Techniques to Calm Nervous Dogs

Dogs really don't understand why we take them to the vet. Some dogs are very comfortable with everyone, while others are only used to being around a few people. You can help your dog feel much more comfortable by being calm to help them stay calm!

[DrGregDVM]

Anxiety dogs need many controlled socialization times with rewards. You can slowly introduce them to different people and dogs or a nice pack of dogs at day care or boarding facility. I forgot to put the reward part in the video. I reward a nervous dog for being good and letting me handle it, several times during our sessions. You can do the same.

[DrGregDVM]

Dogs are social and some need more company than others. You may investigate leaving him with friends or families dogs or doggie day care. He may need companions? kitty? puppy? Will chew toys help keep him busy ? He probably will grow out of it, but is really needy right now. Taking him out to dog parks and socializing may help

[DrGregDVM]

You can try to put him in day care a few times, or with friends or family with dogs to help him get more socialized

[DrGregDVM]

Cats hate to be messed with, but most vets are good at not making them mad. It helps some kitties to be pinched or held by the "scruff" to palpate or feel the abdomen and really do a good exam.Most cats tolerate a visit real well.

[DrGregDVM]

I meant doggie day care! Some clients may use that resource for socialization if the pet tolerates it, and it works with the boarding or day care folks

[MargaretNahmias]

Great advice. It helped me understand dogs better. When bathing and drying dogs I always praise and encourage them

[DrGregDVM]

Thanks for the info. I try not to "lock eyes" with an aggressive or timid dog because it makes them agitated or cranky.

[hgbugalou]

We were considering adopting another dog for this reason (and we love dogs!) Thank you for the advice!

[HandiMandiFP]

Great tips. (as always cuz you rock!) Very helpful with my jack/doxie rescue who experiences high anxiety. He wa diagnosed with fear aggression & touch sensitivity. He is NOT good with strangers/other dogs. Any extra tips? Tia

[captmicha]

But over all, good information and I like your gentle technique. :)

[JustJenny]

Hi Doctor a loyal listener here. I have a question concerning meeting dogs. I have a three year old male that's fixed but his social skills well he's a spoiled boy and is used to a few people and I have triplets that are two years old and love him to death what can I do to make things easy on him? Since small kids like that don't understand what we can.

[frnky]

My German Sheppard dog was aggressive to my kids when we were giving him a bath. What do I do? Please help

[captmicha]

A dog staring you in the eyes isn't "dominant". It's a warning to back off, usually after appeasement and displacement signals haven't worked (like the whale eyes you noted, lip licks, yawning, etc.). Dominant is "an attribute of the pattern of repeated, agonistic interactions between two individuals, characterized by a consistent outcome in favor of the same dyad member, and a default yielding response of its opponent rather than escalation". Dominant isn't a personality trait.

[NotFamousKid]

The dog was not comfortable with you the whole time. The whites of her eyes showing constantly (wanting space) and the licking of lips (nervousness) when you took her. Also the tale was down as soon as you touched her...When petting a nervous dog or showing affection to an anxious dog is re enforcing this behaviour. And cause aggression or in some cases anxiety issues. You should have sat next to her and let her sniff you, you should have not gave her eye contact and then pet her when she was calm and relaxed.

[sergeantchaos]

My dog is scared now because of fireworks that had went off.. 😓

[JustJenny]

Just to let him sit and not interact with the kids? Just be a part of the daycare?

[moramora]

What about when dogs turns in circles non stop and starts looking everywhere

[RnW]

Essential oil is excellent. Rose, lavender, musk, etc. are calming. Put a few drops on a tissue and put it near anyone who feels anxious. The brain will release endorphins after a few minutes.