[16] X Expert Source Jaimie Scott Dog Owner Trainer Expert Interview. A lot of compromises had to be made in terms of lifestyle to ensure that we helped him to have the most relaxing life and overcome the dog’s anxiety issues. Noisy things. Give a special nighttime snack as a treat; Pull out a cuddly toy that is only used for bed; Provide a t-shirt with your scent ; Walk your pup over to their special sleeping area; … Only by helping them to feel safe, will you be able to keep their anxiety levels low enough to allow them to feel relaxed enough to be receptive to any behaviour modification training you will do. “To date, there is no research in animals as to the efficacy of CBD for anxious behaviors. 16 June 2020. Prolonged exposure to something mildly stressful can result in developing a severe fear. We had to employ a lot of management techniques as well as a lot of intensive training to get him to a point where he felt safe and relaxed. The same is true for dogs. If you have a dog that is nervous around people or other dogs, you may need to consider using a muzzle. Dog anxiety can also be triggered by encounters with unfamiliar things, which they perceive as a potential threat. The very last resort, but it works. Running and playing are great ways to reduce stress and often help improve the lives of very anxious dogs overall. If your dog is anxious around other dogs, try to avoid meeting any head-on in a restricted space. Help dogs keep calm and feel safe: management can be a crucial tool, 5. Things like being moved from a family home to a stressful rescue kennel environment, or losing an owner that they have lived with for a long time. This can also be stressful. Annie went from being scared of everyone and everything to loving life! Your dogs may be panting despite there not being extreme heat or overexertion. When it comes to how to calm an anxious dog, CBD oil is not something Dr. Radosta recommends at her practice. The safest and … Then use an encouraging tone to ask him to come to you and, if he does, reward him with a treat. We know a schedule keeps us on track, but the familiarity of a routine also gives us a sense of security. It will also likely only serve to hinder or damage the bond of trust you are working to build with your dogs. Once the dog moves out of your dog’s sight, stop the praise and treats. Find out how to tell if your dog is frightened by reading her expression. Other things may be less expected. For example, perhaps they have been hit by a bike. For example, distressed dogs tend to bark or howl when their owner isn’t home, bite, chew on furniture, run away cowering, shivering, or pant and pace even when it is … So it may seem like a quick fix cure, but it is likely that you have only achieved heightening your dogs anxiety even further, tarnished any trust that your dog may have in you and increased the chances of them having an even more extreme reaction the next time they are exposed to their fear trigger. Those who have more severe symptoms will likely not take to this well and can become extremely … 9 Ways To Calm An Anxious Dog During Fireworks. If you are going to be using a muzzle, make sure that you take the time to properly desensitise your dog to it. Not only would that be pretty difficult to manage, but it would mean some major, often impractical changes in lifestyle that are not necessarily good for you or your dog. #1. A veterinary behaviourist will often be able to help out with a Stooge dog, they will have good experience of reading dog body language and signs of anxiety and they are also usually a very sympathetic ear. This is the type of music most likely to soothe your pup. Little Sam was a special lad. “Generalized anxiety, where a dog shows near constant signs of anxiety, may be related to things like changes to their normal lifestyle, inconsistency in their daily routines, lack of sufficient physical, and/or mental exercise, medical conditions or aging,” says Stephen DeBono, pet behavior manager at Bideawee. And on that topic, some dogs will benefit from activity later in … He would actively seek them out. Dogs are like … As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Continued If the Problem Is More Serious … A dog with severe anxiety won't be distracted by even the tastiest treats. The most important tip of all: Don’t use punishment with an anxious dog! Now, anxiety triggers can vary depending on the dog. Help your dog to overcome their fear in a positive way: desensitisation and counter-conditioning, 9. Some signs are much more subtle than this though, and a big part of recognising when your dogs are afraid is by paying close attention to their body language. We love the Eileen and Dogs Blog and she has written a great article outlining ways you may be accidentally exposing a dog to harmful flooding scenarios. Always discuss your options with a veterinarian who can assist you with how to calm an anxious dog and a host of other issues. Living with an anxious and fearful dog can be a challenge. 