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Dog Behaviourist & Dog Walker Based in the Cotswolds UK Specialising in Reactive, Impulsive & Nervous Dogs

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Fearful or Nervous Dogs: How to Build Confidence Over Time

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fearful or nervous dogs

Fearful or nervous dogs cause a lot of anxiety for owners. Naturally, you want your dog to be happy and confident. This behaviour often comes from dog anxiety or pet phobias. Dogs may be naturally scared or not used to certain things, not necessarily because of abuse or trauma.

You can help your dog feel better by creating a safe space and using positive training. With patience and the correct protocol, your dog can become more confident. That means giving your dog a safe space, using positive training methods, and sticking to a routine.

Every dog is unique, so what works for one might not work for another. Still, with the right help, your dog can overcome fearful behaviour. A confident dog is happier and healthier. You can help your dog be more outgoing and well-adjusted by tackling dog anxiety, pet phobias, and fear.

Key Takeaways

  • Fear in dogs can result from genetics or a lack of early exposure to the things that frighten them.
  • Most fearful dogs gradually improve over time, training, and trust. However, they may not become outgoing if they are nervous or shy.
  • Counter-conditioning and desensitisation can help fearful dogs feel more comfortable around what triggers their fears.
  • A reliable routine and positive training methods can help build a dog’s confidence.
  • Socialisation is key in preventing fears and phobias later in life, and positive experiences during this period are vital.
  • Special sound CDs and pheromone plug-ins or collars can aid in reducing fear over time and help with dog anxiety and pet phobias.

Understanding Fearful or Nervous Dogs: Common Causes and Signs

Knowing the common causes and signs of fear is key if you have an anxious pup.

My dog, Poppy, was labelled “aggressive” by multiple dog trainers. After I qualified as a dog behaviourist, I realised that my poor dog was terrified of the world and needed help adjusting to everything that caused her fearful reactions.

Behavioural signs of fear in dogs include avoiding certain situations or objects. Common triggers and phobias include strangers, unknown dogs, loud noises, household objects, and new places. Knowing these signs and triggers helps you start helping your dog overcome their fears. Desensitisation and counter-conditioning are excellent methods to treat fear and anxiety in dogs.

Your fearful or nervous dog may display any of the following symptoms:

  • Wide eyes (showing the white of the eyes)
  • Ears flattened back against the head
  • Crouching down
  • Raised hackles
  • Running away
  • Shivering
  • Urinating
  • Drooling
  • Lunging
  • Barking
  • Hiding

Many things can cause fear and anxiety in dogs, like traumatic experiences, genetics, and health issues like dementia. To diagnose fear and anxiety, your vets can rule out other conditions by taking blood tests. Sometimes, if a dog is in pain, it can lead to altered behaviour.

Treatment might include anti-anxiety medication, management techniques, and behaviour exercises.

anxious pup
Start getting your pup used to his world as soon as possible by gently introducing him to new things

Use a consistent, gentle, positive approach to boost a dog’s confidence and reduce anxiety. Spotting the first signs of fear or nervousness can stop fears from growing.

It’s important to understand dog body language, like slowing down, crouched body, paw lift, and appeasement grin.

Some key statistics to consider include:

  • Over 90% of all aggression towards humans or other dogs is fear-based.
  • 95% of all reported dog bites are fear-related.
  • Lack of early socialisation is the most common element in creating fearful, anxious, and timid dogs.

It’s also essential not to “feed” the behaviour by trying to soothe your fearful dog. If you stroke your dog, give him a treat or do anything comforting when he shows anxiety, you are inadvertently rewarding the behaviour.

It’s better to ignore the anxious behaviour. Initially, your focus is behaviour management, which means removing your dog from whatever frightens him. The worst thing you can do is “flooding” your dog by forcing him to face his fears. That can cause considerable trauma and break the trust between you.

It’s better to teach your pup a few simple tricks and get him to do the trick once away from the trigger. Praise and reward him when he does well.

The main issue I experience is that owners mess up the timing. Getting it right is essential; otherwise, your dog will learn nothing. If you aren’t confident about what you are doing, getting professional advice from a dog behaviourist is better.

