Dog Anxiety: How to Help Your Dog Feel Safe

In association with My Anxious Dog

The daily dog walk is a time to relax, escape and spend quality time with your canine companions. But, for those with anxious dogs, it can be a challenge, fearful that something harmful or unexpected could happen, simply from dogs or strangers coming over to say hello. For anxious dogs, avoiding ‘scary’ triggers can be tricky.

This is why compassionate dog trainer Sarah Jones set up My Anxious Dog and the awareness initiative ‘Dogs in Yellow Day’: to draw attention to the need for stressed dogs to be better understood and given the space needed to lead happier lives.

“It’s not easy to know when a dog is anxious”, explains Sarah. “All dogs are different, and unless you’re aware of the relevant canine body language, a dog’s high anxiety will likely go unnoticed – at least, until it reacts. How we support our own anxious dog and respect other’s anxious dogs can make a significant difference to the dog and owner.”

By developing brightly coloured collars, harnesses, leads and jackets, acting as an ‘early warning system’, dog owners can help make others aware that their dog is happier if not approached.

Wilsons and My Anxious dog have teamed up to help promote the #dogsinyellow safety initiative by sharing tips on recognising nervous and anxious pups and how best to help them feel safe and happy.

How to spot an anxious dog

All dogs can show anxiety in different ways, but it is helpful to know a bit basic canine body language to try to spot signs of stress.

Anxiety cues:

·   Keeping close and not sniffing the world around them

·   Hiding behind you

·   Panting

·   Over-reacting to other dogs (or people); barking or lunching

·   Over excitement or shaking

·   Not wanting to go out for walks or wanting to return home soon after leaving.

Using the branded yellow lead or jacket gives an owner more confidence during walks and will help passersby appreciate that they should provide a safe distance. 

Not all dogs want to say ‘Hi’

Some dogs love a greeting and a sniff, whilst others may react badly to any sort of interaction.  They could be reactive, fearful, elderly, or be recovering from an accident or illness.  Some breeds are simply just less sociable than others.

How to Support anxious dogs whilst out walking

Routine - Anxious dogs thrive on routines, such as exercise, games, mealtimes, or sleep.  Try to keep to similar routines as much as you can.

Diet – a natural diet can help improve a dog’s anxiety by providing the right nutrients to support both their physical and mental well-being.  A wholesome diet can stabilise mood, support a balanced nervous system, and even help them gain better sleep – all of which will better help them cope with stress. Choose a balanced diet, free from junk or fillers and look for recipes containing high-quality protein sources plus rich in Omega 3. Wilsons cold pressed dry dog food is packed with quality ingredients, vitamins and minerals, all gently processed to lock in the goodness.

Planning - Plan walks at quieter times in the day and in areas that have less people and dogs, whenever possible. At weekends, consider visiting areas with more space and less people.

Wear Yellow - Consider the yellow ‘early warning system’, using the most suitable aid to support your dog, be it lead, or jacket.

Keep Things Calm - If you sense your dog is getting anxious, talk to them calmly. Consider distractions such as a game or tasty treat. If preparing to pass another dog, stride ahead, lead with confidence and keep your dog on the outside ‘lane’, away from the other dog. If needed, cross the path or road, taking them away from the cause of their anxiety.

Praise & Rewards – Rewarding calm behaviour is really important. Relating calmness and rewards will help dogs associate feeling relaxed with positive things, especially after walks. Consider introducing a chamomile supplement for the herb’s calming benefits when settling. Longer-lasting enrichment treats are also great for wind-down time, something to naw on, such as protein-rich Beef Tripe. Remember, never punish anxious behaviour with a telling-off; it will achieve the exact opposite of what you want to achieve.

Call on an Expert - Seek professional help if required.  If you’re really concerned, it is worth seeking support from a specialist, be it a vet, dog behaviourist or trainer specialising in anxiety. This can be a game changer if the behaviour does not improve with home-based solutions.

Everyone deserves tail-wagglingly happy dog walks. For more details on Dogs in Yellow or support with anxiety visit myanxiousdog.co.uk