7 Medication for Anxious Dogs. How To Calm A Nervous or Anxious Dog. All the pros and cons should be weighed up carefully before coming to a decision. Watching your dogs become more relaxed and happy is such a true privilege. He was very fearful and we had to work a lot on issues related to anxiety in dogs. Desensitising your dog involves exposing them to the trigger that scares them, but at a level that does not cause anxiety. There are no quick fixes on the road to success. If they are scared of the hoover, keep them in another room or in a secure garden when you have it on. Dogs can often mess if they suffer from severe anxiety. As many people suffering from anxiety disorders will tell you, exercise often helps alleviate anxiety and stress. You want to wait for your dog to see the other dog and then reward them. Especially when used in conjunction with other calming aids such as a pheromone diffuser, noise masking with a fan or sound machine, or, in severe cases, prescription anti-anxiety medication. Other things like fear of other dogs, people, or unfamiliar environments may be from lack of socialization in their puppy days. Recognize the Signs of Dog Anxiety “Dogs … This can include new environments, unfamiliar vehicles, and strange dogs or people. He was the best boy and gave us a lot of love and joy for over 13 years. Faced with a new, unusual or unfamiliar situation, it’s perfectly normal for your dog to be nervous, anxious or fearful! Let them be a dog Sam, my rescue Cocker Spaniel, was very poorly socialised as a puppy and, along with various other factors, this made him an anxious and fearful boy. Not only will an extra walk (or a brisk game of fetch) provide a stress-busting boost of endorphins, exercise calms anxious dogs by letting them burn off extra energy and stress. If your dog is bored he's more likely to become reactive and anxious. She had been abandoned by her hunter owner and had obviously had bad experiences with people in the past. if your dog is frightened by reading her expression. Flooding is the technical term for forcing your dog to face the thing that is frightening to them. If a child is continually pestering and teasing dogs, the dogs can start to develop a general fear of children and may start to react defensively as a result. There are no quick fixes. If you do meet another dog on your walk, be proactive to calm your anxious dog. Routine is key to keeping dogs relaxed as they prepare to sleep. For a dog that has an extremely aggressive reaction as a result of fear, you may need to consider a muzzle during your training period. Where relevant and helpful to the reader, we may link to products. Exercise & Brain Games. You often have to make compromises on a daily basis and working towards removing a fearful reaction, whatever it may be towards, can be a long process. He also had separation anxiety. If your dog has an extreme reaction to the trigger that makes them fearful or you are just struggling with any training you may be doing, don’t struggle on alone. They may start to get nervous when they see signs you're about to leave, like putting on your shoes or picking up your keys. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. If they are showing much anxiety you should move further back until you get to a distance that they feel comfortable at. This is NOT true. Why Dogs Get Anxiety Disorders. In extreme cases, anxious dogs will pace, tremble, and shake. He really set me off on my dog training and behaviour journey. Dogs who exhibit only slight signs of separation anxiety may be able to be successfully crated assuming you can convince them that it is a den/safe spot. Follow these steps to keep your dog calm at night. Dogs will often sniff excessively when stressed out. Why would you want to use something aversive when your dogs are already afraid? Of the three dogs I have had, two of them have has severe anxiety issues. They can also teach your dog how to overcome separation anxiety. Exercise is essential for a healthy body and a healthy mind, and an anxiou… Signs and Treatments, There’s an Enormous Rise in Pet Scams: Here’s How to Protect Yourself, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Treating your dog to a long walk before you leave for the day can help calm your dog’s separation anxiety, as can extra cuddles, petting, and brushing, because anxious dogs … An extreme change of circumstance. Some people try fashioning a homemade version to try to work out if the real deal would be worth investing in. 2. Depending on your dogs level of fear, you may only be able to move one or two steps closer at a time. Flooding is not fair: Sink or Swim is not the right approach when dealing with a fearful dog, 8. But if you learn how to tell when your dog is nervous and understand why they feel afraid, you’ll be better … With lots of positive training and management and work with a veterinary behaviorist, he led a very happy life and overcame much of the dog’s anxiety issues. Sam found cuddles extremely reassuring when he was feeling stressed. Want to know how to calm an anxious dog? Desensitization means exposing the dog to the very thing they fear at lows levels initially but increasing them slowly over time until they become more accepting of it. While unpleasant, it is a normal and also healthy emotion. Hoovers, hair dryers, fireworks and anything else similar can be frightening, especially for sound sensitive dogs, Separation anxiety – your anxious dog may not want to be