Help! My Dog is Fearful, Anxious and Miserable!
Help! My Dog is Fearful, Anxious and Miserable!
As dogs adjust to their new home and people, it’s normal
for common issues to arise like K9 anxiety.
In this post, our own Training & Behavior Modification Expert,
Fran Menley takes a closer look at this all-too-common behavior.
Every day we see dogs come into our grooming shop, encounter them at the vet’s office or we meet them in their homes during a pet sitting introduction, they are scared and anxious beyond words. We are considered foe and not friend! How great would it be to see that dog have more a bit more confidence and not be frozen in fear in public. Especially these older adopted or rescue dogs that we have no idea what their past is or what they have endured. We see these pups and oh how I would like to work with this pup to get them living their best life! We may not get them 100% fear or anxious-free but some improvement can make a huge difference in an anxious dog!
In our blog, “HELP! The Honeymoon is Over with My New Dog!” we revealed 10 common negative behaviors a newly adopted dog may begin to exhibit in their new home. In this post, we’ll give you a deeper look into one of those behaviors, anxiety.
The Issues Behind Unwanted Behaviors
When an adopted dog begins to “act out,” it’s typically caused by three primary issues:
- Lack of proper socialization to all types of situations, people and environments;
- Their history or antecedents (especially past trauma or negative events); and
- Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) from shocking, frightening or dangerous traumatic events including abuse.
Behavioral issues can also be caused by medical issues like illnesses, physical pain, toxic substances, neurological issues or even thyroid disease.
Rule out any physical issues with your veterinarian immediately after adoption.
Canine Anxiety 101
Dog anxiety is “the anticipation of future dangers from unknown or imagined origins” usually resulting in the reactive behaviors of:
- Elimination;
- Destructive Behaviors; and
- Excessive Vocalization (barking or whining).
Dr. Karen Becker of Healthy Pets estimates around 30% of dogs show the above signs of anxiety. While some adopted dogs may show undesirable behaviors immediately; others may wait until they feel more comfortable. It’s important to realize that all dogs need to go through an adjustment period. Remember, they have no idea who you are or what you expect. Give them time and space to naturally adjust.
Fran cautions, “until your adopted dog feels they know and trust you, they will not feel safe.” This can lead to a common canine behavior like anxiety and separation anxiety.
What Causes Dog Anxiety?
A dog of any age can develop issues with anxiety after experiencing trauma, illness, abuse or some other stressful and frightening event. Most anxiety disorders in dogs begin between the ages of 6 and 18 months which is why it is critical to start building a solid foundation and bond with puppies through home training (incorporating play and games) and proper socialization as early as possible.
The Signs Your Dog Shows When He is Anxious
-
Clingy behavior
- Increased vigilance and scanning of the environment
- Excessive whining and barking
- Disruption in sleeping and eating patterns
- Excessive shedding
- Pacing, panting, trembling and tension
- Diarrhea or inappropriate urination or defecation
- Facial signs including constant lip licking or yawning, tucked back ears and dilated pupils
- Lower body posture; tucking the tail between the legs; avoiding eye contact; raising a paw or rolling over and displaying the belly
- Hiding, bolting, digging and scratching, attempts at escaping
- Destructive behaviors (very common with separation anxiety)
Separation anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety in our dogs (and includes about 14% of American dogs). Separation anxiety is triggered when an insecure dog is left alone and becomes anxious and distressed. Dogs with separation anxiety usually develop and this worsens with a history of multiple owners and homes, abandonment or neglect.
Don’t Give Up! Most Behaviors Can Be Modified!
While behavioral issues can be challenging (and even overwhelming); they are not a reason to give up on your dog before turning to professional help. Most dogs can be rehabilitated with professional help using the right tools, perseverance and commitment. There is not a one-size fits all approach to this complex issue. Many well-meaning pet owners try to solve these issues on their own, which can intensify the behaviors.
“We can help owners of anxious dogs identify the potential issue(s) behind the behavior(s) and together, create a consistent plan to diminish or even eliminate those undesirable behaviors,” Fran explains.
A professional behavior modification expert will help you identify the subtle, physical signs of an oncoming anxiety attack and show you how to effectively head off the unwanted anxiety.
Is Your Newly-Adopted Dog “acting out?”
Fran Menley of Creating Forever Dogs can help
with professional training & behavioral modification services.
Puppy prep, one-on-one dog training and in-home training.
Just call us today at (303) 904-0484 or email us here
to get started on creating your own forever dog.
Additional Reading:
- Extreme Fear and Anxiety in Dogs www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/c_dg_fears_phobia_anxiety
- How to Recognize Signs of Anxiety in Dogs www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Signs-of-Anxiety-in-Dogs
- Anxiety Symptoms in Dogs www.dog-health-guide.org/anxietysymptomindog.html
- 30 Percent of Dogs Show these Anxiety Triggers – Are Any True for Your Pet? healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/02/12/dog-anxiety.aspx
- Help Your Dog with Separation Anxiety and Other Common Fears pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dog-separation-anxiety-symptoms-and-solutions#1
