Anxiety in dogs is a natural response to frightening situations. Symptoms of anxiety vary from dog to dog (depending on breed, size and age), common signs include panting, drooling, hiding under furniture and excessive barking. It’s important to address such anxiety to avoid it turning into destructive behaviour.
Here are some good tips to relieve a guest dogs nervous behaviors:
1. Remain calm when guest dogs exhibit anxious behaviours.
Dogs feed off our energy, if we are nervous they will also get nervous. As the leader of the pack, its vital that you stay cool, calm and collected when your pup is acting up. Talk in a calm tone as this reassures your dog that the situation is under control.
2. Don’t baby them.
When a dog behaves anxiously, don’t respond with hugging and petting as it only reinforces this behaviour. Act normal and your guest dog will too.
3. Exercise
Running, walking or a good game of tug-o-war are all perfect ways for your guest dog to blow off steam and bond with you, making them less anxious.
4. Create a designated doggy-spot.
If your guest dog is trained to sleep in a crate, transform it into a relaxing spot where they can retreat when anxious or scared. Cover the crate with a blanket and place toys inside to make guest dogs feel more relaxed. Alternatively place their blanket and bed in a corner of your house, familiar smells from back home will help guest pups feel more comfortable.
If your guest pup continues to look depressed or visibly unwell, it’s worth contacting the dog’s parents for advice. Owners may have encountered this before and could be able to give you more useful tips.