Owning a new dog can be exciting and fun, but it can also be overwhelming if the new dog does not seem calm and is disobeying. Dog obedience training is important to teach how to prevent this type of behavior. However, there are some more natural methods of calming your newly adopted or rescued dog.
1. Dog Massage
Massaging a dog can be a great way to calm the dog down and get them used to be touched by you. This is because it mimics how dogs touch each other when bonding with one another. Start off slow and gentle with this activity, if your dog does not seem into it or becomes uncomfortable stop. You can also try varying your touch and see if that makes a difference.
2. The Scent of Home
You may not realize it, but the smell of home (or where you grew up) is an instant calming trigger for humans. This is because we associate the scent with happy memories of carefree times spent as children or of home-cooked meals.
If you are able to, take something that has your natural scent on it (your clothing or a pillow) and give it to the dog to sniff. This will help comfort them and remind them of their own pack, even if they have been separated from their home for a long time.
3. Be Consistent
Consistency with your training is one of the most important things you can do to keep your dog calm. If they are unsure of what will happen next, or if they can never know how to behave it will increase their anxiety and stress levels.
This means that not having clear expectations for your dog at all times is not okay. Dogs need to know that they can trust you and that nothing bad will happen if they do what you say.
4. Proper Food Intake
One of the most important things you can do with your dog maintains their nutrition levels with proper healthy food options. When a dog is malnourished or has food that is not appropriate for their species, they are more likely to have anxiety or be overly hyperactive.
Again, this can make it difficult for you to control them and will increase the likelihood of biting. This also means that if your dog is acting out due to malnutrition or improper nutrition, taking them off of cheap food options will not solve this problem.
5. A Weighted Blanket for Your Dog
Dogs that are anxious or feel the need to always be moving can benefit from having a weighted blanket laid on top of them. The weight of the blanket simulates what it feels like to be hugged or held, keeping them calm and grounded. If your dog is able to have a weighted blanket, this will help with separation anxiety.
6. Exercise & Peaceful Playtime
One of the most important things you can do for your dog is exercise regularly. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog because there are fewer distractions and they are more likely to listen to you.
This means that taking them out for 30 minutes of exercise no matter what time of day (even if it is in the middle of the night) can help them focus when something important needs to be done. One way to make sure your dog gets aerobic exercise but does not overdo it is by using a canine treadmill.
7. Give them CBD Oil for dogs
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is an all-natural product that dogs can take orally to help with their anxiety and stress levels. CBD oil is derived from hemp plants and is full of antioxidants, vitamins, fatty acids, amino acids, terpenes, flavonoids, CBD properties.
There are many different companies that offer CBD oil for dogs, but it is important that you choose the right one. This means looking for a company that has third-party testing done to ensure your dog gets high-quality, organic hemp extracts their bodies can use.
Conclusion
Dogs are like family members and should be treated as such. They deserve to live happy, healthy lives with owners that care about their well-being.