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Understanding & Helping Your Anxious Dog: A Guide for Owners

Chelsey Woldt



If you have an anxious dog, you know the struggle. Whether it’s pacing, whining, trembling, or full-blown panic at the sound of fireworks, anxiety can take a serious toll on both dogs and their owners. The good news? Anxiety doesn’t have to rule your dog’s life—or yours. With the right approach, you can help your dog feel more secure and confident in the world around them.



Why Do Dogs Experience Anxiety?

Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common triggers include:

  • Separation Anxiety: Dogs who struggle being left alone may bark, chew furniture, or attempt to escape.

  • Noise Sensitivity: Thunderstorms, fireworks, or even household appliances can be overwhelming.

  • Past Trauma: Rescue dogs or former lab research beagles often carry emotional baggage from their past experiences.

  • Lack of Socialization: Dogs that weren’t properly exposed to different environments, people, and experiences as puppies may feel unsafe in new situations.

  • Changes in Routine: A move, new family member, or even a change in your schedule can throw an anxious dog off balance.



Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs express anxiety in different ways, and some signs are more subtle than others. Watch for:

  • Excessive panting, yawning, or lip licking

  • Pacing or restlessness

  • Trembling or hiding

  • Destructive behaviors (chewing furniture, scratching doors)

  • Excessive barking or whining

  • Avoidance behaviors (refusing to go outside, backing away from people)






How to Help Your Anxious Dog

Helping an anxious dog isn’t about eliminating fear overnight—it’s about building confidence and trust over time. Here’s how you can start:


1. Create a Safe Space

Give your dog a designated safe spot in the house where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. A cozy crate, a quiet corner, or a specific bed can help them feel more secure.


2. Stick to a Routine

Dogs thrive on consistency. Keeping a predictable schedule for meals, walks, and bedtime can reduce anxiety by helping your dog know what to expect.


3. Work on Confidence-Building Activities

Engagement games, obedience training, and structured play sessions can boost your dog’s confidence. Small wins—like mastering a simple trick or calmly observing a stressful trigger from a distance—can go a long way in building resilience.


4. Use the ‘Treat and Retreat’ Method

If your dog is anxious around strangers, try this method: Have visitors toss high-value treats behind the dog rather than directly approaching them. This gives the dog space and a positive association with the stranger’s presence.


5. Address Triggers Gradually

For dogs afraid of noises, consider using desensitization techniques. Playing recorded sounds at a low volume and pairing them with positive reinforcement can help reduce sensitivity over time.


6. Try Enrichment Activities

Puzzle toys, sniffing games, and food-dispensing toys can engage your dog’s brain and reduce stress. Giving them a job to do can help shift their focus away from anxiety.


7. Consider Professional Guidance

Some anxious dogs need more structured help. Working with a professional trainer who specializes in behavior modification (like we do at Command Canine!) can provide tailored strategies to help your dog feel safer and more in control.



What Not to Do

🚫 Don’t force your dog into scary situations. Flooding them with overwhelming stimuli can make things worse.

🚫 Don’t punish anxious behaviors. This won’t stop anxiety—it will only suppress symptoms and potentially increase stress.

🚫 Don’t ignore the signs. Anxiety doesn’t just go away on its own. It requires a proactive approach.




You’re Not Alone—We Can Help!

If your dog struggles with anxiety, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Command Canine, we specialize in working with anxious and reactive dogs, including former lab research beagles and rescues with trauma. Whether you need a structured training program or just some guidance on where to start, we’re here to help.



📩 Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s create a plan to help your dog feel safe and confident in their world.

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