Calming Dogs: The All You Need to Know Guide

Last Updated: 25 November 2025
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Barking, pacing, whining or jumping—they are more than just annoyances. They’re signals that your dog may be overwhelmed, over stimulated or over indulged. By helping your dog cultivate a thoughtful, peaceful, calm mindset, you can address these behaviours at the root, guiding them toward a more balanced and peaceful state.

Author: Caroline Spencer

Edited By: Anna Bain

Calming Dogs: The All You Need to Know Guide

Contents

Calmness goals
When you work on nurturing a calm mindset in your dog and follow my approach, you will be:
Identifying the root of your dog’s stress or anxiety
Here’s why your dog might not be calm:
Key principles to remember about calming dogs
7 steps for a calmer dog
How to calm a dog: quick, in-the-moment tips for peaceful focus
Bringing calm to your dog: techniques for specific scenarios
FAQs
References

I’m Caroline Spencer, Canine Behaviourist with ProDog Raw, and a passionate advocate for helping dogs and their humans find calm—together. With decades of experience supporting dogs from all walks of life, my approach is grounded in empathy, connection, and truly understanding what our dogs are trying to communicate.

When a dog feels truly calm on the inside, they can observe, learn, and interact with the world around them in a more balanced and meaningful way. However, it’s important to recognise that some dogs may appear settled to the untrained eye while still feeling tense or uneasy within. A dog rooted in genuine inner calm is less likely to react negatively or display behaviours we label as ‘unwanted’—responses that, from the dog’s perspective, are essential for self-preservation. Instead, they are more likely to approach new experiences with curiosity and confidence because they feel safe, supported, and secure.

Many dogs who exhibit signs of stress, such as constant barking, pacing, jumping up, hiding, or reacting energetically, are unable to self-regulate, struggling with physical and /or emotional discomfort. Helping a dog find calmness and peace of mind means understanding their unique needs and triggers and recognising the signals they send.

Calming your dog starts with tuning into their world with fresh eyes, sharpening your observation skills, and understanding how your own responses influence their behaviour. It’s less about micromanaging or controlling their actions through training and more about creating an environment where they feel safe enough to adapt naturally. With patience, understanding, and consistent advocacy, you’ll see your dog evolve into a more balanced, resilient companion.

Calmness goals

The journey to a calmer dog isn’t about quick fixes; it’s a commitment to understanding their needs, habits, and triggers. My approach blends observation, environment adjustments, and habit-building, with a good dose of detective work and self-reflection. Dogs will mirror our own emotions, so we may unknowingly contribute to their stress.

When you work on nurturing a calm mindset in your dog and follow my approach, you will be:

Helping them self-regulate by identifying any physical or emotional pain
Changing how they feel about their surroundings, so they feel secure
Gaining their trust as a supportive guide in stressful situations
Building their resilience to recover quickly from challenges
Encouraging them to rest and find peace more easily
Teaching them to seek support in stressful situations if needed
Developing their self-control, social skills and ability to read others

Essentially, you’ll be helping them feel safe, secure, and able to handle new and old situations with trust and confidence while creating a foundation for a well-adjusted, balanced dog.

Identifying the root of your dog’s stress or anxiety

Dogs communicate discomfort or anxiety through behaviour. It’s essential to ask: Are you unintentionally fuelling their anxiety? For instance, dogs often absorb human emotions. If we feel tense, they may become tense too. Likewise, an overly active lifestyle can lead to an overstimulated dog, where adrenaline and cortisol levels remain high, encouraging reactionary behaviour.

Every dog, and the bond they share with their guardian, is one of a kind. So while it’s impossible for me to pinpoint exactly why your dog may be stressed, nervous, or anxious, I’ve found that there are several common root causes behind these behaviours in most dogs.

Here’s why your dog might not be calm:

Rushing socialisation and familiarisation:

Exposing your dog to too many unfamiliar dogs and people, too quickly, too closely, and with too much pressure to engage or explore, can backfire.

Misunderstood:

The most important part of communicating with another living being is learning their language first—and truly getting to know them as an individual. If communication is based only on your wants and needs, your dog’s voice gets lost. This creates frustration, and frustration often leads to explosive behaviours or complete shutdown.

Excessive attention:

Over-fussing can lead to dependency and a lack of self-soothing ability.

Overstimulation:

Too much excitement or play can overwhelm a dog and prevent them from calming down.