Creating a Safe Environment for Your Anxious Pup

As a dog owner, you are key in pet stress management. You can make a safe and comfy spot for your anxious pup. A routine and a quiet area can lower your dog’s anxiety. Your dog’s safe space could be a quiet room or a covered crate. It’s a place to go when they feel scared or anxious.

Before crating your dog, training your pup to understand the crate is a positive experience, and NEVER used as a punishment is crucial.

To make a safe space, consider these tips:

  • Set up a dedicated space with comfy bedding and favourite toys away from noise.
  • Use white noise to make a calm environment, lessening the shock of loud sounds.
  • Choose the correct crate size (your dog should be able to stand up and move but not so big that he can pace). Add soft bedding and familiar objects to make it welcoming.

Regular routines, consistent training, and positive reinforcement help dogs feel secure at home. Feeding your dog at the same times each day helps establish a routine. It can reduce anxiety. Using calming techniques for dogs and dog behaviour therapy will make your dog feel more relaxed and secure.

pet stress management
Create a safe space in your home for your fearful or nervous dog

Every dog is different, so what works for one might not work for another. A safe and comfy environment can help your dog feel more secure and reduce anxiety. Your anxious pup can feel more relaxed and happy with patience, consistency, and the proper calming techniques for dogs.

Essential Training Techniques for Building Dog Confidence

Building fearful or nervous dogs’ confidence is key. Use positive training techniques with fearful pet support and dog behaviour therapy. Positive reinforcement methods help your dog feel calm, gain confidence and learn new actions.

Desensitisation and counter-conditioning exercises are effective in helping your dog face fears and build confidence. For example, using puzzle toys can boost a dog’s self-confidence and problem-solving skills.

Positive Reinforcement Methods

Positive reinforcement is a fantastic tool for learning. Using classical or operant conditioning training teaches your dog how to manage his emotions and better ways to interact with his world.

Read: Classical and Operant Conditioning Dog Training Differences

Desensitisation Strategies

Desensitisation slowly introduces your dog to fears. Start with a low intensity and gradually increase. This method is excellent for accustoming progressively your dog to the things that he is fearful of, like loud noises. You can get specific CDs, such as Crash-Bang-Wallop: Sound Therapy for Pets Frightened by Noise.

fearful or nervous dogs
A happy dog is a confident dog. Consider investing in enrichment toys to minimise anxiety

Counter-conditioning Approaches

Counter-conditioning pairs fears with positive things, like treats. It’s a training process that helps your dog see the feared object as neutral or good. It’s a powerful way to build confidence and overcome fears.

Invest in Enrichment Toys

Enrichment toys help distract your dog from his anxiety and can work exceptionally well. The following are a few popular enrichment toys I recommend to clients with dogs suffering from separation anxiety.

Professional Support and Therapeutic Options

When your dog struggles with dog anxiety and pet phobias, it’s time to seek help. If training and time don’t help, a vet or dog behaviourist can offer valuable advice. They can help manage canine fear and suggest the best treatments.

Therapy for dog anxiety might include medication, behaviour therapy, or natural treatments. Vets might suggest SSRIs or antidepressants for severe cases. Natural remedies can also help, and some work well with medication.

Often, the case is that other people can cause issues with a nervous dog because they aren’t aware of your dog’s fears. The following products can be helpful:

1: The NERVOUS (Give Me Space) Non-Pull Front and Back D Ring Padded and Waterproof Vest Dog Harness is a bright yellow dog harness that alerts others to your pup’s nervousness.

2: Hjyokuso Dog Anxiety Relief Jacket, Dog Anxiety Coat With Calming Hood: This calming vest is perfect for fearful or nervous dogs. It has has a high neck and wraps the pressure points on your dog to calm anxiety.

3: Yanmucy Dog Calming Coat with Dog Snood 2 in 1 Anxiety Relief Adjustable Anxiety Jacket with Dog Hoodie Ear Muffs: This adjustable vest is perfect for anxiety and can easily fit under a harness or dog coat in the winter.

