Is your dog or puppy often anxious or stressed? Calming down an agitated or anxious dog can seem like a big job. Fortunately, there are some guidelines that can help you. These simple tips can help you to make your dog feel relaxed and free to explore his/her world. So, here are 6 guidelines on how to get a dog to calm down:
1. Music for your dog
Calming Effects of
DOG MUSIC!
As strange as this may sound, music can be used to calm your dog. Studies have shown that music can influence emotions in both humans and animals. Classical music is the better option; playing music at a tempo of 50-60 beats per minute can soothe your dog’s nerves.
Music can mask potential scary noises. On the other hand, any music that has a lot of clashing or deep bass sounds could make your dog think it is hearing thunder. Your dog should associate music with calm and comfort.
2. Give your dog attention and company
We all like companionship and your pets are no exception. Learn to read your dog’s body language. In this way you can react quickly to help them calm down. What’s more, an important way to help your dog relax is by giving them enough attention. Praise and pet your dog when he/she is displaying relaxed behaviors.
During the day, give your dog specific times to unwind. Having either your or another dog’s company can also reduce anxiety. In fact, you should spend time with your dog and interact with them as often as possible. As has been noted, your dog will find this soothing and will recognize that you have affection for him/her.
3. Aromatherapy can be used to calm your dog
Aromatherapy oils can do much to help your dog to calm down. Scents like lavender, cedar wood, and frankincense are calming for dogs. What’s more, you can buy dog-friendly essential oils or try burning candles or incense in the room as this might help your dog to relax.
Alternatively, you can use a Dog Calming Pheromone Diffuser. Start using these scents in your dog’s environment to aid in reducing stress.
4. Give your dog a gentle massage or grooming
Grooming or massaging your dog can be relaxing for him/her. Begin by petting your dog using long, slow strokes and then go on to slightly stronger massages. Additionally, rubbing their legs, head, and back can give them a feeling of calmness and security.
Buy a good quality grooming brush designed for dogs which will make grooming a lot easier. Brushes that contain soft bristles are much better than those with harder bristles that can easily get tangled in knots if your dog has long fur. Moreover, while you are grooming your dog you should speak to them in a calm, quiet and reassuring voice. Remember this is a time for both of you to bond with each other and relax.
5. Provide mental stimulation for your dog
Just as humans don’t like being bored, your dog does not like to be bored either. Therefore, give them mental stimulation by creating games that will keep their minds active. This can be an excellent way to assist them to wind down after being vulnerable to stimuli that causes stress.
Allow your dog to learn new tricks, play games such as hide and seek or tug of war. In any case, make sure these games are interactive so that you can spend more time together. Puzzle toys filled with treats can be attention grabbing and this will help your dog to refocus and therefore start relaxing.
6. Give them a toy or blanket to cuddle
Most dogs have a favorite toy or blanket that they are attached to. When your dog is overwhelmed, give them their favorite object as this will be a source of comfort. This object will assist them by redirecting their focus. This in turn can give them chance to relax and breathe calmly. This will help them throughout their day. Another thing you can do is dress your dog in a calming vest.
So, in conclusion, there are many techniques and guidelines you can follow to help your dog to settle down. Doing so will help your dog to become properly socialized and gain enough exercise.
You can also ask your vet about calming supplements or medication for your dog. As we have discussed above, there are some very easy things that you can do to help your canine friend feel safe and less anxious.
In this video from McCann Dog Training, see how to calm a puppy:
Teach Your Puppy To Calm Down With This 7 Minute Exercise
Are you a cat lover also? You may be interested in this article:
How to Stop a Cat Peeing Everywhere
Podcast: Play in new window | Download