Highly Alert. Highly Anxious.

 Dear Darcians,

Today we are going to talk about a common issue in dog training. Anxiety. Many people believe their dog to be anxious for a number of reasons. Some include:

- When leaving them home alone

- Going for walks

- Meeting other dogs

It is true that dogs can have high anxiety, after all they originally were feral animals and being alert and anxious meant staying alive. But how does that evolve into daily living when there is no prey or predators to watch out for?

First we need to understand the signs of a highly anxious dog. By looking at the dogs body language we can tell if they are having high adrenaline. From ears that are facing forward and stand straight up, to a tail that stays still and is slightly raised. Of course, some dogs will have slightly different signs, such as aggression or reactivity, which can entail barking or snapping at other people and animals.

When a dog is anxious with a spiked adrenaline coursing through them, we have to ask ourselves what might be missing from their daily lives. For some people, boundaries are not clear and the dog has no idea or understanding of where "their" territory resides. This makes them on high alert and will not calm down until the boundaries are clear and well established. This can mean keeping the dog out of the kitchen and dining room, maybe even the home office. 

When we think of dogs, many of us forget how they once lived in the woods, all the while hunting for food and fending off predators that wished to harm them. So, to be better prepared, the pack had different positions. You would have the top of the hierarchy, the alpha couple. The breeding pair that looks after all the other wolves. Then you have the dominant wolves under them. These wolves are skilled at fighting and would actually protect the pack. Then you have the submissive wolves, they don't care to fight, but instead will help with the new puppies.

So were does your dog fall in this hierarchy? 

Do they feel the need to protect the pack or help with the puppies? It is important to know what your dogs job would have been in the pack to better suit commands and task to them. Dogs that are more aggressive or reactive tend to have been the fighters of the pack. The best way to help their anxiety is showing boundaries and proving that you will protect them instead of the other way around. Proving you will be the fighter of the pack will lead them to feel guarded and safe, and the fight of flight they feel will gradually die down.

But what if your dog is calm and has high anxiety? Does the same techniques work? Well yes and no. The thought of showing you can protect your dog is important still, but giving them a place to be alone is just as important. 

We can think of a submissive dog as an introvert, then we- as humans- can understand the need to isolate and recharge our social batteries. These dogs would normally have stayed in the den with the new born puppies and would not have ventured all that far from the protection of the den. While they no longer are out in the forest, many dogs still need the feel of a den. The best way to give them this comfort is by having a kennel setup so if they need a break then they can go and sleep away from everything. 

Kennels are in no way mean or cruel. Actually, not giving them a "den" like structure is more cruel as they don't feel the home is truly their territory. Dens are a place they KNOW are safe and not having one would never have been an option when choosing a territory. Even the higher ranked, dominant wolves of the pack would  stay close to or even in the den if big enough. Some dens would be caves and would host the whole pack, the with puppies and their caregivers in the back, and the fighters at the opening in order to protect.

Giving your dog the option of having a den where they can be safe and relaxed is a great starting place with calming your anxious dog down.

Do you have more questions on helping your pup or doggo? Comment down below and it might show up in the next article! Also find us on Facebook @Darcy's Pack and Pride.