4: Rescue Dog Anxious Dog Leash Sleeve Nervous Dog Leash Sleeve: A simple yellow sleeve that fits over your leash, making it easier for other people to spot that you have a nervous dog.

It’s crucial to tackle fearful or nervous dogs behaviours to avoid bad outcomes. With the right help and treatments, you can help your dog face

Here are some key points to consider for professional help and treatments:

  • Get advice from a vet or dog trainer on managing dog anxiety and pet phobias
  • Purchase a dog anxiety vest for when your dog might experience anxiety
  • Ask your vet about calming medication for severe anxiety
  • Explore natural remedies and products for anxious pup behaviours like the Natural Calming Treats for Dogs – Anxiety Relief Chews with Chamomile – This natural remedy can help with anxiety, Thunderstorms, and Travel. The natural chews are non-drowsy and fast-acting.

Conclusion: Supporting Your Dog’s Journey to Confidence

Helping your dog feel confident can take time. But with patience and the proper training and management, fearful or nervous dogs can learn to overcome their fears. About 20% of dogs are nervous, but at least 70% can get better with gentle care.

Make a safe space for your dog and use positive training. Focus on building trust and be patient if your dog takes a back step occasionally. Positive training helps create new neural pathways, helping to extinguish old patterns and replace them with new behaviour.

Playing with your dog can also lower stress levels by 50%, boosting their confidence. Tug games, such as the popular Tug-E-Nuff Bright Fauxtastic Durable Bungee Tug Toy and Tug-E-Nuff Sheepskin Bungee Chaser Tug, are beneficial for fearful or nervous dogs to gain confidence.

A professional dog behaviour therapist can help if your dog has deep fears. These cases need careful handling because fear can develop into aggressive behaviours if left untreated. Indeed, studies show that 60% of fearful dogs improve with behaviour therapy.

Essential Reading:

Scaredy Dog!: Understanding & Rehabilitating Your Reactive Dog:

This little book was my bible when I was rehabilitating my fearful reactive Weimaraner X, Poppy. The exercises are specific for nervous reactive dogs, and you will see results quickly if you implement them.

Paws and Thinks – Mental Workout for Your Dog: A fantastic book with 100+ games to enrich your dog’s life, teaching him new skills that will build his confidence.

101 Dog Tricks and Brain Games For Dogs 2 Books Collection Set: These two books help your dog learn to think for himself and gain new skills.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

Classical and Operant Conditioning Dog Training Differences

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classical and operant conditioning
Jan and Luna – a very well-behaved doggy

Classical and operant conditioning are effective ways to train a dog, but many owners feel baffled by the difference between the two training methods.

Training your dog doesn’t have to be a mystery—it can and should be fun and rewarding once you understand how dogs learn. Whether you’re teaching your pup to sit, stay, or simply feel comfortable in new situations, two key methods come into play: classical and operant conditioning.

Additionally, both methods are excellent for rehabilitating a reactive dog or extinguishing undesired behaviours.

Let’s explore classical vs operant conditioning approaches with real-life examples and discover how they can help you raise a happy, well-behaved dog.

What is Classical Conditioning?

Classical conditioning, first discovered by Ivan Pavlov, is a learning process where a neutral stimulus (like a vacuum) becomes associated with a positive or negative experience.

It’s a method adopted by animal trainers worldwide, including dolphins.

In dog training, classical conditioning often creates positive emotional responses to specific stimuli.

Note: Let’s not confuse classical conditioning with “flooding” when you expose a dog to the thing it is afraid of. Flooding can be seriously traumatic for a dog and cause the undesired behaviour to worsen.

Sarah and Daisy: A Dog Afraid Of The Vacuum

Sarah has a sweet and goofy 2-year-old rescue Labrador named Daisy. Daisy was scared every time Sarah took out the vacuum cleaner. She would run away and hide behind the furniture, shaking uncontrollably and whining.

