How to Relieve Dog Anxiety

Dealing with a dog's high level of anxiety can be very difficult for the owner. The behavior associated with anxiety is chewing, excessive barking, licking and being destructive. Punishment is not effective; it may only make your dog's behavior worse. Some of the causes of anxiety are living in a new home, loud noises such as firecrackers, a pronounced change in your household, or a new pet being introduced. With patience, understanding and a change in your approach to your dog, you can calm your pet and temper its behavior.

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your dog with lots of exercise so that it can work off some of its anxiety. Interact with your dog during playtime, which will increase its sense of security with you. Letting you dog run loose in the backyard is a solitary activity and will not be effective in relieving its anxiety. Taking your dog for long walks is ideal. It provides the physical exercise it needs and gives your dog time with you.

    • 2

      Leave the house without making a fuss over your dog. This only increases its anxiety level. Leave quickly and ignore any whining.

    • 3

      Ignore any barking and overly exaggerated greetings when you return home. Wait until your dog has calmed down and then reward it with casual affection, like a scratch behind the ears. If you respond to the exaggerated behavior, you are rewarding and reinforcing the behavior.

    • 4

      Encourage your dog to be independent. By holding your dog all day and constantly cuddling with it, your dog will grow more anxious when you are not present to provide this constant attention. Put your dog down on the floor and do not fuss over it for periods throughout the day.