Anxiety

There are several factors can contribute to your dog’s anxiety:

• Separation Anxiety: This manifests itself when dogs don’t have clear expectations from their handler(s). Often, this develops as the dog sees the owner as a source of soothing and not a source of structure. Clear boundaries will establish expectations. Consistency will lead to trust and trust is the antidote for anxiety.
• Fear-Related Anxiety: Loud noises (thunder, fireworks, work vehicles) may cause anxiety due to the loudness and ominous nature of the sound. When the handler establishes themselves as the leader and has built up strong rapport with the dog, they can lead and train the dog through the “scary” situation.
• Medical Issues: Underlying health problems, such as pain, or neurological disorders can cause fear and mistrust with those around him. Having trust in the dog handler, may help the dog navigate through those unstable times.
• Past Trauma or Abuse: Dogs that have experienced abuse or neglect at the hands of their previous home environment may develop fear of humans and general distrust. Although difficult to overcome. Being consistent and regular training that will establish well understood expectations may help dispel this fear.
• Changes in Environment: Moving to a new home, changes in the family structure, or new pets can pull the rug out from under our dogs’ feet. Changes from the norm, where expectations shift, can be anxiety inducing for anyone. Therefore it is imperativethat the handler acts as the stabilizer in times of environmental shift.
• Age-Related Anxiety: Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in older dogs can lead dogs to anxiety, confusion, and disorientation. This is not uncommon with elderly dogs. This is the toughest of the anxiety subsections. Mostly because father time takes us all. There is no reversing the clock.The best we can do is make them as comfortable as we can and hope that the consistency and dedication we poured into them in their younger years will help make the load lighter in the later stages.