Before we began a behavioural adjustment program, Sarah tried to soothe Daisy, inadvertently reinforcing the fear. Dog psychology is not the same as human psychology. Where we would comfort a friend who is afraid, when we do the same with a dog, we inadvertently reward the fear.

dog afraid if vaccum
Classical conditioning can help a fearful dog become more confident

To help Daisy, Sarah followed these steps:

  1. Start with the vacuum switched off: Sarah placed the vacuum in the corner of the room and gave Daisy her favourite treat while it was completely silent and still.
  2. Gradual exposure: Over a few days, Sarah moved closer to the vacuum while continuing to give treats, ensuring she and Daisy remained calm.
  3. Introduce movement: Sarah began moving the vacuum slightly, rewarding Daisy when she was calm and relaxed.
  4. Turn the vacuum on briefly: Sarah turned the vacuum on for a second, immediately giving Daisy a treat and praise if she stayed calm. If Daisy reacted negatively, Sarah returned to step #3.
  5. Increase duration: Over time, Sarah increased how long the vacuum was on while rewarding Daisy until she wagged her tail whenever the vacuum came out.

This example is classical conditioning in action! By associating the vacuum (neutral stimulus) with treats (positive experience), Daisy’s fear turned into excitement. Daisy only took a few sessions to overcome her fear and ignore the vacuum when Sarah cleaned the house.

Pros of Classical Conditioning

  • Builds positive associations: Classical conditioning reduces fear and anxiety by pairing scary or new experiences with positive outcomes. It helps build a dog’s confidence in his world.
  • Foundation for clicker training: Classical conditioning forms the basis of many modern training techniques.

What is Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a popular and effective positive reinforcement method that uses a small device called a clicker to signal to an animal that they’ve done something right. The click sound is a clear and consistent marker, helping the animal understand that their behaviour will be rewarded, typically with a treat or praise.

This technique works well because the click is a quick and precise signal, making it easier for the animal to associate the behaviour with the reward than relying solely on voice cues or slower primary reinforcers like food.

Here are some helpful tips to get started with clicker training:

  • Always follow through with a reward: Each click must be paired with a treat or reward, even if you accidentally click at the wrong moment. Consistency is key.
  • Practice repetition: Click and reward multiple times to reinforce the connection between the sound and the reward.
  • Adapt for special needs: For hearing-impaired pets, consider alternative markers like a gentle tap, a flash of light, or a verbal cue like “Yes” or “Good.”
  • Stay patient: It may take a little time and practice for your pet to grasp the concept fully, so keep sessions positive and encouraging. Wait for your dog to work out what you want. Your clever furry friend will offer a behaviour until he gets it right.

Clicker training isn’t limited to dogs—it’s a method used with cats, birds, rabbits, rats, horses, dolphins and more! It’s a versatile approach that strengthens the bond between you and your animal while teaching them new skills.

The Disadvantage of Clicker Training

The biggest issue I encountered when teaching owners to use a clicker is they feel overwhelmed. With classical conditioning, timing is everything. Otherwise, the dog cannot learn whether he’s doing the right thing.

Over the last few years, I stopped using a clicker and started teaching owners to say an excited “Yes!” when the dog gets it right. There is no fiddling with a clicker in their hands, and they find it easier to train on the spot.

Cons of Classical Conditioning

  • Limited scope: Focuses on emotional and reflexive responses rather than teaching new actions.
  • Dependence on consistency: The association can weaken if not consistently reinforced. When training a dog to learn new things or trying to extinguish a negative behaviour, consistency is critical to creating new neural pathways and subsequent behavioural changes.

What is Operant Conditioning?

B.F. Skinner introduced operant conditioning. It involves learning through consequences. Dogs understand that their behaviour has outcomes—either rewards or corrections—which influence whether they’ll repeat the behaviour.

Let’s talk about Emily and her energetic Border Collie, Max.

Max loved to jump on guests the moment they walked through the door. One of the most common behavioural issues I get asked about is dogs that jump up. It is so preventable and curable.

Emily used to shout at Max or remove him from the room. The problem here was Max was not learning what Emily expected of him.

Remember, you cannot teach a dog what NOT to do. It is more effective to teach your dog WHAT TO DO.

