Easing Anxiety
October 3, 2009 by Paris and John
Filed under Tips, Training
Whether it’s caused by thunder, fireworks, or “Trick or Treat” cries at the door, life can bring about anxiety for some dogs.
But you can help your dog both with products specially designed to diminish anxiety and with actions to help calm and distract your dog during these stressful situations.
Susan Sharpe, APDT, CPDT, and veteran dog trainer, developed The Anxiety Wrap ™. Worn by the dog, it uses a technique–Maintained Pressure–first developed by Dr. Temple Grandin to help calm people with autism. Similar to swaddling babies, the pressure helps the dog become calm whether he is fearful, anxious or hyperactive.
Along with using specialized products like The Anxiety Wrap, Susan Sharpe has several tips for calming dogs frightened by thunder and other loud noises:
- Determine what part of the storm causes your dog to react. “First, determine what part of the storm triggers your dog’s reaction,” explains Susan. One example is a dog that chases and barks at the lightning or thunder through the house. “This dog might fare better in a crate with a cover over it to help minimize the lightning while placing a radio or television on or near the crate to help with the thunder. Be sure to observe any crated dog during distress as it may increase his anxiety.”
- Find your dog a safe place such as a window-free closet or bathroom. “Sometimes this is the bathroom, sometimes it’s the closet,” explains Susan. “As long as the occupants of the house are okay with the location of the safe place and the dog remains calm without undergoing further trauma, this is an acceptable solution.”
- Redirect your dog’s focus to help him let go of his perceived danger. “You might try attaching the leash and walking your dog through the house, asking him to perform learned behaviors or go up and down stairs, etc. Redirecting your dog’s focus helps him let go of his perceived danger. Make your house an obstacle course and give the dog juicy treats for maneuvering through, especially during a stressful situation. Gently engage your dog in whatever his favorite activity is whether it’s a game of fetch or hide and seek.”
Susan Sharpe emphasizes that it’s especially important to remain as neutral as possible when interacting with your dog during this time. “Often we humans will try to reassure our dogs by talking in an animated way, sitting with, hugging, and petting them,” she explains. “Unfortunately, giving them special attention even with the best of intentions can actually reinforce their fearful behavior. To a dog, this out-of-the-normal behavior can justify his anxiety. After all, something must be wrong or his human wouldn’t be making such a fuss. Also be sure to never punish the dog for his fearful behavior.”
Photo courtesy The Anxiety Wrap
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