How to Calm a Nervous Rescue Dog
Once you have decided that you would like a new dog as a pet, you need to decide where you will get your new dog. Some people choose a pet store or breeder. Others choose a dog shelter or pet rescue. Getting a dog from a shelter or rescue can mean that the dog may have emotional or physical issues. Many dogs coming from rescues have been mistreated and are thus nervous dogs. You can help to calm a nervous dog and make it comfortable in your home.
Instructions
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Visit the veterinarian for a checkup. Whenever you get a new dog, taking a trip to the veterinarian should be one of the first things you do. The veterinarian will examine your pet and can inform you of any underlying medical issues. If the nervousness of your rescue dog is unmanageable, the veterinarian can prescribe medication to help calm the dog.
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Massage the dog. Dogs can experience the same relaxing benefits as humans from receiving a massage. Take a class from your veterinarian or a local massage therapist to learn helpful techniques. Go slowly, and use long, even strokes and gentle pressure. Experiment on your own to determine what your dog enjoys.
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Give your dog plenty of exercise. Take your dog for a daily walk, a romp at a local dog park or a run in the backyard. A nervous pet needs a release for its energy; when a nervous dog is not exercised regularly, it may become destructive. Exercise will help a nervous dog calm down.
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Set an example for your dog. A nervous, excitable dog is more likely to be calm if the owner is calm. Do not award nervous behavior, and exhibit calmness whenever you are around the dog. Dogs are naturally pack animals and follow the pack leader; establish yourself as the pack leader, and your dog will take its cues from you.
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Introduce new people slowly. A nervous dog may get more nervous if it is introduced to too many things at once. Allow the dog to approach each person in its own time. As the dog becomes calmer, it will interact more with each member of the family and any others with whom it comes into contact.
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Use natural calming remedies available for pets. These products are comprised of a mixture of natural ingredients that can have a calming effect on animals. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for this type of product. Watch the dog carefully to ensure that there are no negative effects.
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Tips & Warnings
Have each person offer treats to help the dog understand that each new person is safe.
When massaging a new dog, progress with caution. Approach the dog calmly and from the front, so it can see you coming. If it snarls or growls, stop touching the dog, and try again later.
Do not force the dog to interact with anyone; this will only make it more nervous.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
