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In the previous post, we covered the main causes and symptoms of stress in dogs. There are certain causes of stress that we can’t prevent, such as sudden loud bangs, thunderstorms or moving to a new home but there are many ways to minimize stress in your dogs daily life. If your dog is stressed, you should always take him to a vet first to check there is no underlying medical condition causing him to be anxious.
If your dog is scared by loud bangs or appears scared of anything, NEVER try to comfort the dog by telling him he is a good dog or by cuddling. Instead, laugh, be upbeat, pretend it was fun, and make it into a game. If you praise or console, you are telling the puppy/dog that it was right to be scared of that thunder-clap or firework, therefore reinforcing the anxiety.
Another change you can make is to avoid using negative reinforcement in everyday training. Instead, replace it with a reward based training program. Praise and reward is the way to go and there are many good books and videos out there to help you. Look for books and videos on positive reinforcement training. Positive reinforcement not only helps reduce stress in the dog but in the owner too! Training should always be fun!
Research what your dog’s breed was initially bred to do and make sure that your dog has time to act on his hereditary characteristics. Running, herding or sporting activities are good examples. Border Collies were born to herd sheep and will round up the kids if not given another “job” to do, such as agility or obedience!
Sleep is important. Interrupted sleep is not good for humans and it is not good for dogs. You have heard the expression “let sleeping dogs lie” well if your dog is sleeping and there is no emergency, let him sleep. If you have kids make sure they know to let the dog sleep too, not only to reduce or prevent stress but also to prevent a possible grumpy response.
Dogs are pack animals, they don’t like being alone. Many dogs get stressed when their owner leaves the house and can cause some major damage to doors, walls, window blinds, not to mention carpets and floors. This is known as separation anxiety. Here are some things you can do to relieve the dog’s stress when left alone.
- Don’t allow the dog to follow you everywhere at home, close doors behind you. Never re-enter the room if the dog is scratching at the door, barking, howling, or whimpering. If you do you are teaching the dog to use that behavior to make you come back. Wait until it is quiet before re-entering. Practise this until your dog is okay being in another room without you for a while.
- Leave a radio or TV playing and make sure it is turned on at least an hour before you leave the house. Leave it on a station that has lots of talking.
- Choose the room where you are going to be leaving your dog and make it as dog-friendly and comfortable as possible.
- Leave an article of clothing or blanket that smells of you with your dog. I recommend sleeping on the clothing or blanket for a week before using it. Yes, I said a week. The stinkier the better! If you don’t want to leave the item physically with the dog, you could leave it on the outside of the door at the bottom so the dog can still smell you under the door and think you are still there.
- Put drops of Rescue Remedy in the dog’s water bowl. This will help calm your dog. Rescue Remedy can be purchased from most pharmacies and from Amazon (click the image below). I recommend the use of Rescue Remedy in this way whenever a new dog is brought home. Rescue dogs bond very quickly with their new owners and prevention is easier than cure when it comes to separation anxiety.
- Give them a stuffed Kong or two to keep them occupied. I would hide them somewhere when the dog is not looking so he can find them himself. This will help to keep his mind off things. Stuff them with kibble, treats, peanut butter or pet store-bought stuffing.
- Don’t make a big deal out of leaving. Have everything you need (shoes, bag, keys, coat) in one place so you can just put it on, pick it up, and go. Don’t say anything, just leave. The more prolonged the exit the more stressful for the dog as you are broadcasting your departure. Practice leaving over a few days, starting with a few minutes and then gradually build up the time you are gone.
- Don’t make a big deal when you come back. Keep everything calm and understated until you have taken your coat off and put your bags where they need to go. Then a calm greeting is in order. An excited greeting only accentuates you have been gone.
- If you enter the house and find a big mess DO NOT SHOUT OR PUNISH THE DOG! If you do you are just teaching him to be stressed about you returning too and will make the problem much worse. Instead say nothing, clean up, and remember he did this because he was stressed, not vengeful for being left behind!
For more help, consult your veterinarian and ask to be referred to an animal behaviorist.
Rhiannon West
10/13/2017.