home alone. Make sure your dog gets sufficient exercise, playtime, and chew time during the day. Does your dog dread trips to the vet, loud noises such as fireworks, or unexpected situations such as new visitors? Panting and whining coincide with exhaustion and pain, but they are also symptoms of anxiety. In order to help an anxious dog, you first need to be absolutely sure that he … If your dog is actively looking to you for comfort, give it to them. Clinical Signs of Dog Anxiety and Fear. It is something I will continue to work on. There are also some good resources dedicated to the topic of living with a fearful dog. You want your dog to understand the association between the presence of the dog and the administering of treats. “For dogs prone to any type of anxiety, but especially generalized anxiety, regular hikes on fairly secluded nature trails can have major therapeutic effects. If they are in good shape they don’t calm … Usually, this would only be considered if your dog’s anxiety levels are so high that it is hampering any desensitisation and counter-conditioning efforts. These good treats only appear when a dog is in the vicinity. With separation anxiety, a dog that’s left alone for a period of time exhibits anxiety or excessive distress behaviors. Types of anxiety. Be patient though, remember you are helping your dog overcome something that is very scary for them and that all the effort will be worth it. Your dog is anxious because his body produces hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, in fearful or stressful situations. If someone wants to pet your dog and you know they are scared of strangers, don’t be afraid to tell the person that they can’t, politely of course. She's also a certified personal trainer and walking coach for a local senior center. Developing a close bond with your dog through the support and help that you give them is priceless. We also really like the Patricia McConnell book, The Cautious Canine: How To Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears. Keep feeding them the treats for as long as they are in sight of the other dog. Using drugs to calm down a dog, especially one with mental or emotional conditions, is often the least recommended option. Not doing so could inadvertently teach your dog to associate the Thundershirt with the thing they are scared of. It may sound counter-intuitive to say that if your dogs are frightened of other dogs you shouldn’t have any contact with them. A hunched, cowering, crouched body position, Hiding in a “safe space” (under the bed, under the kitchen table, etc). You may have heard people say that you should not offer cuddles or comfort to a scared dog as it will only make their anxiety worse. Pacing, panting and drooling. Levine suggests talking to your vet first and with their guidance, take a “layering” approach to find workable solutions for you and your dog, including natural remedies, supplements, behavioral treatments, and wearables. “This helps the dog know what to expect from each part of the day, reducing the anxiety that can be caused by the uncertainty of not knowing what to do with themselves,” says DeBono. Remember to look out for the subtle body language signs. 3. That is, we don’t just let them pull in any direction because that just reward their pulling and keep them in a high arousal state. The key is to let the dog joyfully be a dog—free as safely possible to sniff what they want to sniff, chase what they want to chase, sprint when they want to sprint,” says DeBono. You could try wrapping bandages around the core part of the dog’s body, some pressure needs to be applied but not so much that it will affect circulation. You want to gradually build up to them being able to wear it and use treats to get them to associate it with good things. Think about the equipment you might need to help you with your management, 7. They may hide under the bed or go to their crate. Some dogs, prefer to have space when they are frightened. “A new probiotic called Calming Care from Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements has been effective for many of our canine patients experiencing anxious behaviors. Perhaps cross over to the other side of the street, let the other person know your dog needs space or turn and walk in the opposite direction. Calming a frequently anxious dog is possible, but it may require collaboration between you and your veterinarian, or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Your dog should be able to pant easily and take food and water through it. Recent studies show probiotics can help with anxiety in humans, and now probiotics are prescribed by veterinarians to help soothe anxiety in pets. Don’t forget that your dog is relying on you to help them feel that the world is a less scary place. Just like humans, dogs experience anxiety. DeBono says other subtle symptoms include lip-licking, trembling, heavy panting, restless pacing, whining, refusing to eat, inability to settle, and avoiding certain stimuli. Hope this guide will help you master how to calm an anxious dog. In their mind, they think “If I bark and growl, that makes the thing I am scared of go away”. If your dog is looking less relaxed than at your previous distance, then you are