Is your dog a pessimist?
A recent post from Rutland Veterinary Clinic prompted us to publish this blog article. Stress and anxiety in local dogs is something we have witnessed on too many occasions and it was so refreshing to see a local veterinarian raise the topic.
Just like humans, dogs can experience both acute and chronic stress and anxiety. And just like us, chronic stress in dogs can have serious health consequences. High blood pressure, depression, and cardiovascular strain are common in people under long-term stress—and there’s every reason to believe our dogs are similarly affected.
But beyond the long-term health impacts, stress and anxiety often cause day-to-day behavioral issues that can damage the relationship between dogs and their people. Unfortunately, we often place dogs in situations that cause them discomfort or fear, then become frustrated by their natural responses.
Take, for example:
-
A dog who had a bad experience with other dogs as a puppy, yet is repeatedly exposed to off-leash greetings.
-
A young dog who was handled roughly, and now growls when a hand reaches toward them.
In both cases, the dog’s behavior is a reasonable reaction to their past experiences and current stressors. Instead of punishing the response, we must look at the root cause.
Sudden indoor elimination from a potty-trained dog is often a sign of stress or overwhelm.
What Can You Do to Help a Stressed or Anxious Dog?
As with people, good exercise, nutrition, and downtime are essential to a dog’s emotional wellbeing. In some cases, support from a veterinarian may also be necessary. The first step is to identify the sources of your dog’s stress. What can be changed, removed, or managed differently?
Here are some key areas to assess:
Environment
-
Is your home too noisy? Too chaotic? Too sterile or boring?
-
Are there stress-inducing triggers like fireworks, frequent visitors, or loud machinery?
A dog’s environment should feel safe, predictable, and enriched.
Routine
-
Too much unpredictability can be unsettling.
-
But a completely monotonous routine can lead to boredom and frustration.
Aim for a balance of structure and variety—especially in exercise and enrichment.
Housemates (People and Pets)
-
Are the people in your home calm, consistent, and gentle with your dog?
-
Are other pets respectful and well-matched in energy and temperament?
Some dogs thrive in quiet homes, while others enjoy a social bustle. Know your dog’s preferences.
Exercise & Enrichment
Furrowed brow and hyper vigilance can be signs of worry. So many working dogs are massively under-stimulated.
-
A quick walk around the block isn’t enough for most dogs.
-
Sniffy walks (20–30 minutes of loose-leash exploration) are deeply enriching.
-
Add opportunities for off-leash play or structured games for physical release.
-
Working breeds often need additional outlets—mental and physical.
Nutrition
-
Poor nutrition or food intolerances can affect a dog’s gut—and their behavior.
-
Digestive issues and food sensitivities are often linked to anxiety.
-
Work with your vet or a certified nutritionist to identify and address dietary needs.
Downtime
-
Dogs need both active downtime (like puzzle toys, chews, or licking mats) and passive rest.
-
Relaxation is a learned skill. Teach your dog how to settle, not just how to “stay.”
Tip: Susan Garrett’s Podcast Episode 191 is a great resource for understanding how to teach relaxation.
Choice-Based, Force-Free Training
-
Positive reinforcement allows your dog to make good choices and builds confidence.
-
“Balanced training,” which uses punishment for “bad” choices, often leads to fear, confusion, and avoidance.
-
Dogs trained with kindness and consistency learn faster and retain better.
Sleep
-
Puppies and adolescent dogs, especially, need plenty of quality sleep.
-
Lack of rest can increase reactivity and stress.
Is your dog just bored, or stressed?
Alone Time
-
Constant attention can create dependency.
-
Puppies need to learn how to self-soothe and settle without human interaction.
-
Use safe containment strategies like crates, pens, or gated areas to teach independence.
Without appropriate alone time, young dogs may turn to destructive or inappropriate behaviors like chewing furniture, digging, or counter surfing.
Emotional Needs
-
Your dog is a completely different species—are you truly meeting their emotional needs?
-
Effective communication, regular bonding time, and humane training are essential.
-
Positive reinforcement isn’t permissive—it’s a collaborative, respectful approach to behavior.
If your dog spends more time hiding than soliciting attention, please speak to your vet.
When to Talk to Your Vet
Even in the most thoughtful, well-managed homes, some dogs are naturally more anxious. If you’ve addressed the areas above and your dog still seems highly stressed, it may be time to speak with your veterinarian.
A vet can:
-
Rule out medical causes of anxiety.
-
Discuss options for behavioral medication or supplements.
-
Help regulate your dog’s baseline arousal and cortisol levels when environmental change alone isn’t enough.
Final Thoughts
Stress and anxiety in dogs are often misunderstood and underestimated. Well meaning friends can offer outdated advice. Corrections-based trainers may suggest tools which will give your dog more reason to worry, not less.
As their guardians, we have a responsibility to advocate for our dogs’ wellbeing—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. By understanding the causes of canine stress, providing a supportive environment, and training with empathy, we give our dogs the best chance at a happy, healthy, confident life.
If your dog’s anxious behavior has you worried, please reach out to us. As the only IAABC Certified Canine Behavior Consultant in Rutland county, we will offer you humane, science-based behavior modification plans and training advice, and will work alongside your veterinarian to help bring out the best in your canine companion.