Diet issues:

Processed or unsuitable diets may disrupt physical and mental health, affecting behaviour.

Sleep deprivation:

Just like us, a tired dog can become irritable and reactive; they need adequate rest.

Unacknowledged signals:

When a dog’s subtle signs of discomfort are missed, it can escalate into more overt behaviours.

Overexcitement:

Constant physical or mental stimulation without breaks can exhaust a dog and lead to impulsive actions.

Feeling overwhelmed:

Too much exposure to new environments or situations without breaks can lead to shutdowns or stress.

Expectations in training:

Pushing dogs to learn human-created skills too intensely, without considering their natural communication, age, individual needs, or abilities, can create confusion and lead to unwanted behaviours.

Your anxiety:

Dogs pick up on our emotions, so if we’re anxious, they may mirror that anxiety.

Feeling restricted:

Excessive control or restrictions may leave a dog feeling stifled and unable to express themselves naturally.

Health concerns:

Pain, illness, or discomfort often cause behavioural changes in dogs, leading to stress or reactivity.

Frustration:

Exercises or tasks that are too challenging or prolonged can lead to frustration and acting out.

Miscommunication:

Confusion from unclear signals or requests can create anxiety.

Fear and vulnerability:

A dog may feel fearful or threatened in situations where they don’t know how to cope.

Under-stimulated needs:

Lack of mental and physical engagement can also result in restless behaviour.

Trust issues:

If a dog doesn’t trust you or their environment or those around them, they may react defensively.

Lack of respect for boundaries

Ignoring a dog’s personal space or signals can damage trust and lead to reactivity.

Key principles to remember about calming dogs

How you speak to your dog

Keep your voice natural and calm. High-pitched tones and excited play can actually fuel your dog’s adrenaline, making it harder for them to settle. Instead, use soothing, long vowel sounds, as calm energy in your voice helps your dog remain grounded and in the present moment. Remember, calm is contagious!

Body language and eye contact

Dogs rely primarily on body language and scent to communicate and receive information, both with each other and with us. While we often depend on verbal cues, dogs interpret our intentions through our posture, gestures, and eye contact. As their guardian, your body language plays a vital role in how your dog feels.

Dogs pick up on subtle signals, so calm, steady movements are more reassuring than quick or sudden actions. If your dog is nervous, crouch down, turn to the side, and avoid intense eye contact, which can feel confrontational. Gentle eye contact can strengthen your bond, but for anxious dogs, a soft gaze or looking slightly away signals safety and reduces stress.

Distance, time, and patience

Safety is an instinct for every animal, and maintaining distance is a big part of that. Distance allows your dog time to evaluate and choose an appropriate response, without reacting impulsively. Walk your dog away from perceived threats (preferably at a 90-degree angle) to give them a safe buffer zone, which helps build their trust in you as a calm, reliable guide.

This space enables them to observe peacefully, reducing heart rate and encouraging calm behaviours like sniffing which also helps reduce stress. Be patient; with time, these encounters will become less intimidating for your dog, and you’ll be able to gradually decrease the distance between them and the trigger.

If your dog isn’t yet comfortable enough to sniff, lick, or eat at the distance you’ve chosen, they may still feel too close. Watch for signs like a tense body or intense staring—both indicate they’re still anxious and need a bit more space to feel secure.

Every dog has a personal boundary, a distance that feels safe to them. Don’t expect your dog to be everyone’s best friend, whether that’s with people, other dogs or anything they encounter in daily life.

Safety and trust

Trust and understanding forms the foundation of a calm, balanced relationship with your dog. When they trust you to provide security and advocate for them in situations they can’t handle, they’re able to relax. Support them by recognising their signals and respecting their boundaries, reinforcing that you’re a safe, understanding presence.

Understanding stress responses

Dogs have five basic responses to stress: flee, freeze, fidget, fawn (appease), and fight. Each dog’s response varies, and knowing these cues helps you provide the right support. Activities like sniffing, foraging, and problem-solving reduce stress by lowering cortisol and heart rate, making enrichment puzzles a great tool for calming anxious dogs [1].

Owner emotions and mindset

Your own emotions greatly impact your dog’s behaviour. Dogs synchronise with human emotions, so if we’re calm and confident, they’re more likely to be as well. A peaceful mind, clear expectations, and proactive (rather than reactive) responses help your dog feel safe and understood. Research by Amanda Hoglin shows how dogs sync with our moods, absorbing both our stress and our calm [2]. Recognising this connection and approaching each situation with empathy and understanding can make all the difference.

