Dog Anxiety For Dummies

Find out whether your dog or puppy has anxiety, and learn what you can do to help

Dog anxiety is common among all breeds, but different dogs can show different symptoms. Dog Anxiety For Dummies is for the millions of dog parents (and dog-parents-to-be) who want to help improve their pets' quality of life and relieve their suffering. With this helpful resource, you can recognize common signs of anxiety in dogs, discover what triggers their anxiety, learn to use training and play to ease anxiety, and find professional help when you need it. You'll also get tips for dealing with specific situations like separation anxiety, fear aggression, noise-sensitive pups, and addressing trauma in rescue dogs. Calm dogs of all ages with the expert tips inside!

• Recognize your dog's anxiety symptoms and triggers
• Understand treatment options for dogs displaying anxious behaviors
• Implement daily routines and training solutions to help alleviate anxiety
• Help your dog feel comfortable about strangers, cope with containment anxiety, and live a happy life

This is the perfect Dummies guide for puppy and dog owners whose pets are suffering from anxiety, and for anyone considering adopting a dog in the future.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Dog Anxiety 5

Chapter 1: Understanding Anxiety in Dogs 7

Chapter 2: Unpacking the Nature of Anxiety 19

Chapter 3: Building Confidence with Routine and Play 39

Chapter 4: Addressing the Many Causes of Anxiety 73

Chapter 5: Finding Help When You Need It 85

Part 2: Soothing a Dog’s Separation Anxiety 97

Chapter 6: Understanding Separation Anxiety 99

Chapter 7: Treating Separation Anxiety 115

Part 3: Resolving Containment Anxiety 133

Chapter 8: Soothing Indoor and Outdoor Containment Anxiety 135

Chapter 9: Recognizing Trauma in Rescues and Other Dogs 149

Chapter 10: Rehabilitating and Training Leash Reactive Dogs 159

Part 4: Helping a Dog with Social Anxiety 177

Chapter 11: Easing Your Dog’s Fear of People 179

Chapter 12: Managing Resource Guarding and Other Aggressive Reactions 203

Part 5: Calming a Sensory-Sensitive Dog 227

Chapter 13: Rehabilitating Storm and Sound Sensitivities 229

Chapter 14: Alleviating Other Sensory Sensitivities 245

Part 6: The Part of Tens 259

Chapter 15: Ten Plus Confidence Building Exercises 261

Chapter 16: Ten Plus Ways to Address Separation Anxiety 265

Appendix A: Anxiety in Puppies 269

Appendix B: Anxiety in Senior Dogs 279

Appendix C: Addressing Fear of the Veterinarian and Other Pet Care Professionals 289

Appendix D: Managing Multi-dog Households 299

Index 323

Sarah Hodgson is a dog trainer, pet behavior expert, influencer, and the author of over a dozen best-selling books, including Puppies for Dummies, 4th Edition, and Dog Tricks and Agility for Dummies, 2nd edition. With over 40 years of professional experience, her compassionate, force-free philosophy has empowered pets and their people worldwide.

Understand the underlying issues surrounding anxiety in dogs and soothe your pet with compassion

Does your dog panic when left alone? Is your dog afraid of thunder? Are they edgy around new dogs…scared to greet people…reactive at the door or on leash…aggressive over their things? Dog Anxiety for Dummies can help! Learn how to read your dog’s behavior, identify triggers, and reduce anxiety. Delving deep into your dog’s inner world, Sarah Hodgson offers clear advice and simple, fun techniques to minimize reactivity and fear and increase confidence and joy—at both ends of the leash!

Inside…

• Understand the nature of anxiety
• Explore potential root causes
• Recognize anxiety symptoms
• Establish daily routines
• Manage their fears
• Practice lessons, games, and activities
• Learn rehabilitation techniques
• Improve your dog’s quality of life