Cozy Blanket
It might seem basic, but a blanket can soothe a nervous dog. Get your scent or other familiar smells on it, and when you go out your dog will have the blanket to comfort him and alleviate separation anxiety. You can also cover your dog with the blanket when you’re home and notice he’s feeling nervous.
Calming Dog Treats
Calming dog treats contain naturally relaxing ingredients and can help soothe nervous dogs. In addition, these treats are generally useful for training.
Anxiety Jacket
The gentle pressure exerted by an anxiety jacket relaxes nervous dogs to some degree in around 80 percent of cases, according to manufacturers.
Dog Crate
We wouldn't recommend restricting a nervous dog to a crate as it could cause more stress and upset, but some dogs consider crates calming hideaways or dens. So it's a good idea to allow nervous dogs access to crates, but with the door open.
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Training Book
Many nervous dogs can become much calmer and less fearful with consistent training. A good training book will set you on the right track.
Covered Dog Bed
Covered dog beds are perfect for nervous dogs because they're part bed, part hiding place.
Training Treats
Your ultimate goal should be to use positive training techniques to make your dog less nervous. Training treats are a vital part of this goal.
Chew Toy
Dogs can redirect some of their nervous energy into chewing to make them feel calmer in stressful or overwhelming situations.
Training Leash
If your dog is nervous out on walks, it may not be safe to allow off-leash time until you've perfected recall. A long training leash lets your dog roam safely in appropriate areas and also gives you space to work on recall training.
Pet Camera
Pet cameras let you watch dogs for signs of separation anxiety when you’re out of the room or out of the house, and you can even speak to them to give them reassurance.
Calming Collar
Calming dog collars use synthesized canine pheromones to help relax nervous dogs. They're great when they work, but the downside is they aren't effective on all dogs.
High-Visibility Harness
It doesn't take much for a truly nervous dog to bolt. With a high-visibility harness, it will be much easier to spot a dog who manages to run off during an after-dark walk.
The AKC independently selected each product featured in this article. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. While we do our best to update links often, please note that prices and deals are subject to change.