Balanced enrichment and exercise

For a well-adjusted, calm dog, about 50% of their day should be dedicated to sleep, 30% to quiet observation or rest, and 20% to enrichment and physical activity. Too much stimulation, even in exercise, can lead to reactive behaviour like jumping or charging. Assessing and balancing these activities based on your dog’s individual needs will set them up for success and calmness.

7 steps for a calmer dog

1. Start with a vet check for pain and health conditions

It’s often surprising how many behavioural issues in dogs are rooted in physical discomfort, so one of the best ways to address your dog’s anxiety is to begin with a thorough veterinary examination. Pain is a major factor in canine anxiety, as physical discomfort can cause or worsen behaviours like restlessness, pacing, and reactivity.

Taking your dog to your vet for a health check is the first step in identifying any underlying health issues that could be affecting their behaviour. Conditions that affect joint health in dogs, digestive discomfort, or hidden inflammation can contribute to stress and anxiety.

Once you have a clear diagnosis, you might consider consulting a holistic vet, such as Dr. Nick Thompson or Dr. Vicky Simon. Holistic vets take a whole-body approach, offering tailored care plans that may include dietary adjustments, supplements, herbal remedies, acupuncture, lifestyle change and other therapies—all designed to support your dog’s physical health and, in turn, their mental well-being.

Learn more about the role of holistic vets in The ProDog Podcast.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Nick Thompson to explore the vital role holistic vets play in complementing conventional veterinary care—and why an integrated approach can make all the difference to your dog’s health and wellbeing

Learn more about the role of holistic vets in The ProDog Podcast.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Nick Thompson to explore the vital role holistic vets play in complementing conventional veterinary care—and why an integrated approach can make all the difference to your dog’s health and wellbeing

2. Identify your dog’s triggers

Understanding what sets off your dog’s stress response is essential, and it starts with becoming a keen observer – a bit of a detective in your dog’s world. Take note of the subtle signals your dog is sending out before they go into a full-blown lunge or barking episode.

Notice the specific encounters, environments, or interactions that consistently lead to anxious or reactive behaviours. Ask yourself questions like: Who was present? Were other dogs , people or vehicles nearby? How close were they? What were the surroundings like? Were there any loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar objects? How did you react? Did you tense up or pull on the lead? Observing these details will help paint a clear picture of what triggers your dog’s stress and how they respond to different stimuli.

Keep a journal, if possible, to document your observations. Writing down specifics after each walk or interaction can reveal patterns over time, showing you which situations to approach gradually or avoid for now. This process can also help you better understand your own reactions and body language – dogs are experts at picking up on subtle shifts in our energy and emotions. If you tense up or feel anxious in certain situations, your dog will often mirror this, reinforcing their stress response.

It’s also helpful to look at the context in which triggers occur. For instance, if your dog reacts to other dogs while on the lead but not when off it, this tells us something important. Being on a lead can make a dog feel vulnerable, restricted in movement and unable to communicate naturally. They may feel frustrated by their inability to play, chase, or create distance. This kind of reaction is a cue that your dog needs more trust, safety, and connection with you—away from those triggers. By building that bond through engaging activities in low-pressure environments, you become the focus of their attention. Over time, this helps them feel more secure and less reactive around things they currently perceive as a threat or source of overexcitement.

If noises set off their stress, consider how loud, abrupt sounds or unfamiliar environments might play into their behaviour. Taking this investigative approach not only builds your understanding but also strengthens the trust and bond between you and your dog, as they see you responding proactively to their needs.

3. Assess your dog’s diet

Nutrition has a powerful influence not just on your dog’s physical health, but also on their mood, energy, and ability to remain calm. A balanced diet, free from processed ingredients and additives, such as a raw dog food diet, helps regulate energy levels and prevent spikes in anxiety. Recent research has also uncovered a strong connection between gut health and mood, emphasising the impact of a healthy microbiome on a dog’s overall behaviour.

The gut produces neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, that play a crucial role in mood regulation; when gut health is compromised, it can lead to imbalances that make dogs more prone to anxiety and reactivity.

Supporting gut health with a biologically appropriate raw diet, rich in whole, natural ingredients, can strengthen your dog’s microbiome, positively influencing their emotional resilience and behavioural balance.

