, and nervousness begin to overwhelm the body. Stress can have an impact on your pet’s immune system, gut health, chronic stress, diarrhea, and more.Of course, you want to avoid the effects of stress on your dog. Here’s how:

If you home a puppy, early socialization is key to avoiding anxiety problems later in life. When you get a puppy, introduce them to new people and other dogs (after they’ve been vaccinated). Those first few weeks are crucial for them to develop as a social canine. Take your puppy to the shops, visit dog parks, and introduce them to the vet.

If your dog suffers from social anxiety, they need you to be calm and steadfast. Your emotional and physical signals can help your dog relax. Speak in a loving and soft tone, get down to their level, and initiate contact. A loving embrace can calm your furry friend and help them to feel at ease. Bonus – hugging your dog will help you to feel happier too!

While you’re training your dog, it’s best to avoid situations that would usually cause them stress. Avoid dog parks if your dog becomes aggressive in those situations. A dog who dislikes other people can be placed in a particular part of the home (or a crate) when you’re hosting guests. As social training progresses and your dog’s behavior improves in a controlled environment, you can gradually introduce them to other dogs and social situations.

Exercise increases the release of endorphins. If you want a healthy and happy dog, regular exercise and a wholesome diet are two primary foundations for dog health. Not only will your furry friend have a boosted immune system, but they will be less prone to boredom and dog anxiety.Playing with your four-legged friend also encourages human contact and will increase the bond between you and your dog. A playful relationship with your doggo can help them during stressful situations.

Obedience training is something that prepares your dog for society. No one wants two dogs fighting at the park or a dog that cannot obey a simple command. Training your fur ball makes them more friendly with humans and pets and can therefore reduce the chance of dog anxiety symptoms. It’s also beneficial in that it exposes dogs to peers in a safe and controlled setting. The American Kennel Club lists trainers in the US on their site.

By following the above steps, walking your dog in the busy park can become a “walk in the park.” When you treat dog anxiety with gentleness, patience, and understanding, then your dog will feel secure enough to alter its behavior. Avoid adding to their stress with punishment or harsh words. It doesn’t all have to be up to you though. Your vet, a trainer, or a veterinary behaviorist are valuable experts who can help tackle your dog overcome its anxiety condition. Whether your companion animal comes from a traumatic upbringing or they’re just late to enter social situations, this problem can be worked on and improved. After some dedication, your dog can be the friendly fuzzball that everyone loves.

An anxious dog will show his fear in his body language by quivering, trembling, tail between his legs, ears back, and a refusal to acknowledge the one person they usually trust. Your dog may whine or cry when they experience anxiety.

CBD Cannabidiol from hemp may treat your pet’s anxiety. CBD has a calming effect on dogs exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, or discontentment.

Introduce your fur ball to another dog in a safe environment. Once they’ve mastered that situation, you attempt to greet dogs in public, walk past other dogs, and eventually visit a park with more pets. This method is called desensitization.