Your dog = anxious and restless ALL. THE. TIME. Searching for “ways to calm my dog down” and still not getting results? I share the secrets to a MUCH CALMER dog in this blog.
The skill of making a dog calm is absolutely crucial for every dog owner who truly wants the best for their furry friend.
As a dog trainer, I always emphasize the calmest dogs are the happiest dogs. When your dog's body becomes less stiff, they settle peacefully in one corner, and their breathing regulates ā there's just no better sight.
But there's so much advice and tips out there about helping dogs calm down that I totally understand if you feel unsure, uncertain, or overwhelmed on what to do.
Calming dogs down is a passion I have as a dog trainer. I actually have a dog calming course called The Dog Calming Code™ to help calm dogs down!
I believe that when our dogs have a period of time to regularly unwind, take a break, and enjoy alone time to let off steam, it will TREMENDOUSLY benefit themāphysically, mentally, and emotionally.
In this blog post, you will learn how to calm your dogs, how to reduce their stress, and how to help them find ways to release stress.
Key Takeaways:
- One of the major causes of a dog's anxiety and stress comes from the dog assuming the role of leadership.
- Quiet times can help your dog switch off and de-stress, so it's important that they have them. Alone time also minimizes destructive behavior from overwhelm.
- Dogs can absorb a great deal of stress from us, their dog owners, so we should be careful with our energies, too.
How to Calm Dogs Down: What I Learned from Car Rides with My Dogs
My dogs adore my ute (pickup truck with a canopy on the back)!
Whenever I feel like my dogs need a break, I just make them hop inside the back of the vehicle, and drive around with the windows down.
Car rides calm my dogs down because they always hop off my ute significantly relaxed ā and YES! ā happy.
All I do is prepare the back of the ute by adding pillows and blankets all around, just to make my dogs feel comfortable.
I let them feel the wind, and after a while, they become less tensed, their breathing becomes more steady, and they look almost sleepy!
Seeing firsthand that my dogs respond positively to car rides taught me three things.
Lesson #1: There Are Free Solutions That Can Help Your Dogs Relax, De-Stress, and Calm Down
A simpleābut free!āsolution such as a car ride can really help our dog's mental and emotional health.
During one of our car rides, I asked myself āWhat makes these car trips so relaxing for our dogs?ā
And the answer: my dogs get their moment to simply turn off the world.
No home to guard.
ā¦or strangers to worry about.
…no overwhelming environment!
All they need to do is sit, enjoy the fresh air and savor the moment of blissful calm.
Lesson#2: Apart From Knowing How to Calm Dogs Down, We Should Also Know When to Calm Them Down
Now this part is important as it's easy to misinterpret our dogs.
Sometimes, we look at our hyperactive, jumpy dogs and think āOh, they're probably just being playful.ā However, in reality, this dog behavior actually means they're stressed.
Knowing the cues when to calm dogs down can spare your dogs from stress exhaustion!
How to Calm Dogs Down: Most Common Reasons Why You Don't Have a Relaxed Dog
#1: Your Dog Sees Themselves as Leaders and Protectorsā¦ and it's Overwhelming Them
Pet owners, think about it this way: compare how you‘d feel if you were designated as the driver for a car journey, versus just being a passenger.
Surely, you would be more relaxed as a passenger than being the driver, right?
That's how your dog feels.
ALL THE TIME.
When your dog takes on the role as a leader and protector, they will be more on the edge, more anxious, more aggressive, and more stressed!
This is why a hyperactive dog is a dog with pent-up stress from all the guarding and protecting. They can't relax, and they're always on their paws because their protective instincts just can't be toned down.
They're always on the lookout for trouble or danger. They're constantly agitated because they want everyone ā puppies, other dogs, and especially YOU ā to be safe.
Anxious dogs don't have time to relax, switch off, and stop worrying because they're the leader ā and they take that role seriously. If they're always on the edge, it's harder to teach them good manners.
BUT THEY DON'T HAVE TO FEEL THIS AT ALL.
Check out my course the Dog Calming Code to see what your furry friend needs to better understand that they are NOT the leader in the relationship. This best-selling course helps a dog calm down. In this course, you will also learn how you can become a leader your dog will listen to.