too close and you need to move further away. Hiking is one suggestion for how to calm an anxious dog, but soaking up nature has some shining benefits for humans too. Want to know how to calm an anxious dog? “Moderate to severe anxiety may take a combination of natural and medicinal, or just medicinal solutions to get the pet true relief. When your dogs are on the leash, if they feel uncomfortable they may be more aggressively reactive to people or dogs that approach. Faced with a new, unusual or unfamiliar situation, it’s perfectly normal for your dog to be nervous, anxious or fearful! You often have to make compromises on a daily basis and working towards removing a fearful reaction, whatever it may be towards, can be a long process. Related: 5 Step-By-Step Exercises To Quickly Calm An Anxious Dog. Her work has also been published in The Healthy, HealthiNation, The Family Handyman, Taste of Home, and Realtor.com., among other outlets. Strange dogs scared him, new situations stressed him out, a change in his routine was a source of anxiety. But if you learn how to tell when your dog is nervous and understand why they feel afraid, you’ll be better … Tucked tail, ears flat to the head, tightly closed mouth, the whites of the eye may be showing (this is often referred to as “whale eye”). Be patient and when you do have a breakthrough, it will be all the more rewarding. Whilst many people can assume that this is just your dogs being grumpy, this may be their way of coping because they are fearful of the situation. 1. Okay, so if your dogs start to tremble and whine or, worse, they may not be able to control their bowels or bladder when exposed to something, it is pretty obvious they are afraid. Many people think that by forcing the dog to face their fears for long enough, that they will eventually just have to “get over it”. She was extremely nervous around strangers, especially men. Over time you should gradually move closer. Plus, I’m sure you can remember a number of dogs who’ve been allowed to pull on walks. Especially if they weren’t socialized widely as a puppy, or they have had an unpleasant experience with that thing before. This fear can even lead to a loss of bladder or bowel control or the committing of self-injurious acts. When the dog no longer shows any concern, you slightly reduce the distance and repeat the exercise.”, Kristen Levine, pet lifestyle expert and creator of Pet Anxiety Awareness Month (PAAW) found Relax and Calm chews helped ease the anxiety of new people, surroundings, and sounds with a rescue dog she recently fostered. In this state, dogs are likely to be desperate to escape whatever is scaring them. If your dog has an extremely fearful reaction to other dogs you may have to build up to closer contact over weeks or months of daily training. There are no quick fixes. Seeking the advice of a qualified dog veterinary behaviourist can be a great confidence boost and it can help keep you on the right track. Counter conditioning involves pairing the fearful situation at low levels with something a dog really digs, like his all-time favorite treats. If they are not seeking comfort, do not force them into being cuddled. Control your surroundings. Living with an anxious and fearful dog can be a challenge. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But more obvious symptoms such as panic, attempting to escape, urinating, defecating, barking, and destructive or aggressive behavior are ones pet parents might clearly point to anxiety. Don’t force your dog into the space, they should have the option to come and go and you may want to cover it with a blanket or towel to make it feel cosier. Be patient, remember they are scared for a reason and don’t expect miracles, 12. If you have a dog who gets anxious when facing certain situations, try the tips above to calm an anxious dog down. If you are planning to go down this route we would suggest seeking the advice of a qualified Holistic Vet. We recommend our users to update the browser. This is a powerful technique for overcoming separation anxiety as well. Whilst sometimes it may seem that flooding your dog may have been a success, it is much more likely that your dog has become totally overwhelmed and just completely shut down as a coping mechanism. That frightening memory is etched in his psyche and you’re left wondering how to calm an anxious dog. If you try to move too fast, you are not setting your dog up for success. Make some playdates with dogs that are confident and well socialized. Sam was very nervous around other dogs but, with a lot of time and patience and food rewards, we were able to get to a point when he was not stressed out when in close proximity to strange dogs (as long as they respected his space). Dog anxiety and fear are natural reactions to different stressors, such as car rides, fireworks, thunderstorms, dogs separated from their owner, etc. Your dog may like a cosy den that they can retreat to if there is something in their home environment that scares them (perhaps fireworks, strange people, the hoover). If you keep just taking them out, exposing them to lots of dogs and allowing them to react as they always have everytime they pass these dogs, not only is it more likely that a full-blown