Emily addressed this by following these steps:

  1. Teach guests what to do: Before the guests arrived, Emily advised them to ignore Max. They must not use an excited voice or even talk to Max until he is calm.
  2. Ignore excitable behaviour: Turn away from Max and ignore him.
  3. Reward calm behaviour: As soon as Max stopped jumping and had all four paws on the ground, Emily gave him a treat and praised him calmly.
  4. Repeat consistently: Emily repeated this process every time a guest arrived, ensuring Max understood the pattern.
  5. Teach an alternative behaviour: Ideally, a sit command is an excellent alternative to jumping up.
  6. Add a command: Once Max reliably stayed calm, Emily introduced the command “sit” before rewarding him, reinforcing good behaviour.
  7. Educate Visitors: Now Emily advises visitors to ask Max to sit.
stop dog jumping up
A calm and confident dog is a pleasure to share time with all of your visitors

Through operant conditioning, Max learned that staying calm and polite around guests led to treats and attention. When he jumped up, guests ignored him.

The Four Components of Operant Conditioning

  1. Positive reinforcement: Adding something pleasant (e.g., giving a treat) increases behaviour.
  2. Negative reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant (e.g., stopping leash pressure) to increase a behaviour.
  3. Positive punishment: Adding something unpleasant (e.g., a verbal “no”) to decrease a behaviour.
  4. Negative punishment: Taking away something pleasant (e.g., stopping play) to decrease a behaviour.

Pros of Operant Conditioning

  • Versatile: Great for teaching new behaviours or eliminating unwanted ones.
  • Empowers the dog: Encourages problem-solving and engagement.

Cons of Operant Conditioning

  • Risk of misuse: Poor application of punishment can lead to fear and anxiety.
  • Time-intensive: Operant conditioning requires patience and consistency to shape desired behaviours effectively.

There is no place for impatience in dog training. The quicker you try to cure a problem, the longer it takes. In addition, a calm approach always wins the day.

Key Differences Between Operant & Classical Conditioning

Aspect Classical Conditioning Operant Conditioning
Focus Emotional and reflexive responses Voluntary behaviours
Learning mechanism Association between stimuli Consequences of behaviour
Outcome Emotional state or reaction New or modified behaviours
Trainer’s role Presents stimuli to create associations Provides rewards or consequences

Which Dog Training Method is Better?

There is no argument for classical vs operant conditioning. Neither method is inherently better; the choice depends on your training goals. Classical conditioning is perfect for shaping emotional responses and reducing fears, while operant conditioning shines when teaching specific actions and behaviours.

In reality, most trainers use a mix of both to cover all bases and ensure your dog is happy and well-adjusted.

Conclusion

Dog training doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Indeed, it is surprisingly simple once you know what to do and what not to do.

Understanding and applying classical and operant conditioning helps you tackle challenges, teach new skills, and build a strong bond with your furry friend.

Remember, the key is patience, consistency, and lots of love. Whether helping Daisy overcome her fear or teaching Max to be polite, these positive methods can make training enjoyable for you and your dog.

Read: Separation Anxiety: How to Help Your Worried Dog

Separation Anxiety in Dogs: How to Help Your Worried Dog

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dog separation

Separation anxiety in dogs is a common yet distressing condition for dogs and their owners. It can lead to undesirable behaviours like excessive barking, destructive chewing, or even accidents in the house.

Understanding this upsetting issue is the first step toward helping your dog feel more secure and happy when alone.

What Is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes overly distressed when separated from its owner or left alone.

Unlike boredom or lack of training, separation anxiety is an emotional response to perceived isolation, often requiring specific strategies.

If your furry pal is suffering from separation anxiety, it doesn’t make any difference to his response if you leave him alone for 10 minutes or three hours. To your dog, it feels like his world has ended, and you’re never coming home.

Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Your doggy pal may have separation anxiety if they exhibit the following behaviours when you’re away:

  1. Vocalisations: Excessive barking, whining, or howling that starts soon after you leave.
  2. Destructive Behaviors: Your dog may chew furniture, scratch doors, rip up his bed or destroy household items.
  3. House Soiling: Urinating or defecating indoors despite being house-trained.
  4. Escape Attempts: Trying to break out of crates, rooms, or even the house.
  5. Pacing or Restlessness: Moving anxiously in a pattern, often near doors or windows.
  6. Pre-Departure Anxiety: Clinginess or distress as you prepare to leave.