Natural supplements like calming herbs—chamomile, lemon balm, and valerian—as well as foods that soothe the nervous system, such as ground oats and pumpkin, can help regulate stress responses. Additionally, foods high in tryptophan, such as turkey, and omega-3 oils contribute to a sense of calm by supporting brain health and mood stability. While these supplements enhance calmness, the foundation of balanced behaviour and mental wellness begins with a nutritionally sound diet that nourishes both body and mind.

To explore more about how diet influences your dog’s behaviour, gut health, and calmness, see The Hidden Influence of Nutrition on Your Dog’s Mood and The Hidden Reason your Reactive Dog Could Still Be Struggling for deeper insights into these key connections.

ProDog Raw provides top-quality raw dog food and supplements that support your dog’s overall health and well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of raw feeding or are new to this approach, check out ProDog’s detailed Beginner’s Guide to Raw Feeding, where you’ll find everything you need to get started with a raw diet that’s aligned with your dog’s natural nutritional needs.

Dog Behaviour: The Hidden Influence of Nutrition on Your Dog’s Mood

Need help with your dog’s diet?

Contact ProDog’s expert team today for FREE tailored canine nutrition advice

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4. Plan in free work and scent activities

Engaging your dog in brain work activities, obstacle courses, or scent-tracking games is an excellent way to build their confidence in a calm, constructive manner. These activities encourage your dog to explore at their own pace, which is naturally soothing and helps foster a sense of achievement. Scattering treats in grass on your walks allow your dog to use their nose to search for food, stimulating their minds and offering a safe, low-stress form of enrichment that taps into their natural foraging instincts.

Obstacle courses, whether naturally found fallen logs etc on your walks or one which can be set up with items you have at home, provide gentle challenges that boost their confidence, balance and focus. These courses also create structured mental stimulation that enhances their confidence, balance and resilience. Scent-tracking games, where your dog follows a scent trail to find a hidden treat, give them a rewarding task that encourages both concentration and relaxation. Finding and bringing back a hidden ball on your walk and or at home enhances your bond and their mental agility.

Each of these activities offers a positive outlet for your dog’s basic cognitive and physical needs, while promoting calm balanced natural canine behaviour through unstructured and structured play. By engaging your dog’s senses and natural instincts, these enrichment exercises can significantly reduce anxiety and reinforce your bond as they come to see you as a source of fulfilling their instinctive needs through enjoyable teambuilding experiences.

5. Prioritise rest and sleep

A well-rested dog is naturally calmer, more peaceful therefore more resilient to stress, learn better and retain more information. Adult dogs need around 12–16 hours of sleep daily, and puppies require even more—up to 20 hours [3]. Although most sleep studies focus on humans, research shows that during sleep, the body supports healthy brain function and physical health [4]—and brain function is brain function, after all.

To help your dog get the rest they need, create a designated, quiet space where they feel safe and undisturbed. This can be a cosy corner of a room away from busy foot traffic, with a comfortable bed or crate with an open door that provides a sense of security. Some dogs feel more at ease with soft blankets or a favourite toy, while others may find a partially covered crate comforting, as it mimics a den-like environment that naturally provides the feeling of safety.

Dogs can learn to sleep anywhere—but giving them a designated place to rest offers them a valuable sense of choice. And choice is vital for every living being. Dogs naturally want to be near us, and with the right approach, they can learn to settle even while the household carries on around them.

Below, I’ll give you a snapshot of my approach called ‘Taking the Sting Out of Leaving’—a protocol I use not only to help dogs with separation anxiety but also to support general relaxation and rest. This process helps desensitise dogs to our movements and daily routines, allowing them to find peace without feeling the need to react to every sound or shift.

It’s often where I begin in consultations, because when a dog feels calm and safe, they’re far more open to learning—and more likely to retain what they’ve learned.

You can explore the full protocol in more detail here: Overcoming Separation Anxiety – A Guide to Help Your Dog Stay Calm Alone

6. Massage and calming techniques

Calming massage techniques, such as Tellington T-Touch or Galen Myotherapy, are highly effective for easing tension and promoting healing and relaxation in your dog. The correct massage influences your dog’s behaviour, reduces stress, increases focus, helps with illness or injury, whilst also enhances your bond.

Linda Tellington-Jones devised different massage techniques for all and in her book “ Getting In Touch With Your Dog” . She explains which massage is best suited for each individual depending on their needs and acceptance. From ear touch to zig zag and tail twitch the explanations are clearly written with photo references.

