Many, many dogs suffer from some mild to serious anxiety issues, even as adults. If you want your new friend to grow up confident and healthy, it's often best to begin addressing the problem when they are small. So if you have brought a new puppy into your home who is showing symptoms of anxiety, you have a few methods you can try to fix the problem.
Understand Where the Anxiety Comes From
Your first step should be to consult with a professional veterinarian to make sure the source of your puppy's behavior is not an underlying medical condition. Common signs of anxiety include heavy panting, whining, pacing, defecation, urination, destroying things when you are not home, barking, and howling. You also must determine what the stimuli for the anxiety is - being left alone is a common one. You can do this on your own or with the help of a professional dog trainer. Once you know you're dealing with anxiety and not another medical condition, you can get started on training it out of your puppy.
Training Methods
Kind and consistent training, as well as gradual exposure to stressful situations, will help significantly. One of the best things you can do to handle a nervous puppy is act like there's nothing wrong at all. By acting calm and in control, as well as adhering to a set routine, your puppy will come to realize that everything is okay and eventually overcome her insecurities. Consistently babying and comforting her can sometimes make the anxiety even worse. With some time, effort, and patience, abnormal behavior can be unlearned.
Look for Natural Drugs
There are plenty of natural remedies or supplements that can help calm an anxious puppy, such as CBD (cannabidiol). Just like in humans, cannabis has been shown to have a number of benefits in animals for conditions such as pain and anxiety and research is ongoing. Vets and holistic pet companies alike are beginning to recommend CBD supplements to help ease anxiety in animals. Some companies, like Husky Palace, know that if you've brought home a new puppy with anxiety, this may be an option to try. It’s safe, effective, non-toxic, and it helps protect the nerves from damage.
Other Products
There are other products that might give you results. Perhaps a favorite toy or treat will distract your puppy and quell his anxiety. Experiment with different things and figure out what works, what your puppy likes, and what he responds to. Another product to try is the ThunderShirt, which gently applies pressure to ease a puppy's anxiety. Many owners have reported good results.
Even small puppies can develop extreme anxiety early in life, and it's not an uncommon condition among dogs in the slightest. Any owner wishing to bring a new puppy into their home should be prepared to manage separation anxiety or other forms of anxiety. Your furry friend will reward you with years of loyalty for your efforts.