You may feel confused if your dog displays separation anxiety when you have other dogs in the home. That’s’ OK. While most dogs are happy to be left with their furry friends, some pine for their owners.

When we rescued Luna in April 2015, we had three dogs. They were all left together when we occasionally went out. The dogs were in a large dining room with a flagstone floor. Luna systematically destroyed two padded chairs, tearing the furnishings down to the wood.

We had a camera we could access from our mobile phones, and we could see that Luna was distressed.

Causes of Canine Separation Anxiety

The precise cause of separation anxiety can vary, but common triggers include:

  • Changes in Routine: Dogs thrive on consistency. A new work schedule, move, or other disruptions can create stress.
  • Rescue or Rehoming: Dogs adopted from shelters may develop anxiety due to past abandonment.
  • Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event while alone, such as a loud thunderstorm or break-in, can trigger separation issues.
  • Genetic Predisposition: Certain breeds, like Labrador Retrievers or German Shepherds, may be more prone to anxiety.
dog suffering with separation anxiety
Your furry friend worries that you may have abandoned him and cannot manage his feelings

One of the most common problems I observe with separation anxiety and other problematic behaviours is that owners inadvertently reinforce a behaviour.

For example, a lady asked me how to stop her dog barking at the TV. When I asked her what she had tried, she said the family stroked him until the dog stopped barking.

Why is that wrong?

Primarily, you can’t train a dog using human psychology. If your child is afraid of something, soothing them is appropriate. If your furry friend is worried, stroking him is a reward. So, inadvertently, you are telling your dog his behaviour is encouraged.

Moreover, the more attention you give to a behaviour, the harder it is to extinguish.

One training principle forever etched in my brain is, “You cannot teach a dog what NOT to do. You can only teach your dog what to do.”

In other words, successful training is about teaching your dog better alternatives to negative behaviour.

How to Help Your Dog Learn to Be Alone

It is absolutely possible to train your dog to be comfortable being alone for short periods

I work from home and rarely leave the house for over three hours. Still, our dogs need to feel secure enough to relax when we go out. Teaching your dog to be comfortable being left alone (or even with his playmates) is a work in progress, so don’t expect instant results. Be patient, and it will come.

Tip #1: Gradual Desensitisation

This method involves teaching your dog to tolerate being alone by slowly increasing the time you’re away:

  • Start by leaving the dog in a room in the house for just a few minutes. There is no need to speak to your four-legged pal. Just leave quietly.
  • Build up to leaving the house for a few minutes
  • Gradually extend the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.
  • Avoid making a fuss when leaving or returning to keep emotions neutral.

In my experience, most owners find it extremely difficult to ignore their dogs when they return home from an outing. Raised excited voices, allowing jumping up, giving treats and making a big fuss of a dog experiencing separation anxiety will prolong the issue.

Tip #2: Provide Mental Stimulation

Engage your dog’s mind to reduce boredom and anxiety:

  • Use puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys to keep them occupied.
  • Rotate toys to maintain interest.
  • Consider interactive feeders during meal times.

Make sure you give your dog safety-approved toys or chews. NEVER leave your dog with rawhide chews. I don’t give them to my dogs because they can get stuck in a dog’s throat once they get chewed into smaller pieces.

Having once pulled a rawhide chew out of the back of a neighbour’s dog throat, I stopped buying these chews.

Tip #3: Create a Safe Space

Designate a comfortable, familiar area for your dog when you’re away:

  • Use a crate or room with cosy bedding and a few toys.
  • Leave items with your scent, like an old T-shirt, to provide comfort.

There’s often a lot of debate about crating a dog. Your dog’s crate must be his safe space, a place where he can sleep, eat, have quiet time playing with a toy, etc. Never use the crate as a punishment.

Positive crate training will teach your dog that it’s his special place where good things happen.

happy relaxed dog
Train your four-legged friend to be OK about time alone (even on your settee 😊)

Tip #4: Exercise Before You Leave

Physical activity helps expend excess energy and promotes relaxation:

  • Take your dog for a brisk walk or engage in a game of fetch. Don’t overdo the latter, as it produces a lot of adrenaline and cortisol, leaving the dog feeling hyper.
  • Ensure your woofer has enough time to wind down before you depart.

