Just like humans, dogs can get nervous, hyperactive and anxious to. There are lots of things that can lead to a dog behaving erratically. These mood bursts can be really troublesome for both the dog and owner. Keep reading to get some tips on how to calm down a dog.

Exercise

The first method to get rid of all the built up and nervous energy is to consume it. Your dog can be either stressed or overexcited; in both the cases getting them to work out can be of great help. The best way to make them work out is by playing games with them. You can simply play a game of fetch with your dog.

Other than that, you can also take your dog out for a walk. Make sure that they stay away from other animals so that they can calm down without any interruptions.

Massage

Massages work wonders for stressed or anxious dogs. All you need to do is make your grounded enough that they’d be willing to get a massage. Dogs usually love getting rubbed so this won’t be an issue. Just give your dog a full body massage.

Murmur words of assurance and praise along with the massage to calm your dog down. This can help get rid of excess or negative energy. Another great advantage is that the dog might get lazy and doze off.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a very effective method to get dogs to calm down. Since a dog’s first and the most active sense is the sense of smell, it would really like this. Try scented candles.  Light up scented candles and put them in places that will be out of your pet’s reach. Other than that, you can also try aromatherapy by mixing essential oils in water and spritz all over the room.

There are lots of scents that can use for this purpose. Lavender, honey and other such sweet and mellow scents are the most preferred. Go to your vet and confirm with him regarding which scents to use and how to use them.

Stimulation

Another great way to calm down your dog is by distractions. Set up various source of distractions all over the house. Make sure these objects are mentally stimulating for your pet. These can be done through tons of ways. You can distract your dog by engaging it in games and puzzles. Playing hide and seek indoors is another way to distract it and give it a source of purpose.

Identify the triggers

As said before, there are tons of ways why a dog could be triggered. First try to identify what it is that is causing your dog to get hyper. Sometimes they do it just for attention, if then try to ignore it so that the behavior isn’t encouraged. If it’s another pet, try to get them interact playfully. If it is because of pent up energy, get them to play outdoors to get rid of the energy.

Moreover, there can be other objects as well that might be a source of anxiety. Try to remove them from the dog’s sight.

How can I calm my dog at home?

5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm on the 4th
  1. Stay calm. Dogs are keen observers of their humans’ behavior, and will pick up on even the slightest change in mood and emotion.
  2. Create a safe space. Many dogs find comfort in being in a crate or bedroom when they’re distressed.
  3. Make some noise.
  4. Work it out.
  5. Get help from nature.

How can I calm my dog down fast?

How to Calm Down a Dog: 5 Simple & Effective Tips
  1. Play some music. You probably have a go-to song you listen to when you’re overwhelmed—but did you know that music can calm down dogs, too?
  2. Try aromatherapy. Yes, there’s aromatherapy for dogs!
  3. Get some exercise.
  4. Soothe your pet.
  5. Remember reinforcement.

Where to rub a dog to calm them down?

Most dogs dislike being touched on top of the head and on the muzzle, ears, legs, paws and tail. Slow petting, similar to gentle massage or light scratching, can calm a dog down. Place your hand on an area where the dog enjoys being handled and gently move your hand or fingers in the same direction the fur lies.

What is the best dog calming aid?

Here are some that you can use:
  1. Under the Weather – Calming Soft Chews.
  2. I Heart Dogs – When You’re Away Comfort Cuddler.
  3. ZenCrate – Best Dog Calming Aid Relief Crate.
  4. Dog TV – DogTV.
  5. Pet Acoustics – Pet Tunes.
  6. Smart Pet Love – Snuggle Puppy.
  7. EarthHeart – Canine Calm Spray.

What do vets recommend for dog anxiety?

If your dog develops a serious anxiety disorder, your veterinarian may recommend medications or natural therapies. SSRIs and antidepressants are occasionally prescribed for dogs with anxiety, including fluoxetine and clomipramine.

How can I ease my dog’s anxiety?

7 Proven Ways to Calm Your Anxious Dog
  1. Exercise Your Dog. If your dog has separation anxiety, the obvious way to ease their mind is to never leave them alone.
  2. Physical Contact.
  3. Massage.
  4. Music Therapy.
  5. Time-Out.
  6. Calming Coats/T-Shirts.
  7. Alternative Therapies.

Do I ignore my dog crying at night?

Should you ignore a whining dog?

Although initially you may experience plenty of sleepless nights, it is better to ignore any barking or whining at night from the get go. As long as your dog is comfortable, it will come to no harm and this attention seeking behaviour should only last for a short time.

Why does my dog cry to sleep with me?

Respond selectively to your dog’s whining. If you‘re sure there’s no real need, it’s best to ignore it. Once you notice a moment of silence, offer praise, a treat, or a similar reward. You can even take this opportunity to work on the “quiet” command.

Where should my dog sleep at night time?

Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety. If your dog starts whining as soon as you walk away or only whines when she isn’t allowed to sleep in the bed or in the room with you, then she may have separation anxiety.

Do dogs know when humans are sleeping?

Your dog should sleep wherever you—and your furry best friend—are ensured a good night’s rest. Whether he sleeps in your bed, his own dog bed, on the couch, or in his dog crate will vary depending on what works best for you both.

Why you shouldn’t sleep with your dog?

Increases Sense of Security

Think about it — your dog’s instinct is to protect. They will let you know immediately if anything is amiss while you are asleep.

Is it cruel to crate a dog at night?

It’s true there are some health concerns related to co-sleeping with your dog. Human allergies can be aggravated, for example. There is also the risk of transmission of disease, from both the dog to the human and the human to the dog. However, such transmission is rare.

Should dogs sleep in your bed?

A Safe Space For Your Pet

Crating is useful for training because it draws on your dog’s natural instinct to be in a den. For that reason, if your dog is properly crate trained, the crate will be a comfortable place that he likes spending time and where he feels safe. It is not cruel to crate your dog at night.

Do dogs sleep in crates?

If you don’t suffer from allergies or a compromised immune system, the two major drawbacks to sharing a bed with your dog are hygiene and sleep disruption. But as long as you can tolerate the smell and hair, and your dog doesn’t wake you up with noise or movement, then co-sleeping with your dog is a win/win.

Should I cover my dog’s crate?

A good general rule to follow is one hour in the crate for each month of age. A three-month-old puppy should be fine in the crate for three hours. Puppies should sleep in their crates at night, as this helps them learn to sleep through the night.

Should I ignore puppy whining in crate?

Yes! There’s a caveat, though: Never, ever cover your dog’s crate as punishment. Be careful not to use anything too heavy or thick – you want your dog to have plenty of air-flow inside her crate lest she get too hot or even has trouble getting enough air to be comfortable.

Where do you put a dog crate in the house at night?

“Ignoring the whining is your best option,” says Dr. Coates. “Any type of attention will just reinforce the behavior.” Campbell says that pet parents should avoid giving attention or taking a puppy out of the crate until he is quiet.