It can be difficult to watch your puppy struggle with anxiety. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to help your pup overcome their anxiety. With proper puppy anxiety training, you can provide your pup with the skills they need to manage their fear and worry.
A great starting point is desensitization. This technique teaches your dog that the things that make them anxious do not have to be feared or avoided. You start by exposing them gently and gradually to their triggers in a safe environment and rewarding them for remaining calm and relaxed during these exposures.
Another effective tool is counterconditioning, which replaces fearful or anxious behavior with positive responses when exposed to triggers that may cause fear or stress in dogs. For example, if a car ride makes your pup nervous, give them treats every time they get in the car so they eventually learn that car rides mean getting treats instead of being afraid or stressed out.
In addition, teaching basic obedience commands such as “sit” or “stay” can help build confidence in puppies who are struggling with anxiety issues by providing structure and reinforcing good behaviors while discouraging unwanted ones like barking or jumping up on people. Lastly, providing plenty of exercise for both physical and mental stimulation is important for any puppy but especially those who are dealing with anxieties as it helps release endorphins which naturally reduce stress levels.