In addition to massage, relaxing music and Pet Remedy herbal essences can further create a soothing environment for your dog. Calming music, particularly classical or soft instrumental pieces, can help lower anxiety by providing a tranquil soundscape that masks sudden noises.

Products like Pet Remedy use a blend of natural herbs, including valerian and vetiver, known for their calming effects. Spraying these essences around your dog’s relaxation space or using a diffuser can enhance the atmosphere, helping your dog ease into relaxation more deeply. Together, these approaches foster a peaceful environment that promotes calmness and reduces stress.

It is important to familiarise your dog with these, when your dog is calm as opposed to initially use when your dog is stressed. You need your dog to associate these with peace and calm.

Want to dive deeper?

Watch the videos below—I sat down with Lisa Spector, classical pianist and calming music composer for dogs, and the founder of Pet Remedy, to explore how essential oils can help your dog find calm.

Calm Your Dog Naturally

Calming anxious dogs.

7. Respect and boundaries for a calmer dog

We often expect our dogs to behave perfectly, to understand our every word and respond like clockwork to our wants. But boundaries go both ways. To earn a dog’s trust, we must respect who they are—their instincts, their natural communication style, and their individual needs. As their guardians, it’s our responsibility to lead by example. That means offering guidance when it’s needed, not forcing our will onto them to suit our own preferences. Our job is to nurture, to protect, and to be their safe space.

Yes, boundaries are important, essential, even, but they must be fair, age appropriate, and rooted in mutual respect. Just like children, dogs thrive when they feel understood. Boundaries help create a predictable environment that reduces stress and allows for learning. When dogs know what’s expected of them, they’re less likely to act out impulsively and more likely to develop behaviours that benefit both of you.

Boundaries will look different in every household. For you, that might mean no dogs on the sofa or chairs, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is clarity and consistency.

Take, for example, a dog that jumps up. You can gently discourage this by turning your body to the side and avoiding eye contact, removing the reward of your attention. If your dog jumps on others, make sure you’re at a distance where your dog feels safe and can succeed. Step away or place yourself between your dog and the person.

It’s also important to manage your dog’s environment. If you’re not in the room, block access to windows and doors. Even when you are present, redirect them away from those high alert zones if needed. While some dogs enjoy watching the world go by, for many, window watching triggers guarding instincts, frustration, and overstimulation. Creating a calm, cosy space away from busy views, especially during high traffic times, can give your dog the peace they need to relax and rest.

How to calm a dog: quick, in-the-moment tips for peaceful focus

It’s important to recognise the subtle signs of insecurity, frustration, and stress in your dog. When we spot these early, we can respond proactively. The following in-the-moment strategies are designed to build your dog’s trust in you as their safe space—helping to calm their mind and gently guide them back to a relaxed, peaceful state.

Walk away with your dog:

Create distance from the stress trigger before they react.

Use calming signals:

Try looking away or yawning these are natural calming cues dogs use, so will understand.

Breathe calmly:

Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth—staying calm yourself helps them find their calm.

Calm palm:

At your safe distance place a gentle hand on their side to encourage connection and support and if able, your other palm on their chest.

Gentle walk:

Clip the lead and walk slowly back and forth to help them mirror your calm presence.

Help them to respect your space:

If your dog pushes in while you’re interacting with another dog or person, gently hold them to the side without engaging. You’re still providing contact but calmly setting a boundary. For example, if your dog jumps up, step in sideways and guide them away from you or the area (like a countertop). This calm, respectful movement helps your dog understand the boundary without conflict. When they pause and give space, you can then call them from this side-on position, inviting them to return in a calmer, more balanced state.

Universal hand signal:

Norwegian canine educator Turid Rugaas introduced the concept of “calming signals” in her influential book On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals [5]. One of these signals can be used to communicate a clear and calm message to your dog: “I’ve got this.” To use it, stand in front of your dog with your arms relaxed at your sides, palms facing slightly outward towards them. While this signal may not stop your dog immediately, consistent use reinforces the message over time. It can also be helpful when leaving a room—offering reassurance and indicating that there’s no need for your dog to follow.

Tone of voice

Use long vowel sounds, soft vocal sounds

T-Touch massage:

Try Tellington T-Touch or consult resources on Galen Myotherapy for relaxation techniques.

