By Jeremy Brown and Jenny Cain, The Complete Canine
Nervous behaviors can manifest in various forms and result from a range of factors. Our main focus is to examine these behaviors, explore ways to stop or modify them, and identify signs that indicate a more serious issue may be at play. Unfortunately, many dogs display nervousness and anxiety in ways that are similar to humans and other species. The good news is that there are effective strategies to address and alleviate these issues.
Development can significantly affect anxiety and nervousness in dogs. Many pets lack proper socialization during their first year, leading to behavioral issues. Key socialization and fear stages occur between 4 to 8 months, during which dogs can benefit from diverse experiences to better cope with life’s challenges. Often, dogs are adopted after this critical period, however there are effective ways to alleviate their stress, including seeking professional help.
Separation anxiety occurs when dogs become anxious or scared when left alone. They may panic and display behaviors like panting, pacing, drooling, vocalizing (e.g. whining or barking), urinating, or destructive chewing. The many potential causes can include major life changes or traumatic experiences. Pet parents often try to distract their dogs with toys, bones or treats, but stressed dogs may have little interest in food, even the most food-motivated dogs.
How To Train: When addressing fear-based behaviors, the process takes careful planning, consistency and time. Remember, this isn’t just a behavior, it’s a phobia. One great way to start is crate training. Allow your dog to spend time in the crate while you perform small household chores, helping to normalize this confined, den-like space. Additionally, practice leaving your dog alone for brief periods, starting with 30 seconds and gradually increasing the duration. Repeat several times for the remainder of that session, returning before they show signs of stress. Once they’re comfortable, introduce departure cues (picking up keys, grabbing purse, putting on shoes, etc). Gradually progress to getting in the car and driving away for short durations.
A home camera is a great tool to monitor when your dog begins to panic. Remember that each dog progresses at their own pace, and separation anxiety cannot be resolved overnight. Along the way, try to minimize their time alone by asking neighbors, family and friends to stay with them while you’re out. Choose dog-friendly places where you can bring them along.
When to seek help: If you’ve been working on separation anxiety with little improvement, it’s time to contact a professional. In serious situations, talk with a vet to discuss other options if needed. There are many helpful books, such as “Be Right Back!” by Julie Naismith and “Separation Anxiety in Dogs” by Malena DeMartini-Price.
Nervous urination and jumping are common age-related issues, often seen in their first year due to stimuli or environmental changes. Dogs typically jump on handlers in response to events, not out of excitement. Both behaviors can occur in high-stress situations, like vet visits or grooming. Uncontrolled urination may be caused by excitement or fear, so it’s important to understand the triggers and adjust accordingly. Keep in mind that these behaviors are not out of spite, and your feelings can exacerbate the problem!.
How to train: Reward-based training can be highly effective by redirecting focus, rewarding desired behaviors, and teaching positive alternatives. Two especially useful commands for these situations are “watch me” and “stay.” “Watch me” helps redirect your dog’s focus onto you instead of whatever’s causing the overexcitement. Many people find it helpful to use this cue before their dog has the chance to jump or urinate, essentially getting ahead of the problem. Meeting in a neutral, less stimulating area such as a driveway, can also help. If excitement remains too high for training, consider calming aids (listed below) and work on building confidence.
When to seek help: Basic training can go a long way, but if you’ve tried without seeing real progress, it may be time to seek help. A professional can guide you to safe places to work through anxiety, and since urination can sometimes be medical, checking in with your vet is a good idea.
Barking is an interesting canine behavior because it can mean many different things. It’s one of the main ways dogs express emotions – seeking attention, protecting territory, showing excitement, expressing fear, or alerting to something they see as a threat. Understanding why your dog is barking makes it easier to address the cause without unintentionally rewarding unwanted behavior.
How to train: There are many ways to approach barking, but a positive approach often yields faster results. Teaching a “quiet” or “calm” command can be key. Some dogs respond well to redirection, giving them another task to focus on instead. Desensitizing them to the trigger can also help; for example, pairing a distracting treat with the sound that normally sets them off. Commands can shift their mindset and reduce overreaction. While bark collars can be effective, they shouldn’t be the first step. For those living close to neighbors, a spray collar that emits an unpleasant sound or scent may provide quicker results without skipping essential training steps. Always consider your dog’s well-being and avoid tools that could cause harm.
When to seek help: Rescue or sensitive dogs may react differently, so consulting a trainer or behaviorist can ensure the right tools and techniques are used. If you’re unsure, ask for help. Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or lick mats can also give dogs a healthy outlet for their energy and reduce excessive barking.
Tools That Can Help
There are some great products that can take the edge off, even if they won’t completely solve the problem. Calming supplements like Rescue Remedy or CBD can make a difference for some dogs. Others respond well to a ThunderShirt, which provides gentle, steady pressure for comfort. Calming collars or diffusers release soothing pheromones, offering ongoing support. If noises trigger anxiety, playing white noise can help mask the sounds and create a calmer environment.
Nervous canine behaviors can be challenging to work through. Seeking professional help is never a bad idea, but it’s just as important to observe the behavior, understand how to modify it, and remain patient. Reward-based training is often the most effective approach, and when it comes to helping a dog feel less scared, nervous, or anxious, you can’t really give too many treats.
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