#2: They Absorb Your Energy
Pet parents, our dogs are very sensitive to their environment, so it's no wonder they can easily pick up on the stress of those around them.
This is why it is so important to create a calm, positive atmosphere in your home if you have a dog. When dogs live in a stressful environment, they become stressed as well.
They may exhibit signs of anxiety such as barking, pacing, or hiding. Additionally, dogs will often take on the energy of their owners and absorb it.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, your pup will likely feel the same way too. So be sure to keep your energies and emotions in check, too.
To reduce stress for both you and your dog, make sure to provide plenty of exercise, quiet moments, and mental stimulation for your pup each day. Speak softly, and monitor your energy so you won't cause any stress to your dog.
Additionally, try to practice mindful breathing exercises with your pup by taking deep breaths together. This will help both of you relax and de-stress from the day's events. Having some form of release will create a big difference for you and your dog, and have a room where they can release their stress.
#3: They Just Couldn't Take Some Alone Time to Relax and Switch Off
Dogs are social animals, but they still need time to relax and switch off from the world. Just like humans, many dogs can become overwhelmed or stressed if they don't get enough alone time.
Providing a safe and comfortable environment for your dog to retreat to when they need some peace and quiet is crucial for their wellbeing.
This can be in the form of a designated spot in your home or yard where your dog can go to take a break from people and other animals.
Moreover, it is essential to make sure that this space is free from distractions such as loud noises, bright lights, and visitors.
A good rule of thumb is to provide your dog with at least an hour of uninterrupted alone time each day.
This will give them the opportunity to rest, recharge, and relax so that they can come back feeling refreshed and ready for more playtime with you!
How To Relieve Stress In Your Dogs: Taking On the Role of the Leader
Imagine the difference it would make to OUR anxiety when someone we trust (a family member or a friend) tells us āDon't worry about it. I got this!ā
We can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Finally ā we can relax!
Same goes for our anxious dogs.
But a quick disclaimer before I continue: Although I used human emotion as an analogy above, I would like to encourage you that to understand your dog, you must also understand dog psychology. Dogs are complex animals and we really need to go to their level of thinking to understand them.
Establishing yourself as the leader helps your dog understand their role within the household. This clarity removes the burden of them feeling they need to be in charge.
When we establish that we're the ones responsible for overlooking their food, and safety and security, our dogs will feel that it's okay to wind down and take the back seat. When you show them you're the leader, your dog's confidence grows, and their anxious behaviors lessen.
This is why I encourage dog owners ā both old and new ā to learn more about this principle through my course, The Dog Calming Code.
GET THE DOG PROGRAM THAT CHANGED 100,000 ANXIOUS DOGS FOR GOOD!Doggy Dan, How Can Your Dog Calming Code Course Help My Dog?
I find it mind-blowing how easy it is to misinterpret dogs.
An anxious, stressed dog won't always be sulking in one corner. Sometimes, they're the rowdy ones, the agitated ones, the dogs that are so stubborn, it's driving you crazy.
And we respond to their behavior with shouting, or giving punishments, or scaring them to establish that we're the boss.
I will help you shift this mindset with the Dog Calming Code.
The DCC course teaches dog owners what dogs are looking for in a leader ā and it's not what you'd expect.
It's not shouting and being a drill sergeant ā it's being calm, it's acknowledging danger and dismissing it so the rest of the pack at home can relax, it's giving guidance, it's taking control of the walk until it's time to let the dog loose and have their own play time.
The course will help YOU instill into your dog's mind: āI'm here. I got you. I'll be in control. You can trust me.ā
And that's a powerful promise to your stressed dogs!
THIS PUPPY PROGRAM CAN STOP PUPPY ANXIETY BEFORE IT STARTSHelp Dogs Relax With Alone Times and Breaks
Alone time and breaks help dogs cope from stress and overwhelm. So, I always tell dog owners to add it to their dog's routine.
Dogs need to be able to have time away from their owners to rest and relax, so having regular breaks can help them stay healthy and happy.
There are several ways to provide alone time and breaks for your dog.