Respect their space

Never invade a dog’s space. Instead, invite them into yours. Avoid interrupting mealtimes, touching areas they don’t enjoy, or holding their face close while staring into their eyes—these actions can feel intrusive or threatening. For dogs to respect us, we must first respect them.

Respect is a two-way street. Rather than forcing affection, invite it.

If your dog approaches, let them sniff and assess the situation first. Respond with a gentle, side-on stroke to keep the interaction relaxed. To encourage engagement, use subtle body language cues—step back slightly, tap your chest, or hold your hands out softly. These gestures let your dog know you’re open to connection, while still giving them the choice. This mutual respect builds trust and deepens your bond.

Bringing calm to your dog: techniques for specific scenarios

Home alone

Separation anxiety is a common issue for many dogs, often triggered by being left alone. As naturally social animals, dogs can feel isolated or insecure when their human suddenly disappears from view. But before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to identify whether your dog’s anxiety is truly related to separation—or if it stems from something else.

Behaviours like barking, whining, pacing, or destructive chewing that occur specifically when you’re absent are strong indicators of separation anxiety. If these behaviours happen while you’re present, they may point to other underlying causes.

Start by understanding your dog’s experience and what might be driving their behaviour. With clarity and compassion, you can then take the right steps to ease their discomfort and help them feel more secure.

To address this, follow my approach, “Taking the Sting Out of Leaving,” by building positive associations with your departures. For in-depth guidance, explore my blog on helping a dog with separation anxiety, where I cover practical tips to make alone time easier and more relaxed for your dog.

Car rides

For many dogs, car rides can be a source of anxiety, often triggered by unfamiliar noises, vibrations, or associations with vet visits. If your dog struggles with car journeys, introducing them to the car gradually through desensitisation can make a significant difference. Begin by simply letting them sit in the parked car for a few minutes, rewarding them with treats or their favourite toy to create positive associations. Over time, slowly increase the duration of their time in the car, ensuring each experience is calm and reassuring.

Calming aids, like herbs (such as chamomile or valerian) or a secure crate, can provide additional support by offering a sense of security. A crate can make the car feel like a cosy den, reducing their visual exposure to external distractions and helping them feel more grounded. Dogs who bark or become overstimulated in the car may benefit from a lick board or snuffle mat, which encourages them to focus downward and engage in a soothing activity. By combining gradual desensitisation with these calming strategies, you can help your dog build up comfort in the car, making longer journeys more enjoyable for both of you.

Meal times

Creating calm around mealtime is key in helping your dog feel relaxed in order that even the most anxious will eat well. Before feeding, take a moment to slow the entire process, ensuring you’re not rushing and that your dog is calm. If your dog is pushy and begins to bark, jump, slow or pause your preparation in order that they may learn some patience. Resume when they’re quiet and composed, as this teaches them to approach mealtime more respectfully.

With consistency, this technique can transform mealtime into a calm, controlled part of their day. Additionally, setting up a consistent feeding routine can help.

If your dog is one who will constantly beg whilst you’re eating and not settle, You will find it easier, and so will your dog, when you eat at a table. If your dog is looking for attention, turn your face away, guide them away. If they put paws on your lap, it may be easier to stand up, so their paws just slide down. When we give no attention for these behaviours your dog will eventually give up and go settle.

Fireworks and loud noises

Many dogs find fireworks and other loud noises unsettling, often triggering nervous behaviours such as trembling, barking, pacing, or hiding. As Bonfire Night or other festive events approach, planning ahead can make all the difference in keeping your dog calm and secure. Start by creating a safe, quiet space within your home—somewhere your dog already feels comfortable, like a corner of a room or a covered crate with blankets. Adding familiar bedding, toys, and even a favourite chew treat can help make this area a comforting retreat.

Consider sound-masking tools, such as calming music, white noise, or a fan, to help buffer the intensity of loud bangs. Calming sprays or pet calming diffusers, like ‘Pet Remedy’ containing valerian, vetiver, sweet basil and sage can add to the tranquil atmosphere. Desensitisation exercises throughout the year can also be helpful, where you introduce low-volume recordings of fireworks or other loud sounds, gradually increasing the volume to build your dog’s tolerance over time.

For an in-depth guide read my blog, how to Support a dog Nervous of Fireworks, where you’ll find further advice on calming techniques, ideal setups, and ways to manage your dog’s comfort and safety during noisy events.