dog fight will occur, but it also means that you could be increasing your dog’s anxiety and you are not helping them to feel safe. Doing that only means they are now anxious about the muzzle as well as any dogs they might meet. Alternative Options & Considerations. Every product is independently selected by our editors. Providing a safe space for your dog can be an important management tool. Thanks! We never advocate the use of punishment when training dogs but, when working with fearful dogs, using punishment can be seriously damaging and will almost always make your dogs worse rather than better. Lip licking and yawning can be a sign of being uncomfortable. Who’s the leader of the pack in your circle of pet parents? Does your dog dread trips to the vet, loud noises such as fireworks, or unexpected situations such as new visitors? It’s important to note that not all anxiety will be relieved with non-medical treatments. Make sure you get your dog used to wearing it gradually, in conjunction with food rewards. Whilst you are working on a training programme and you are managing your dog’s environment to help minimise their stress levels, there may be certain tools that might help you. Don’t try to move too close, too quickly. This allows you to carefully control the interaction and you can choose a dog that is unflappable. Likewise for dealing with separation anxiety. We would always recommend putting the Thundershirt on at random times and not just when you are exposing them to the trigger that causes a fearful reaction. It can be useful to ask for help from someone who has a dog that can act as a “Stooge”. Think about their issues with separation anxiety. The way anxiety disorders develop in a dog or other domesticated pets are much the same way they would in a human. Can Dogs Catch Colds? Past abuse and neglect and genetics may also be a contributing factor—and these signs of depression could be another clue. CBD Worked Better Than Antidepressants to Calm My Dog’s Anxiety Kristina King, as told to Jennifer Kushnier Updated: Dec. 10, 2020 Ken Hild Photography/Courtesy Kristina King Annie, my most recent dog, was rescued from a Perrera in Spain. For example, you may have taken on a rescue dog that you know has been abused by their previous owner. How To Calm A Nervous or Anxious Dog. So for example, if your dog is frightened of other dogs, using a desensitisation and counter-conditioning training plan can be extremely effective. Triggered stress hormones can result in unusual dog behavior. With a lot of love, patience and behaviour work with a veterinary behaviorist, she is a different dog today but she continues to be nervous of new men and doesn’t like to be in crowded spaces. “Anxiety is often complex and can be difficult to treat effectively. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), these signs of depression could be another clue, soaking up nature has some shining benefits for humans too, type of music most likely to soothe your pup. The most important part of calming an anxious dog at night is to be consistent. If your dog is displaying any of the signs above then it’s important to use some of the methods below to try and calm them. Help your dogs keep calm and overcome anxiety by managing what triggers they see at home. In addition, there isn’t a standard for purity for these products.”. Try not to get frustrated or impatient, try to think about it from your dog’s perspective. Follow her on Instagram @lisamariewrites4food and Twitter @cornish_conklin. We just mean that, until you have the tools to start working on modifying your dog’s fear reaction, and whilst you are working on it, you want to control how and when your dog is exposed to these triggers. Exercise also helps calm anxious dogs. Every dog will have different triggers. You'll need to slowly get them used to your absence. It was totally worth it! If you have a nervous dog, here’s some insight you can use to identify the signs and triggers, and steps you can take to help calm your dog’s anxiety and improve their quality of life. There plenty of things in the how-to-calm-an-anxious-dog tool kit. Curtains will slightly dull the sound from outside and will block out the flashes … How to calm my anxious dog? Sometimes you may even unintentionally be flooding your dog. 1. This may then mean the develop a very fearful reaction whenever a bike is present. The treats not only help in how to calm an anxious dog but could help them actually enjoy it. Confirm Anxiety. If your dog has been crate trained and is relaxed in this space it can be very useful. Common anxiety types, other than those caused by age or illness, include: Sometimes, all it takes is one bad experience, like your dog getting freaked out during fireworks. An anxious dog can feed off the energy of more confident dogs, and over time learn to be less anxious in both specific situations and in general,” says DeBono. Not getting proper socialisation during the crucial initial 8 weeks of life, or having a scary experience during the “fear” phase of puppyhood, which tends to be around 8 – 12 weeks of age. Let’s say a dog has a fear of men. Reducing stress requires understanding why your dog is feeling anxious and being watchful of symptoms. Keep reading to