#1: Calm Dogs Down By Taking Your Dog on a Walk or Run
Exploring the outdoors is a great way to give them some alone time. Physical exercise like a walk or a run allows them to bask in their environment without the distraction of other people or animals.
#2: Toys Can Be an Excellent Distraction That Will Keep Your Dogs Occupied Even Without You Around
You can also give your dog chew toys that will keep them occupied while you're away, such as interactive toys that dispense treats when played with.
#3: Help Calm Dogs With a Comfortable Corner
Additionally, providing your dog with a comfortable bed in a quiet area of the house can help them feel safe and secure while you're away. This also helps them have a safe distance from the triggers that may be causing them anxiety.
The benefits of providing alone time and breaks for dogs include improved mental health. You will also see reduced stress levels and increased physical activity.
If your dog gets to recharge in a calming environment, they can exhibit better sleep habits, improved cognitive function, and greater overall happiness.
Regularly giving your dog alone time will also help build trust between the two of you. Trust is the secret recipe for a strong bond between owner and pet.
Calm Dogs Down With Their Own Retreat Corner
Creating a retreat corner for your dog can be a great way to give them a safe and comfortable space to relax.
To make the perfect retreat corner, here are some things you can consider.
Tip #1: Consider Privacy
Start by choosing a quiet space in your home where your pup can have some privacy. Make sure that the area is free of any distractions like loud noises or people walking by. Play some classical music or white noise as its calming effects are also known to help dogs. A Dog's Ear by Lisa Spector is a big hit among dogs!
Tip #2: Cushions and Blankets Help
You may want to consider adding cushions or blankets to make the space more inviting and comfortable. If you have an outdoor space, you could also create a retreat corner there with things like a kennel or playhouse.
Tip #3: Keep Dogs Calm and Entertained with Their Favorite Toys Or A Small Treat
Add some items that will make your pup feel safe and secure such as toys, dog treats, and chews, so they can still be entertained even while alone in their own quiet room.
You can also include items like puzzles or interactive toys that encourage mental stimulation. To add, you may want to add calming scents such as lavender or chamomile to help keep your pup relaxed and stress-free. Play music to set the calm mood of the room.
Tip #4: Safety First
Ensure that the area is completely pet-proofed and that all furniture is sturdy enough to support your pup's weight if they decide to jump up on it. With these steps in place, you should have everything you need for the perfect retreat corner for your four-legged friend!
YOUR ANXIOUS DOG IS NOT HOPELESS! CHECK OUR TRANSFORMATIVE REACTIVITY CLASS NOW!How to Know If Your Dog Has Calmed Down
If you are trying to help your pup relax, it is important to be able to identify the signs that they are feeling more relaxed.
These cues that show your dogs have FINALLY relaxed can help you determine what to do next time.
These are some of the most common signs that your pup has calmed down:
Sign #1: More Relaxed Body Language
You can see this once their ears and tail will be lower, they may yawn or lick their lips, and their breathing may become slower, deeper, and more regulated. You will no longer see them fidgeting or exhibiting behavior of a dog that is feeling anxious.
Sign #2: Showing Signs of Contentment
A common sign can include wagging their tail or panting with a relaxed expression on their face. Additionally, less muscle tension can also indicate reduced stress.
Sign #3: They Start to Engage in Activities Such as Chewing on Toys or Lying Down
If your dog is back to their playful mood ā playing quietly on one corner, or chewing in a non-aggressive way ā it's a good sign that they aren't too wired up or too stressed.
Sign #4: They may start to respond positively to commands or cues from you.
When dogs have calmed down, they tend to respond positively to commands or cues from you. Moreover, they are more attentive and willing to listen, which is a good indication of their relaxed state.
Sign #5: You may notice that they seem less reactive when exposed to environmental triggers such as loud noises or other animals.
They may not bark or whine as much, and their body language may be more relaxed. This is a positive sign that your dog is feeling more comfortable and confident in their surroundings, and it may indicate that they are better able to cope with stressors.
How to Calm Dogs Down: 8 Best Tips to Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Dogs
As a dog owner, it can be distressing to see your furry companion experience stress or anxiety. So many things can come into play!