My typical routine for going out is to walk my dogs for an hour. I feed about 20 minutes after the walk and leave within 10-20 minutes.

And yes, like most dog owners, I always tell my fur babies how long I will be 😊

Tip #5: Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s anxiety persists, consult a veterinarian or certified dog behaviourist. They can recommend advanced strategies, training plans, or approved medication if necessary.

Tip #6: Invest in Enrichment Toys

Enrichment toys help distract your dog from his anxiety and can work exceptionally well. The following are a few popular enrichment toys I recommend to clients with dogs suffering from separation anxiety.

What to Avoid When Rehabilitating Your Dog

As mentioned before, most behavioural problems I encounter are caused or prolonged by their owners’ lack of dog psychology knowledge.

Every moment you spend with your dog, you are training what to do. The more you reinforce a behaviour, the more ingrained it becomes. Moreover, you can’t unpick an existing behaviour. The only way to extinguish it is to teach a replacement behaviour.

Read: Fearful or Nervous Dogs: How to Build Confidence Over Time

Punishment

Separation anxiety in dogs is a problem that needs understanding and patience.

Never scold your dog for destructive behaviour caused by anxiety; it can worsen the problem. Even if your furry friend has chewed your most expensive shoes (Luna ruined a brand new £175 pair of walking boots!), that’s down to you.

If you know your dog is destructive, don’t leave valuables lying about within his reach.

Over-Attention

Resist the urge to smother your dog with attention before leaving or after returning. I get it. You feel guilty. I loathe leaving my dogs and have engineered my entire life around them, so they’re rarely alone for long.

They know when I plan to leave and put themselves in their sleeping areas where they wait for one biscuit (which they’ve earned from years of being good when I go out).

When I return home, I walk in, hang up my keys and handbag, take off my boots and put on the kettle. In that five minutes, they dash out to the toilet and then return for a fuss.

And yes, I do apologise if I am out longer than I promised 😊

Abrupt Departures

Avoid leaving for extended periods without preparing your dog, especially during training.

Start as You Mean to Go On

Whether you’re bringing home a young puppy or an older rescue dog, establish your routine as it will be for the rest of your dog’s life. What often goes wrong is that during the first week, new owners spend excessive time cuddling, walking, and snuggling with their new arrival.

In the second week, they return to work, or their normal routine and the dog gets confused. Suddenly, all the attention disappears, and the dog feels bereft.

From day one, give your puppy time to self-soothe and have time away from the family. Reward him for calm, non-reactive behaviour and avoid making a big fuss when seeing your furry friend again.

Read: Classical and Operant Conditioning Dog Training Differences

Final Thoughts

Separation anxiety in dogs can be challenging to overcome. Still, with patience, consistency, and the right approach, most dogs can learn to feel more secure when left alone. Remember, progress can take time. Every dog is unique, and training may require a different approach. Your furry pal will feel more confident and happy in no time with your support and understanding.

I don’t advocate leaving toys with dogs when you are out, but the Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy for Dogs – Pet Anxiety Relief and Calming Aid can help your dog feel more content in his safe space so he is calmer before you leave the house.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow dog owners who may be struggling with the same issue!

You can also find more doggy articles written by me on Pets Radar

Essential Reading:

Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Next Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices: A fabulous book that gives a clear step-by-step process for a dog owner managing separation anxiety.

Scaredy Dog!: Understanding & Rehabilitating Your Reactive Dog:

This little book was my bible when I was rehabilitating my fearful reactive Weimaraner X, Poppy. The exercises are specific for nervous reactive dogs, and you will see results quickly if you implement them.

Paws and Thinks – Mental Workout for Your Dog: A fantastic book with 100+ games to enrich your dog’s life, teaching him new skills that will build his confidence.

101 Dog Tricks and Brain Games For Dogs 2 Books Collection Set: These two books help your dog learn to think for himself and gain new skills.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.