Signs Your Dog Could Have an Anxiety Problem
As much as people use body language to communicate to others that they’re not a threat, so too, does your canine companion communicate with other animals (and often, humans). Professional trainers, behaviorists, and other experts suggest that dogs have recognizable tendencies that they use in order to calm other pets and themselves. Watch your dog when he encounters an another aggressive dog. He’ll often use body language to let the aggressor know that he means no harm. You might see him use his tongue, ears, nose, and the nod of his head to diffuse a potential confrontation.
These are signs of canine anxiety. You’ll probably notice similar behaviors when you take your pooch to see the vet or when a professional trainer reprimands him. Anything that causes stress will expose them. The good news is that owners can use these same behaviors to reduce that stress. If you can identify the ways in which your dog calms himself and tries to calm others, you can leverage those behaviors to have the same calming effect on him.
Common Signs Of Canine Anxiety
Many owners fail to interpret clues that signal their canine is feeling anxious. When your pooch interacts with another pet that is a stranger to him, observe his behaviors. He may start sniffing the floor or nearby objects. He might begin yawning (he’s not tired). Or, you might notice him licking his nose. Each of these is a method he uses to communicate friendliness or a feeling of unfamiliarity.
Some experts believe sniffing is a reaction to the fear of confrontation. That is, your canine will sniff the floor when he perceives a potential threat. It’s his way of trying to soothe the other animal before the situation escalates.
A lack of familiriaty if signified when they either nod their head or turn away from a stare. Your pooch may be mildly anxious because he doesn’t know what to expect, but he’s not fearful. An example might be when a young child hugs him.
When your dog yawns, that is often a sign of stress. It may not mean that he is fearful of a physical confrontation, but he may be worried about something. He might yawn when at the vet or even when you’re disciplining him.
How Owners Can Calm Their Dogs
The signs we talked about are tools used by your dog to calm himself in times of stress or anxiety. Often, you can use those same behaviors to comfort him when he’s worried, stressed, or anxious. Older dogs are generally more receptive to their owners acting in this manner. But, even younger canines will often respond well. Try the next time your canine friend is showing signs of anxiety. He may look at you oddly the first few times, but he’ll eventually grow accustomed to it.
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