5 Stress-Free Solutions for Your Dog
Dogs can experience stress for many reasons. Stress not only affects your dog’s happiness but it can also impact their health. Chronic stress in dogs can lead to physical issues such as weakened immunity and behavioral challenges, according to a study by Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
As Dan Rubenstein, PUPS Pet Club CEO and a multi-certified Master Trainer and Behavior Consultant, puts it, “Every dog’s stress is unique, but with the right approach, you can turn challenges into opportunities for a happier, healthier life.”
Thankfully, there are effective ways to identify and address your dog’s stress triggers. Below are practical, stress-free solutions tailored to common canine challenges.
1. Address Separation Anxiety
If your dog struggles when you leave, create a routine that includes calming activities before you go. This can include a gentle walk or interactive toys. Doggy daycare is another great way to keep them engaged and reduce stress while you’re out.
2. Calm Fears of Loud Noises
Fireworks or thunderstorms can be overwhelming for dogs. Provide a cozy, quiet space with familiar items like their favorite blanket or a self-heating dog bed.
3. Help with Social Stress
Does your dog get nervous around new people or other pets? Socialization is key! Slowly introduce them to new experiences through training or small, supervised playgroups.
4. Prevent Overstimulation
Keep pets on a regular schedule, offer plenty of downtime, and consider short walks or games to burn off extra energy.
5. Ensure Grooming is Stress-Free
Some dogs find grooming sessions stressful. Regular at-home brushing and short, positive visits to the groomer can help them adjust.
Finding the Right Solution for Your Dog
Every dog is unique, and their stress solutions should be too! Take our quick quiz to discover personalized recommendations for your pup’s specific stressors. Fill out the form below to win 3 FREE behavioral modification training lessons with one of our expert trainers.
Not sure what to look for in a trainer for your dog’s stress? Expert ones will typically offer a free informative session as a first step. We’re here for you. Take the quiz below to understand what type of training might benefit your dog when dealing with stress.
“When we adopted our puppy, we were overwhelmed by what we initially thought was a “fear period” and didn’t know where to turn. Reaching out to PUPs was the best decision we made, and we were lucky to be matched with Ryan, the director of training. He went above and beyond, meeting with us for a consultation just days later and taking the time to understand our routine and observe our pup. Ryan gave us the hard truth: it wasn’t the dog—it was us! With his guidance, we learned how to better support our puppy, who was just overstimulated and in a new environment. In just three sessions, we’ve seen incredible progress—our pup is like a new dog! Ryan taught us the fundamentals of loose-leash walking, various exercises to help cope with overstimulating environments, and gave us practical tips to adjust our routine to meet our training goals. If you’re looking for personalized dog training, I can’t recommend Ryan enough. Thank you, Ryan, from both us and “your boy,” Ripley! We’re all looking forward to more sessions in the future”!
- Chicago Pet Parent
“Marissa is an incredible dog trainer and wonderful person to work with. We worked with her over the course of several weeks to help our fearful rescue who was struggling with city noises and general anxiety. She has completely transformed him from a dog who could not go down the block to a confident dog who can do his long neighborhood walks again. I would highly recommend working with Marissa. She is kind, attentive and patient”.
- Brooklyn Pet Parent
“Our dog Copper loves PUPs!!! His trainer Chrissy is knowledgeable, effective, and gives him all the love he needs when he’s away from home for the day. Introducing a young puppy to daycare was nerve-wracking, but Chrissy took the time to acclimate Copper to 1 dog, then a few, and finally got him to a place where he was comfortable and confident with the whole crowd. Hands down, Chrissy is the best dog trainer we have had the privilege to work with”.
- Chicago Pet Parent
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