Dog Anxiety Is Real

At Maple Tree Dog Training, canine anxiety has been a recurring theme in conversations with guardians. Anxiety in dogs is not only common but also deeply misunderstood. By recognising the signs, understanding the causes, and exploring management strategies, we can better support our companions in living calmer, happier lives.

Lauren, Rocco & Odie

Recognising the Symptoms

Anxiety can manifest in many ways, often mistaken for “bad behaviour.” Common signs include:

• Aggression or reactivity towards people or other dogs

• Destructive behaviour such as chewing furniture or digging

• Digestive issues, including diarrhoea or vomiting

• Excessive barking or whining

• Hypervigilance and restlessness

• Withdrawal or avoidance behaviours

• Blocking your exit through the front door — some dogs physically prevent guardians from leaving, a clear sign of distress and attachment-related anxiety

  
  

These symptoms are the dog’s way of communicating distress.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety can stem from a wide range of experiences:

• Negative or traumatic events

• Lack of socialisation during critical developmental stages

• Genetic predisposition

• Pain or illness

• Environmental stressors such as loud noises or changes in routine

In essence, anxiety is the anticipation of fear, worrying about what might happen, even when nothing is wrong in the moment.

Rocco Engaging With Lauren

Types of Canine Anxiety

Sound Sensitivity vs. Sound Phobia

• Sound Sensitivity: Dogs with sensitivity suffer from everyday noises, like a dropped fork or slammed door. Their nervous system reacts detrimentally, and the suffering is constant.

• Sound Phobia: Phobias are usually linked to a traumatic experience with a specific sound. Fireworks and thunderstorms are common triggers. Unlike sensitivity, phobias are situational but can be equally debilitating.

  
  

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is one of the most crippling forms of canine anxiety. It occurs when a dog cannot relax without their guardian present. Signs may include pacing, vocalising, blocking exits, or subtle stress behaviours that go unnoticed if the dog isn’t destructive.

There are different types of separation-related distress:

• Classic Separation Anxiety: Triggered by the guardian leaving, leading to panic and inability to settle.

• Attachment Disorder: Dogs with attachment disorder struggle even when other people are present, they bond so strongly to one individual that absence of that person causes distress.

• Milder Separation Distress: Dogs may cope for short periods but show escalating anxiety if left longer.

As John Bradshaw explains in In Defence of Dogs, separation anxiety may be rooted in the dog’s evolutionary bond with humans. Dogs have been bred for thousands of years to rely on human companionship, so being left alone can feel unnatural and frightening.

A Recommended Read would be Be Right Back! by Julie Naismith.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Though less researched in dogs, PTSD is real. It results from trauma so severe that it imprints on the dog’s nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system responds with intense stress whenever a similar situation arises, leading to recurring anxiety episodes.

Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)

Ageing can bring two pathways to anxiety:

• Decline of senses (hearing loss, poor eyesight)

• Loss of cognitive function, leading to confusion and disorientation

CCD is increasingly recognised in senior dogs. Much like dementia in humans, it affects memory, perception, and decision-making, often resulting in heightened anxiety.

Veterinary Support

Speaking to a vet is crucial. Medication may be necessary for dogs whose anxiety severely impacts their wellbeing. Just as humans benefit from medical support, dogs deserve the same consideration. A vet can rule out underlying health issues and prescribe appropriate treatments.

Management Strategies

While veterinary support and lifestyle adjustments are important, anxiety often requires a multi-layered approach. Effective management can include:

• Music therapy: Calming playlists or white noise can reduce stress.

• Canine massage & T-Touch: Gentle touch techniques help release tension and promote relaxation.

• Routine walks: Timing walks to avoid stressful triggers (e.g., busy traffic or fireworks season) can make outings more positive.

• Positive reinforcement training: Building confidence through rewards-based methods helps dogs feel safe and supported.

• Safe spaces: Providing a quiet, comfortable area where the dog can retreat when overwhelmed.

• Behaviour modification programme with a qualified trainer or behaviourist:

  A structured programme tailored to the individual dog’s needs helps address the root causes of anxiety rather than just the symptoms. Working with a positive reinforcement trainer or behaviourist ensures humane, science-based methods that build trust and resilience.

  Benefits include:

  • Teaching coping strategies for stressful situations

  • Reducing reactive behaviours through gradual desensitisation and counterconditioning

  • Strengthening the bond between guardian and dog

  • Preventing escalation of anxiety into aggression or destructive behaviour

  • Empowering guardians with practical tools to support their dog day-to-day

Canine anxiety is not a reflection of poor training or “bad dogs.” It is a complex emotional state that requires compassion, patience, and informed support. By recognising symptoms, understanding causes, and working with professionals, guardians can help their dogs navigate the world with greater ease.