Preventing dog anxiety, particularly if it’s generalized or genetic, isn’t necessarily possible. But there are ways to limit the development and onset in more specific situations, especially if you adopt a dog as a puppy.
- Socialization can help prevent the development of anxiety in dogs, especially fear of the unfamiliar. Introducing your dog to a variety of new people, dogs, places, situations and experiences can help them become well-adjusted and have less extreme responses later on. The earlier the better for socialization!
- Obedience training is useful for many parts of dog ownership. But it can help limit dog anxiety by building trust between you and your dog while also allowing you to have more control over them when they are anxious (which can give you a leg up on counterconditioning and training).
- Exercise and engagement, as previously mentioned, allow dogs to channel their energy in healthy ways and reduce the chances of extra energy manifesting in anxiety and anxious behaviors.
- Reading your dog’s body language is an important skill for dog parents in general, but can be especially helpful for dog anxiety. Knowing the signs of discomfort or fear in your dog allows you to avoid a negative experience or effectively use that moment for positive training.
- Avoiding certain situations may be a necessary to prevent certain anxiety issues in dogs. For example, it’s a good idea to avoid dog parks if your dog is anxious around other dogs. Of course, this only works in truly avoidable situations.
Breeds Prone To Dog Anxiety:
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds were bred for herding, so they have very high activity needs. This means it can be easier for them to get insufficient physical exercise, mental stimulation and general activity, which can lead to boredom and anxiety. In addition, they tend to bond deeply with their owners, which can make them more prone to separation anxiety.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise was bred to be a companion dog. This means they can become extremely attached to their people and are thus quite prone to separation anxiety. If left alone too often or for too long, they may become problem barkers or destructive. And, eventually, unaddressed anxiety and loneliness can turn into depression.
Pro Tip: Desensitization and counterconditioning are said to work well for Bichons.
Border Collie
Like Australian Shepherds, Border Collies were bred to work. They are extremely intelligent, high energy herding dogs. But because of this, it’s easier for them to get inadequate exercise and mental stimulation. This can lead to boredom, general anxiety and eventually depression. These can manifest as destructive behaviors (like ripping up furniture and scratching doors) as well as nipping at the ankles of children, adults and people in the home. They are also social dogs and thus prone to separation anxiety as well.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another companion dog, bred to be lap dogs for the noble. Because of this, they bond tightly with their humans and are prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often or for too long. They’re also believed to be slightly more prone to general anxiety, which can manifest in problematic barking, territorial behaviors and more. If not addressed, their anxiety can too turn into depression.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are energetic and intelligent hunting dogs that require proper physical exercise, mental stimulation and general activity. They were also bred to work closely with their hunting companion, which makes them more likely to bond deeply with their people. As such, they can become hyperactive and hyper-attached, both of which can lead to anxiety and separation anxiety, respectively.
Pro Tip: For overly attached Cocker Spaniels, the hyper-attachment likely needs to be addressed first.
German Shepherd
Like other herding dogs on this list, German Shepherds thrive on having a job to do. These highly intelligent dogs require sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation, otherwise they can suffer from anxiety. They also bond deeply with their people, which can make them prone to separation anxiety, even if activity needs are being met. Furthermore, they are naturally aloof to strangers, which can contribute to anxiety as well.
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are bird dogs bred to hunt with humans. Because of this, they are active, energetic, intelligent and social. This means they can be prone to general anxiety, as well as separation anxiety, if not adequately exercised or socialized. They do best with a good amount of activity and mental stimulation, as well as human companionship and attention. Otherwise, they may turn to destructive or noisy behaviors and eventually become depressed.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier was bred for rodent control as well as hunting small animals and critters alongside a companion. Similarly to the German Shorthaired Pointer, they are active, energetic, intelligent and social. Jack Russell Terriers can become bored and anxious if physical and mental activity needs are not met. They also need companionship, attention and engagement from their owners to thrive. This is why they can suffer from separation anxiety as well. Anxious Jack Russell Terriers can be quite destructive and vocal, despite their size.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers were bred for hunting with companions but quickly became a top choice for a family dog thanks to their temperament and devotion. But because of their active, energetic, intelligent and social nature, they can be prone to general anxiety and separation anxiety. Also, their popularity has led to a rise in unethical breeding, which can produce more anxious Labs due to genetics. Labs need lots of physical exercise, mental stimulation, companionship and attention – otherwise their anxiety can manifest in destruction and other problematic behaviors.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a bearded dog breed from Italy, developed as a lowland and marshland gun dog and water retriever. Research has shown that they are one of the most anxious dogs, with high rates of thunder fear and other noise sensitivity (like fireworks, gunshots and even loud children and music). Because they are intelligent and bred to work, sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation are important to provide proper outlets for their energy and reduce the likelihood of anxiety.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers were developed from the medium-sized Standard Schnauzer who hunted, herded and guarded. Eventually, farmers bred them down into compact rat hunting dogs to focus mostly on rodent and vermin control. Because of their background, they are active and alert dogs who bond with their people but can be wary of strangers and protective of the home. Miniature Schnauzers are not only prone to general anxiety, but also potentially have an increased risk of developing separation anxiety. This can manifest as destructive behaviors, excessive barking and even aggression. In fact, research showed that Miniature Schnauzers were one of the more aggressive breeds when feeling anxious. For example, they more often showed aggression to unfamiliar people.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are energetic, smart, alert, playful and attentive herding farm dogs. Research shows that they are prone to anxiety, particularly fearfulness of strangers and heights or surfaces. Because of their herding background, adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation is important to curb their anxieties. Otherwise, their energy can turn into anxiety and manifest as destruction, jumping and nipping.
