Supporting Anxious Dogs: Going Beyond Management for Lasting Well-Being

As professional dog trainers and behaviour consultants, we often encounter dogs who struggle with anxiety. Whether it’s separation anxiety, noise phobia, or generalized anxiety, it’s essential to approach each case with a comprehensive plan that prioritizes the dog’s overall well-being. During Dog Anxiety Awareness Week, let's take a moment to reflect on how we can best support these dogs and their families.

Collaborating with Veterinarians and Veterinary Behaviourists

Anxiety in dogs is not just about training new skills; it’s often influenced by the dog’s underlying emotional and physiological state. Working closely with veterinarians and/or veterinary behaviourists is crucial to developing a holistic approach. Here’s why:

• Accurate Diagnosis: At Dogma Academy, we teach our students to focus on the root cause rather than just treating symptoms. Anxiety can sometimes mask other medical conditions or vice versa. A thorough veterinary evaluation ensures we are addressing the root cause.
• Pharmaceutical Support: In many cases, medication can be life-changing for anxious dogs. Collaborating with veterinarians allows us to create a plan that combines pharmacological support with behaviour modification techniques.
• Tailored Treatment: Every dog is different. Vet behaviourists can prescribe medications that specifically target the type of anxiety a dog experiences, from SSRIs to benzodiazepines, ensuring a personalized approach.

Utilizing Pharmaceuticals as a Training Aid

There’s still some resistance within the dog training community when it comes to using medication. However, the right pharmaceutical support can facilitate the learning process and help the dog feel safe enough to engage in training. It helps us set the dog up for success.

• Breaking the Cycle: Anxious dogs often struggle to learn because they are in a constant state of stress. Medication can lower arousal levels, making them more receptive to training.
• Long-Term Benefits: By integrating medications into a structured training plan, we often see faster progress and more sustainable outcomes.
• Educating Clients: It’s important to help families understand that medication doesn’t mean giving up. They are a tool that, when used correctly, supports behaviour change and improves quality of life.

Supporting the Family: Educating and Empowering

Dogs with anxiety can place immense stress on their families. Our role extends beyond training the dog; we must also support the humans involved.

• Setting Realistic Expectations: Anxiety doesn’t disappear overnight. Educating families about celebrating small successes, understanding that progress can feel slow, and emphasizing the importance of going at the dog’s pace can help manage their expectations and reduce frustration.
• Providing Tools: Teaching families how to create safe spaces, avoid stressful situations, and recognize early signs of stress empowers them to take proactive steps.
• Emotional Support: Trainers often become an emotional anchor for families dealing with anxious dogs. Listening with empathy and acknowledging their challenges can make a significant difference. It’s important to recognize how difficult and emotionally draining living with an anxious dog can be, so we must also focus on helping our human learners.

Going Beyond Management: A Long-Term Approach

Managing symptoms is not enough. To truly support anxious dogs, we must strive for long-term change. A life full of stress is not a good life, so let’s do our best to help anxious dogs live a fulfilling and stress-free life.

• Building Coping Skills: Beyond simply avoiding triggers, we should focus on building the dog’s confidence and resilience through gradual exposure and positive reinforcement.
• Enhancing Choice and Agency: Allowing dogs to have choices, such as choosing when to engage or retreat, reduces anxiety and builds trust.
• Promoting Emotional Stability: Teaching relaxation protocols, using pattern games, and incorporating enrichment activities all help to create a sense of predictability and safety.

Moving the Industry Forward

It’s encouraging to see more trainers moving past the stigma around anxiety in dogs and the use of medications as a support tool. By fostering collaboration between trainers, behaviour consultants, veterinarians, and families, we can create a more compassionate and effective approach to helping anxious dogs.

Let’s use Dog Anxiety Awareness Week as an opportunity to educate our clients, our colleagues, and ourselves. Supporting anxious dogs goes far beyond management, it’s about fostering true well-being through thoughtful, individualized care.

By adopting a holistic, multi-faceted approach, we not only support anxious dogs but also help their families regain a sense of normalcy and joy. Let’s continue to advocate for comprehensive care and proactive suppoHow else can we support anxious dogs and their families? Share your thoughts in the comments below!