Calming Fido: How to Calm Your Dog and Help Eliminate Overexcited Behavior

5 Tips to Calm Your Dog When He Can't Calm Himself

Is your dog overcome with annoying behaviors? You may experience this when you come home from work or a guest comes over to the house. Sometimes a simple car ride will trigger these bad behaviors. 

How to Calm Your Dog

Following are some examples and easy tricks to try on your best friend. 

Strike a Tree Pose! 

The next time Fido begins to jump all over you and bark, strike this pose.  You will simply plant your feet hip width apart, clasp your hands behind your back (prevents movements that will excite them further) and stare at the ground so that you are not making eye contact with him.  Within just a few seconds Fido will calm down and stop all together.  This really works.  I use it on my dogs every time I walk in after being away for a significant amount of time. 

Stop that crazy morning barking.

When Fido is up early, hears a neighbor walk or run by or sees the garbage truck, refrain from telling him to pipe down. He hears this as more barking. To help calm your dog, try talking to him quietly instead, and promptly move him away from his lookout post.  This action lets him know that he can relax and that you are handling it. 

Did someone say “fireworks?”  

When Fido is trembling in fear from the sound of your local fireworks display or a neighbor’s backyard display, try giving him a massage. This technique will bring him a feeling of tranquility while distracting him from the commotion outside.  Support his head with one hand and gently hold his ear between your forefinger and thumb using the other hand.  Stroke the ear from the base to the tip and repeat this several times.  You will do this for 5 or 10 minutes while making sure to cover various portions of his ear. 

Security blankets aren't just for toddlers. 

Is Fido going to spend the night at the vet’s office or a boarding facility? Are you looking for a way to reduce stress or anxiety or just want to take a preventative measure? Try placing his favorite toy or blanket into the dirty laundry basket for a few hours or a day.  This will ensure that your scent is now on that item.  You can then bring that item with Fido for his stay to make him feel much more comfortable. 

Audiobooks are for everyone.

Studies show that a pleasant voice can have a positive effect on dogs.  Try turning on an audiobook for Fido while you are gone. The soft, even flow of the speaker will keep his mind from his fears.  Cesar Millan (Dog Whisperer) has recommended “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." He says it has a calm pace and effect on dogs. 

These are just a few helpful techniques to help calm your dog.  I hope that you try them and have much success.  Good luck calming and soothing your best friend. 

And as always, we value your experiences, tips, and ideas.  Please share what has worked for you in the comments.