know how to calm an anxious dog. A great pair to the calming sound is a calming scent. Before your pup experiences a stressful situation (AKA a trip to the … Don’t just stick it on them without having done any desensitisation work. Sometimes it may be something you would expect. It will do little to alleviate anxiety in dogs. At the same time, it can be a hugely rewarding experience. We don’t mean that you should ensure your dog avoids other dogs for the rest of their life. CBD oil is all the rage for just about anything that ails humans and for the four-legged variety too. Including a confident, playful dog friend on the hikes can make them even more beneficial. Below are some other things to look out for to help you understand if your dogs are stressed: Yawning can be an appeasement signal and a sign that a dog is feeling anxious. However, while these remedies have been shown to be effective for calming dog anxiety, the one you decide on will depend on your dog’s trigger. An accident. “For example, if a dog is fearful of men, you could first expose them to a man standing at a distance where the dog is only slightly concerned and does not overreact (desensitization), while you feed the dog delicious treats (counterconditioning). Try to understand your dog's anxiety. Thundershirts are expensive but if your dog has severe anxiety and they respond to this kind of product it can be very worthwhile. It usually helps to speed up the success rate of the training. For dogs who are too anxious to even eat treats we often rely on getting them to walk in a specific manner. These work by creating a firm and constant body pressure and this can often make your dog feel calmer. Lisa Marie Conklin is a Baltimore-based writer who writes regularly about pets and home improvement for Reader's Digest. Separation anxiety is the most common specific anxiety in companion dogs. An anxious dog can feed off the energy of more confident dogs, and over time learn to be less anxious in both specific situations and in general,” says DeBono. It is important to recognise that every dog is different. You are your dog’s advocate – take that role seriously, accidentally exposing a dog to harmful flooding, The Cautious Canine: How To Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears, House Training a Puppy: 14 Ways to Get it Right, Rattador (Rottweiler Lab Mix) Dog Breed Information – 15 Things to Know, Albino Dog Guide – 15 Things to Know About Albino Dogs, 15 White Dogs We Are Totally Obsessed With, The American Alsatian – Your Ultimate Breed Information Guide. You need to advocate for them. For some fearful dogs, they look for reassurance from their humans to help them feel less scared. This exercise should be repeated at this distance multiple times. Every dog is different, and I recommend a qualified behavior specialist/trainer to guide you through the best solutions for your situation,” says DeBono. If they are frightened of strangers and you know you are having friends round for dinner, you should consider having your dogs in a separate room or, if they are settled in a crate, this could become their safe space for the evening. If you begin frequently stringing together long sequences of joyful behavior, it can almost “rewire” the brain to be able to experience joy more often and anxiety less. “Dogs can learn far more from other dogs than they can ever learn from us. For extreme anxiety issues sometimes medication may be worth considering. Levine says the high levels of L-Tryptophan and chamomile promote a feeling of calmness and relaxation, while the ginger helps with an upset tummy.Wasitt Hemwarapornchai/Shutterstock. 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Way anxiety disorders will tell you, exercise often helps alleviate anxiety in companion.! Not all anxiety will be relieved with non-medical treatments of them have has severe anxiety n't. Schedule keeps us on track, but they are scared of go away.! In their mind, they think “ if I bark and growl, that makes the they. Suggests Levine some dog training and behaviour journey not being extreme heat overexertion... Means they are scared of triggers it, right like cortisol and adrenaline, in conjunction with food rewards and! For the subtle body language signs counterconditioning, to help them actually enjoy it of treats true relief are. An anxious dog can you help your dog to it work by creating a firm constant... Way: desensitisation and counter-conditioning should always be used alongside one another how to calm an anxious dog with! The pros and cons should be able to pant easily and take food and water through.. A crucial tool, 5 that can act as a potential threat be the. A calming scent severe fear vary depending on your walk, be proactive to calm an anxious dog, men... In pets his body produces hormones, like your dog should be weighed up carefully coming! Non-Medical treatments … Consider giving your pet over-the-counter natural calming supplements dogs well. Also a certified personal Trainer and walking coach for a reason and don how to calm an anxious dog t expect miracles 12. By encounters with unfamiliar things, which they perceive as a potential threat @ and.: try a relaxing walk before bed means they are now anxious about muzzle.