Pro Tip: Early socialization with strangers and new people, especially coming into the home, is recommended for Shetland Sheepdogs.
Spanish Water Dog
Despite its name, the Spanish Water Dog was bred as an all-purpose sheepdog who also guarded property. But it also acted as gun and water dog at times, performing water retrieval for it’s hunting companion. Research shows that these dogs are prone to anxiety, particular in response to their surroundings. And like Shetland Sheepdogs, Spanish Water Dogs showed a high incidence of fear of strangers as well as heights and surfaces. As an intelligent and active breed, the Spanish Water Dog needs enough physical exercise and mental stimulation to expel their energy. Otherwise, they can become anxious and clingy.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers were also bred to be all-purpose farm dogs who herded, guarded and hunted rodents. Research shows that they have one of the highest risks of developing noise anxiety. They may respond to repeated exposure to loud noises with excessive panting and barking. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are also outgoing and social, so they are prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often or for too long. Adequate physical exercise, mental stimulation, attention and companionship are necessary to keep anxiety at bay for this breed.
Pro Tip: Early socialization and noise exposure is recommended for Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, preferably with the consult of a vet or behaviorist.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are small dogs that were mainly bred for companionship, so they typically need lots of attention and engagement from their dog mom and/or dog dad. Without it, they are prone to developing separation anxiety. They are also quite intelligent and can become bored easily, which can turn into anxiety without an outlet for their excess energy, like physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Vizsla
Vizslas were bred to hunt with their human companions. As such, they are very social and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too often or for too long. They are also active, energetic and intelligent, which can lead to boredom if activity needs are not met. This can then turn into general anxiety, so sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation are required to keep them happy.
Mixed-Breed Dogs
Mixed-breed dogs or mutts appear to have a high incidence of anxiety, particularly noise sensitivity, according to research. This is likely for multiple reasons. First, there are greater numbers of mixed breeds in many studies. Second, they have greater genetic diversity, so their DNA often includes several breeds, some of which are probably prone to anxiety. Third, mixed-breed dogs are more likely to come from a variety of backgrounds and environments, some of which are neither ideal nor safe. For example, they could have been abandoned or neglected, lived in animal shelters for a time or came from abusive homes, hoarding situations, puppy mills, etc. The Lohi study didn’t take exact lineage, history or background into account, which very likely play a major role in anxiety among mixed breed dogs.
Older Dogs
Older dogs can be more prone to anxiety, especially noise sensitivity (and thunder), which the Lohi study also found to be true. This is likely because they can’t hear or see as well as they used to, are experiencing more pain or aren’t as sharp mentally. Also, some dogs will get cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which causes a decline in memory, learning, perception and awareness. All of that can easily lead to confusion and, as a result, anxiety. This is why it’s important to continue socializing an adult or senior dog, keep an eye out for signs of aging and talk to your vet as much as needed.
Small Dog Breeds
Some research has shown that smaller dogs are more anxious and fearful. And vets have said the same thing, citing breeds like the the Chihuahua, Miniature Pinscher and Shih-Tzu. A study from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna involving nearly 1,300 dog owners found that small dogs (those under 44 pounds) were more easily spooked in unfamiliar situations, when exposed to loud noises (like thunder and fireworks), and stressed around strangers. Theories as to why include that, more often: 1) small dogs feel threatened due to their size and become defensive, 2) owners are protective of smaller dogs and don’t socialize them as much and 3) owners engage in fewer activities with them because they feel their small dogs don’t need as much training, playtime, exercise, etc.
BUT! All Dogs Can Have Anxiety
Knowing whether or not your dog is predisposed to anxiety is helpful but it’s important to remember that any dog can get anxiety, no matter the breed. It’s also important to note that just because your breed is prone to it, doesn’t mean they will have anxiety.