How to Bring Home a Nervous Dog

Dogs display nervous tendencies in a variety of different ways. According to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue, dogs display anxiety and nervousness by panting, pacing, lack of eye contact, not listening, housebreaking accidents, excessive chewing, vomiting, diarrhea, crying, whining, jumpiness and barking. Consider staying calm and positive around the dog to help decrease its nervousness.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar/leash
  • Dog treats
  • Pet crate/carrier
  • Rubber straps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a collar gently around the dog's neck and attach a leash to the collar. Speak softly to the dog while attaching the collar and leash to the dog to help ease its nervousness. Dogs are highly sensitive to smells and sounds, therefore the tone of your voice should be soft and pleasant so as not to alarm or frighten the nervous dog.

    • 2

      Coax the dog to your vehicle with treats or by physically picking the dog up and carrying it to your vehicle. Avoid tensing up, pulling or raising your voice at the dog. According to Rockdale County, animals are very sensitive to the moods of humans, therefore if you're nervous, the animal is more likely to become nervous or frightened.

    • 3

      Place the dog in a crate or pet carrier. Crates or pet carriers provide stressed, nervous pets a quiet place to rest and be alone. Secure the crate or pet carrier to your vehicle with the seat belt or rubber straps to prevent the crate or carrier from tipping over or moving during transportation.

    • 4

      Talk to the dog in a calm, soothing voice throughout the trip. The Partnership for Animal Welfare recommends repeatedly reassuring the nervous dog that everything is okay.

    • 5

      Introduce the dog to your home and family. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue recommends attaching a leash to the dog and spending 15-30 minutes walking it outside around the perimeter of your yard. Take the dog inside and allow it to explore the interior of your home and surroundings at its own pace. Leave the leash attached to the dog at all times. Nervous dogs have a tendency to run away if they become frightened.

    • 6

      Provide the dog with plenty of quiet time. According to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue, dogs that feature nervousness or anxiety will tire quickly. Place the dog in a quiet area, such as in a crate or bathroom, to allow the dog plenty of alone time and sleep time.