How to help a dog with axiety.

Just before I start, just know I do not care about humans feelings any way near as much as dogs. Anxiety in dogs is 100% the human owners fault.

It's never done deliberately, but because the human cares so much for their dog, and has "too much" of their human feelings and emotions all in on the dog.

"Too much" meaning we smother our unstable, un regulated and uncontrolled human emotions onto our dogs from day one, and more often than not our dogs cannot handle or comprehend what they mean. OR the dog understands exactly what they meant, just from their own point of view.

For example, if you pat a dog while it's barking, and they see a pat as praise because you have always praised your dog by patting them... will this stop the barking? or praise them for barking?

If your dog is anxious of something, and you pat and cuddle and console your dogs in this moment of anxiety, does is stop the anxiety and instantly fix all future anxious behaviours? Or does it possibly reward and reinforce the anxiety?

Dog Anxiety: Causes, Signs & How to Help Your Anxious Dog

Is your dog struggling with anxiety? Whether it’s barking when left alone, trembling during storms, or being reactive on walks, dog anxiety is more common than many people realise. At Crazydog Solutions, we work with dog owners across Geelong and the surrounding areas to help anxious dogs feel calm, safe, and confident.

In this article, we’ll explain what causes anxiety in dogs, common signs to look out for, and how you can support your dog with effective, calm dog training.

🧠 What Is Dog Anxiety?

Dog anxiety is a stress response to things your dog finds threatening, confusing, or overwhelming. While occasional nervousness is normal, chronic anxiety can lead to ongoing behaviour problems like barking, chewing, aggression, or toileting inside the house.

Unlike humans, dogs can't reason through their fears. They rely on clear communication, routine, and calm leadership to feel safe. Without those, their stress can build into long-term behavioural issues.

🐕‍🦺 7 Common Causes of Anxiety in Dogs (and How to Help)

1. Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes overly stressed when left alone. This is one of the most common reasons people seek out dog training in Geelong.

Signs include:

• Barking or howling when left alone

• Destructive chewing

• Pacing or escaping

• Toilet accidents

Causes may include:

• Being rehomed or abandoned

• Sudden changes in routine (like going back to work)

• Over-attachment to one person

• Lack of independence training as a puppy

How to Help:

• Begin building independence slowly—start with short departures and increase gradually.

• Avoid overstimulates and emotional goodbyes or greetings.

• Use a consistent routine to make your dog feel secure.

• Calm training sessions focused on “settling” behaviours can help regulate their nervous system.

2. Fear-Based Anxiety

Fear-related anxiety is triggered by specific events or objects such as:

• Thunderstorms

• Fireworks

• Loud noises

• Vet visits

• New environments

Cause: Often due to a lack of desensitisation during the puppy socialisation period, or traumatic past experiences. Some breeds are naturally more sensitive.

How to Help:

• Don’t comfort or over-talk during fear episodes—this can reinforce anxiety.

• Gradually expose your dog to triggers in a controlled, calm way (desensitisation).

• Use calm tones, safe spaces, and stay neutral.

• Avoid high-excitement or chaotic environments that make fear worse.

3. Social Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs that haven’t been exposed calmly to different people, dogs, or places during early development can develop social anxiety.

Causes:

• Under-socialisation or most likely overstimulation as puppies

• Negative experiences with other dogs or people

• Owners unintentionally reinforcing nervous behaviours

How to Help:

• Focus on quiet exposure—observe people/dogs from a distance without interaction.

• Don't allow strangers to overwhelm your dog with touch or energy.

• Reward calm behaviour with your calm tone or quiet praise.

• Gradually work up to closer interactions, always reading your dog’s body language.

4. Changes in Routine or Environment

Dogs love routine. Big life changes like moving house, introducing a new baby, or shifting work hours can create stress and confusion. This include adding a second dog to the home.

Common triggers:

• Travel or moving

• New people or pets in the home

• Unpredictable schedules

How to Help:

• Establish a consistent daily routine as quickly as possible.

• Maintain feeding, walking, and resting times—even during change.

• Keep training and interaction simple and calm to provide predictability.

• Provide a familiar “safe space” (like a crate or mat) for comfort.

5. Age or Health-Related Anxiety

Older dogs may show increased anxiety due to pain, confusion, or sensory loss.

Signs include:

• Restlessness at night

• Disorientation

• Sudden new fears

This can be related to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (similar to dementia in humans) or undiagnosed medical issues.

How to Help:

• Speak to your vet to rule out medical conditions or pain.

• Keep interactions calm, familiar, and predictable.

• Use simple cues and avoid changing environments too quickly.

• Provide mental enrichment without overwhelming them (snuffle mats, scent games, etc.).

6. Owner Reinforcement & Inconsistent Behaviour

Many anxious behaviours are unintentionally reinforced by owners. For example, comforting a dog when they’re shaking during a storm can teach them that fear gets attention.

Other common mistakes:

• Talking too much or using inconsistent commands

• Using high-pitched or emotional tones

• Responding to anxiety with excitement or fuss

How to Help:

• Be consistent with expectations and commands.

