Breaking Down Anxiety & Stress

​It’s no secret that the large majority of behavior problems in dogs (and arguably, in people too) stem from anxiety, over-stimulation, or just general stress. To better understand these problems and how we as dog owners can help, let’s start by breaking it down.
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There are two widely accepted definitions for anxiety: “A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome” and a “desire to do something, typically accompanied by unease.”

I don’t know about you, but the moment I read that I had light bulbs going off in my brain.

Imminent Events and Uncertain Outcomes
Let’s start with the first definition. “Imminent events” with “uncertain outcome[s]” are extremely common in a dog’s life. You know what time friends are planning to show up at your house and what time they plan on leaving, you can read your phone to check what time a big thunderstorm is supposed to start, if you light a candle or mop the floors with bleach you know the odor in the room is about to change. Your dog is unaware of all of this. People show up at their house randomly, and they have no control over who it is, their arrival time/manner, or their departure. Although much research has been done on animals and weather predictability, dogs don’t wake up and check the weather forecast every morning. They don’t have a say on new objects, furniture, or scented items being brought into the house (or existing items being rearranged). They are just expected to go with the flow and accept everything that comes their way. Take a step back for a minute and think about how stressful that might be. Take into account that anxiety disorders are almost just as common in dogs as they are in people (roughly 40%), and you might feel the need to go give your dog a hug right now... that is, if your dog enjoys hugs, of course.

Science hasn’t found a way to conversate with dogs yet (I’m still waiting for the day that it does). However, there are ways to help reduce these imminent events and therefore reduce general anxiety level. It starts by giving your dog a more structured and predictable life. The first thing I do with my clients, whether they came to me for simple obedience lessons or more complex behavior modification training, is sit down and go over the dog’s schedule. At first, I was surprised at how few dogs had a strict schedule. The more clients I met with, the more I began to realize this is the norm in most households.

I believe all dogs should have a routine schedule to the best of their owners’ abilities. I realize this is difficult sometimes, and if your dog does well with how he’s living currently, there’s no need to change and risk stressing yourself out which can then be projected onto your dog. However, any dog with existing anxiety, frustration, over-stimulation, or general stress deserves the most structured life possible.

This means waking up at as close to a consistent time as possible, immediately going outside, coming back in and being fed a regular meal, going on a walk around the same time each day, followed by training, dinner, and eventually going to bed at a structured time. The more predictable life is for your dog, the less your dog has to worry about events that he has no control over.

Desire to Do
Moving on to the second definition. “Desire to do something” is a phrase that typically only working-bred dog owners have prepared for. We’ve all heard “if you get a border collie, you need to give them a job to do or they’ll make their own.” However, ALL dogs, from the fragile little Chihuahua to the boisterous German Shepherd, seek both physical and mental stimulation every day.

Exercise is the easiest way to start. Almost every one of the anxious dogs I’ve worked with has seen dramatic improvement simply by increasing their exercise regimen. Why? Exercise releases pent up energy. This energy can lead to boredom, which if left untreated, leads to frustration, and if that too goes untreated, don’t be surprised if you end up with a very anxious dog who’s exhibiting a long list of unwanted behaviors. Second, exercise increases the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is widely accepted as one of the “feel good” neurotransmitters, as it evokes feelings of happiness and well-being. Letting your dog sniff and noodle around on these walks can also engage different parts of their brain and provide necessary mental stimulation.

While exercise is a fantastic start, the mental stimulation provided is relatively minimal compared to things like brain games, puzzle toys, and positive reinforcement training. Every time a dog is rewarded for completing a task (this could be finding their favorite toy at the end of a scent trail, uncovering all the food in a puzzle toy, or simply getting a treat after rolling over) their brain gives off a small burst of dopamine. Much like serotonin, dopamine evokes feelings of euphoria. However, it also increases motivation and concentration. Altogether, it’s the easiest way to say goodbye feelings of anxiety and hello rational thought.

The Takeaway
I’m not saying this will totally cure your dog’s anxiety or their behavior issues. However, it is a good place to start. I’ve never met a dog who I didn’t see dramatic improvement after instituting the above; though, for some, further behavior modification therapy and even medication in some instances were necessary. If behavior problems resulting from anxiety, frustration, or stress persists, getting the advice of both a behaviorist and a veterinarian is recommended.