Dogs can become anxious for a variety of reasons, such as separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or unfamiliar environments.
However, there are several tips and techniques that you can use to calm your dog down and alleviate their stress. See some tips below.
Tip #1: Exercise
Taking your dog on a long walk or run can help them to burn off excess energy and make them calmer. Additionally, exercise is a great way to produce happy hormones for dogs.
Tip #2: Massage
Gently massaging your dog's body can help to relax their muscles and calm their nerves.
Tip #3: CBD Oil Therapy
CBD oils have properties that have been linked to reducing anxiety in dogs.
When it comes to dogs and CBD, it's all about how this magical cannabinoid teams up with their endocannabinoid system (ECS). Your dog's ECS is like the superhero responsible for mood, memory, muscle movement, digestion, appetite, and balance.
When the ECS is in harmony, your dog shines in all these areas. But when it's off-kilter, their well-being can take a hit. Since CBD is a great sidekick for the ECS, giving your pup a dose of doggy CBD treats or tinctures might help them find their balance and feel awesome overall.
Tip #4: Music Therapy
Playing soothing music for your pup is another recommendation because it can help to reduce stress and create a calming atmosphere in the home. Watch your dog how they react to the music; it'll give you an idea what music to play to help your dog calm down.
Tip #5: Calming Treats
You can find treats specifically designed to help reduce anxiety in dogs, such as CBD-infused treats or calming chews with natural ingredients like chamomile or valerian root extract.
Tip #6: Toys & Puzzles
Providing interactive toys and puzzles for your dog can help keep them occupied and distracted from any potential stressors in the environment. If they're scared, distract them with playtime.
REVERSE REACTIVITY (FREE WEB CLASS)Tip #7: Comfort Items
Giving your dog a favorite toy, blanket, or other comfort item can provide reassurance and make them feel more secure when they're feeling anxious, or feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety.
Tip #8: Their Own Space
For more complex cases of canine anxiety, the expertise of a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist is invaluable. They can offer in-depth assessments and effective behavior modification techniques.
OUR FREE CLASS CAN HELP TURN YOUR REACTIVE DOG TO A CALMER ONEDogs Absorb The Energy of Dog Ownersā¦ So Be Calm, Too
Your dogs can absorb your energy, so be calm, too. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to the energy around them, and they pick up on your mood.
If you're feeling frustrated or angry, your dog will be able to sense it and may act out in response.
They might bark non-stop, or just act all fidgety around you.
That's why it's important for dog owners to take a few moments to calm themselves before interacting with their pet.
Take a few deep breaths, go for a walk, or do some yoga poses ā whatever works best for you. Doing this will help ensure that your dog is getting the positive energy it needs from you.
REACTIVITY SOLVED (NO FOOD, NO FORCE)Also try to stay away from any activities that may cause you stress while in the presence of your pup. This could include things like working on the computer or watching TV, as these activities can cause stress hormones to be released in both humans and dogs alike.
By taking the time to calm yourself first, you'll be able to provide your pup with a more positive atmosphere and foster an even stronger bond between you two!
Conclusion: Wondering How to Calm Dogs Down? You Might Need to Take a Step Away
When it comes to helping dogs relax, sometimes the best thing you can do is simply step away and give them a break.
The gift of alone time allows them to take a few moments for themselves and process their feelings in a safe environment.
A quiet, distraction-free break gives your dog some time to calm down and de-stress without any additional stimulation or pressure.
Giving your dog some time away from whatever is causing them distress is one of the best ways to help them relax and reduce their stress levels.
Allowing your dogs some time for self-care will ultimately benefit both you and your furbabiesā¦ and you'll surely come back to each other more refreshed, relaxed, and happy!
~ Doggy Dan
4 Responses
I am 82 with a new puppy 10 months, by me calming down helps my puppy calm down. Thanks
You are so right Jewel, our own energy level has a big impact on our dog’s excitement levels. The calmer we can remain the better learning environment we create for our dogs….and they also stat to feel more at ease and relaxed. All the Best, Doggy Dan
Very educational. Thanks so much.
Thanks Ruben, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my Blog! All the Best, Doggy Dan