• Use calm body language and minimal verbal correction or praise.

• Ignore minor anxious behaviours unless intervention is necessary.

• Train quiet, confident behaviours like “settle”, “go to mat”, and loose-lead walking.

7. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

Dogs need both mental and physical stimulation. Without it, anxiety and destructive behaviours often develop.

Common signs:

• Digging, chewing, barking

• Hyperactivity

• Attention-seeking

• A dog that never settles and paces from thing to thing in the home

Cause: Many dogs (especially working breeds) become anxious when they aren’t given a job or outlet for their energy.

How to Help:

• Provide daily physical exercise and calming enrichment like food puzzles or structured walks.

• Keep training sessions short, positive, and focused. Do multiple short sessions.

• Avoid overstimulation—skip constant wild games all the time and add in calm lead work and obedience.

• Rotate enrichment activities to keep your dog’s brain busy.

✅ How to Help an Anxious Dog

Helping a dog with anxiety isn’t about flooding them with exposure or using food to mask fear—it’s about calmness, consistency, and structure.

Key tips include:

• Create predictable daily routines

• Avoid overstimulating environments (especially during training)

• Limit verbal communication—use calm body language and verbal tone

• Build independence with short separations

• Provide enrichment through training, scent games, and calm lead walking

🚫 What Not to Do When Dealing with an Anxious Dog

Your response matters. Some well-meaning behaviours from owners can unintentionally increase anxiety. Here’s what to avoid:

❌ Don’t Comfort or Fuss Over Anxiety

Patting, cuddling, or speaking softly during anxiety is often a reward for fear. Reinforcing their behaviour. You're saying "good dog! you should be scared, well done"

Instead: Stay calm and neutral. Let your dog work through it with your quiet support.

❌ Don’t Use Harsh Discipline or Yelling

Punishment increases stress and damages trust.

Instead: Redirect your dog calmly using clear structure and guidance.

❌ Don’t Flood or Force Exposure

Taking your dog into overwhelming environments “to get used to it” can make fear worse.

Instead: Slowly and calmly expose your dog to triggers with distance and patience.

❌ Don’t Let Strangers or Dogs Rush In

Even well-meaning people or dogs can overwhelm your anxious pup.

Instead: Politely ask for space. Let your dog observe first and approach only when ready.

❌ Don’t Over-Talk or Stimulate

Too much talking or babying heightens anxiety.

Instead: Use calm, confident energy. Let your dog take their lead from you.

❌ Don’t Ignore Early Warning Signs

Lip licking, constant yawning, tensing, or avoiding are subtle signs of stress.

Instead: Step in early with calm redirection or space before it escalates.

❌ Don’t Rely Solely on Treats

Treats can mask fear but don’t fix it.

Instead: Use leadership, calm exposure, and structured routines for real improvement.

Some brutal stuff to finish

In recent years the amount of dogs I have seen on anxiety medication and all these food topping additives to help anxiety have done nothing more than dump squillions of dollars into vets bank accounts and into the pockets of the people selling the additives.

All a medication (and maybe toppers, but I have yet to really see many work) does is take anxiety from 100% to maybe 90%, which is somewhat better, but not very good, but enough that you don't want to stop giving the dog drugs as 100% anxiety is worse than 90%... which is absolutely fantastic for those selling it to you each month. Do just enough to make sure they keep buy it in fear of the anxiety going back to 100%

I say this because most of the dogs with bad anxiety that are on medication are still paying me to help their dog with bad anxiety!

If they are on a consistent supply of medication specifically given to them to help with anxiety or being provided with a food topper to help with anxiety, and the owner is then reaching out to a dog trainer to help with their dogs anxiety... THAT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE!

Why am I working with some many dogs with severe anxiety, when they are already on so much medication for it, and have been for a long time??? WHY???

Instead of buying on going anxiety medication, invest the money you would have spent into shares of companies making the anxiety medication. This way you will be able to easily afford the ongoing medication, and have plenty of time and money to train your dog to get over the anxiety.

Training your dog to handle living in the world you forced them into is the only real fix for dog anxiety. You need to be a proven leader to them. Provide safety. Provide quality food. Provide sufficient mental and physical exercise. Be their whole world.

You took this dog on. You chose the dog. Do what is right for your dog and forget about your personal human needs and focus on your dogs needs. Your dog needs to feel like it is always in a safe environment with their little pack.

OHHHH and I hate those stupid harnesses and leads that say "nervous dog" or "anxious dog" - All I read when I see them is "Rather than help my dog live a fulfilled happy life, I'm going to cotton wool them and demand the rest of the world adapt to my lack and willingness to help my dog"

These dogs are sentenced to a life of anxiety prison. A lifetime of mental punishment and torture. Step up and train your dog! Or re home them to someone who will. They deserve better.

Anyways... I need to settle down

.

Give your dog a pat for me... unless of course he/she is scared, anxious or nervous right now.

Cheers, Scot