Every single dog has its very own personality, but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy to raise a dog alongside your family. Some dogs are bolder than others, whereas some dogs are exceptionally shy. If you’re bringing the dog into your home, you want to make sure that you are able to help it to integrate into your family easily.

There are some behavioural problems or past traumas that can affect your dog, just as past trauma can affect us as human beings. You can reach out to an expert on dog training to help you to get through the nervous behavior stage with your pet, but there are also things that you could be doing in the home to help your anxious dog.

It’s not easy for a dog in a new environment to relax, so you must have some patience with this, because it can take some time for your dog to completely calm down. It’s also helpful for you to understand the symptoms of nervousness in your dog, but your vet should be able to help you with that. Here are some things that you could do to help your anxious dog.

• Make sure that the walks you give your dog are long, quality ones. Dogs can be very nervous due to past trauma or accumulated energy. One of the most practical ways to help your dog to burn off nervous energy is to go for longer walks. Instead of walking for 20 minutes, go for half an hour. Instead of exercising for 15 minutes, go for 45! There are certain things that people do wrong when it comes to walking the dog, but if you want to burn off nervous energy it’s actually the easiest way to do it. It’s also a good place to be able to practice obedience exercises and behavior training.
• Be patient. Your dog is going to be able to pick up on your impatience and your anger if you are starting to get frustrated with this process. Be as patient as possible and watch your own emotional state. Remaining calm and breathing easily along with a soft voice is going to help your dog to realize that it’s okay to trust you and it’s okay to relax. This takes time and you shouldn’t get a dog if you’re not willing to give that time.
• Keep the home a calm place. If you want your dog to be less anxious and less nervous around you, make sure that you are keeping your home a calm and happy place. You should make sure that you’re playing quiet games, and that you are ensuring that your dog has few activities that involve jumping or running unless they’re outside. Dog toys are a good idea, but try and keep them in the garden.
• Give him attention. Often, physical touch is one of the best things that you could give your dog to help him to calm down. Stroking your dog, praising and giving love and attention when he is doing well will really help to calm the energy and feel more relaxed around you and in your home. Start slowly at their head and work your way down the rest of the body. Physical contact is important for your dog’s well-being.

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