Nervous Dog Behavior

Some people are simply terrified of dogs. Ironically, some dogs are also equally terrified of people. Usually, dogs are synonymous with playful, boisterous animals that often become your best mates. You obviously don't want a whimpering little creature who hides under a table whenever the doorbell rings or barks at every passerby. Nervous dog behavior is a common dog behavioral problem, that can be corrected with little training.

How to Detect Nervous Behavior in Dogs

Just like human beings, dogs also have their own unique personalities. Some dogs are naturally peaceful and quiet while others are dominant and aggressive. There is also another type of dog personality namely nervous dog personality. Such dogs may or may not exhibit aggressive behavior. However, they are very likely to display some strange dog behavior which is unique to this personality. Nervous dogs are often jumpy and restless. They become hyper at the slightest hint of sound and start barking in unison. If you have a dog who is at times fearful and stressed then you must be well acquainted with the traits of nervous or fearful dog behavior.

Nervous dogs will unnecessarily bark, jump around, chase other dogs as well as people and whimper without a reason. They may also over react to normal sounds such as door bell or telephone ring. Besides, they may suddenly become very fearful when you have visitors and hide under table or run away to other room. This type of behavior may be targeted at particular visitors or it may be targeted at anyone who visits your house.

How to Correct It

There are several ways of correcting dog behavior that is nervous or fearful. However, you are more likely to succeed if you are aware of the causes that trigger the nervous behavior in your dog. Alleviating that cause is the best way of controlling nervous dog behavior.

Keep Calm Yourself
Dogs have a tendency to inherit the traits of their owner. They are very likely to reflect your own behavior. If you exhibit an overexcited behavior in front of your dog, he is very likely to pick up your body language and mimic it.

Let Your Dog Socialize
Dogs also tend to imitate the behavior of other dogs. Hence, allow your dog to mingle with other dogs in the neighborhood. A friendly, bold dog can be a good influence for your dog. After spending a few days with this dog, your dog will most likely overcome his fear and nervous behavior.

Exert Your Dog
Most dog behavior problems originate due to lack of exercise. Since, your dog has lot of unused energy, he often directs it to destructive activities. If you exert your dog sufficiently he won't have any energy left for throwing tantrums or indulging in other destructive activities. Exercises also help to stimulate the release of endorphins which are chemicals responsible for keeping your dog calm and happy.

Give Your Dog a Massage
A good massage goes a long way in controlling the nerves of your dog. Spend at least 30
minutes massaging your dog in a quiet corner of your house. You may use aromatherapy oils to soothe the nervous dog. Massage has a very calming and relaxing effect upon your dog.

Music
It may seem weird, but dogs do respond to music just like humans. Calming, soothing music has the ability to relax even the most hyper of all dogs. Whenever your dog begins to turn restless or shows any signs of nervous behavior, always make it a point to put on some good music. However, avoid putting on loud, shrill music with lots of instruments in the background. This is likely to scare your dog even more.

Nervous dog training can be conducted by a professional dog trainer, who is well acquainted with the particular problems of such dogs. You may even train your family members to handle the particular needs of your dogs. Nervous behavior may take a few months to cure completely. You may also hint your visitors regarding your dog's nervousness, so that they do not do anything to alarm your dog.