How to Calm Your Dog
If your dog feels anxious, there are things you can do to make it feel better. With that in mind, 5-Minute Crafts has come up with a few solutions to help you calm down your dog.
1. Give it a massage.
Anxiety will make your dog’s muscles feel more tense, and you can use massage to release some of its tension. Start from the neck and work downward with long strokes. It’s also important to keep one hand on your dog, while the other massages it.
Note: With time, you might be able to identify the areas where your dog holds the most stress.
2. Bring out their favorite toy.
Distract your dog from its anxiety by giving them their favorite toy to chew on, or play with. It’ll allow them to take their mind off whatever is making them nervous.
3. Exercise your dog.
Exercise helps both humans and dogs relieve stress. Take your dog out and play with it. It’s also beneficial to talk to them and provide them with physical contact while bonding through play.
4. Use physical touch.
An owner’s touch is very soothing to a dog. When you start noticing that your dog is feeling anxious, pick them up and cuddle with them on the couch. Otherwise, you can pet them for a while.
5. Build their confidence up.
Because dogs learn more from other dogs than they do from humans, you can set up playdates with other well-socialized, confident dogs to help yours feel the same way. Your dog will feed off their energy and learn to be less anxious over time.