How to Support a Dog Nervous of Fireworks this Bonfire Night

Thunderstorms

Many dogs are more sensitive to thunderstorms than to other noises and events. This is due to a combination of factors—rising static electricity, changes in air pressure, and flashes of light. Dogs with longer or double coats may experience a build-up of static in their fur, having a humidifier in your house so moisture is about 40% will help. Dry air is where static thrives.

Your dog may sense an approaching storm long before you do. You might notice subtle behaviours like pacing, panting, or restlessness for no obvious reason. Pay attention to these early signs and respond with calm reassurance. Some dogs prefer to retreat to a safe, enclosed space, while others seek comfort through physical closeness—such as a gentle massage or calming hold.

Products like a ThunderShirt can help some dogs feel secure, and calming herbal blends such as Pet Remedy may also offer support. Closing the curtains and playing gentle music or white noise can help muffle the sound of thunder and reduce the flash of lightning.

Interestingly, many dogs instinctively seek out bathrooms or showers during storms. According to Nicholas Dodman of Tufts University, this may be because these areas are grounded and less affected by static build-up from carpets or upholstery [6].

Helping your dog find calmness in stressful situations is a journey, one that involves patience, understanding, and consistency. From creating a safe and comforting environment to using body language that reassures, each step you take brings you closer to a deeper, more trusting bond with your dog.

Remember, there are no quick fixes, but with gradual desensitisation, thoughtful nutrition, and gentle, proactive strategies, you can guide your dog toward a more balanced and relaxed life. With time and commitment, your dog will learn to approach the world with greater confidence and calm, knowing they have your support every step of the way.

If you’d like personalised support with your dog’s diet, book a 1-1 consultation with ProDog’s expert nutrition team. They’ll guide you through taking a natural approach to your dog’s nutrition—and if you’re dealing with a picky eater, I’ll be on hand to help with that too.

For advice on getting started with raw feeding, our guide to Switching Your Dog to Raw is the perfect place to begin. And if mealtimes are a struggle, my guide How to Help a Fussy Dog Eat offers practical tips to get you on the right track.

Need help with your dog’s diet?

Contact ProDog’s expert team today for FREE tailored canine nutrition advice

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FAQs

How do I calm my dog down ASAP?

If your dog needs calming right away remove them from the trigger by walking them away calmly and creating distance. Flight is the sensible option for all animals wishing to keep safe, we need to show our dogs, this is the best option to take. Only when they can re-engagewith you are you able to stop and then give them time to survey the trigger at their safe distance.

You can also use “canine calming signals” [3] like looking away and yawning, which communicate calmness in their language.

For more in-the-moment calming strategies, see the ‘Quick, In-the-Moment Tips for Peaceful Focus’ section above. These immediate methods are designed to help your dog shift back to a relaxed state.

Where do you touch a dog to calm down?

The simplest touch is placing your palm on their side and if able, your other palm on their chest, concentrate on your breathing, turn your face away and yawn. A calm touch on their inner thigh is also very helpful for many. See what suits your dog best.

A Gentle, calm massage can also be very effective. Techniques like Tellington T-Touch are beneficial to help relieve stress, simple skin roll and long smoothing stroke foster calm. For more detailed tips, refer to the ‘7 Tips for a Calmer Dog’ section in the blog above.

How do you calm an annoying dog?

An excitable or “annoying” dog isn’t being difficult on purpose—they’re communicating. What you’re seeing is likely a sign of stress, overstimulation, or even being over exercised. The key is to understand what’s causing the behaviour, create distance from any triggers, and adjust both physical and mental activity to suit your dog’s needs.

Start by establishing a consistent routine for meals, rest, and exercise. Set up a designated quiet space where your dog can retreat and decompress when needed. Respect their personal space. Some like to be around you but no touch, others prefer more proactive strategies like calming touch, structured engagement, and gentle sensory enrichment. Sometimes, simply “being” together in a calm environment—without doing—is enough to help your dog settle.

For more guidance, see the ‘Setting Boundaries for a Calmer Dog’ and ‘Meal Times’ sections in the blog above.

How to teach a dog to be calm?

Calmness can’t be taught, it grows from a foundation of trust and emotional security.

To truly support your dog, you need to be more than just their caregiver—you must become their mentor, their safe space, and the one they can trust to keep them safe. Understanding your dog as an individual is essential. Get to know their unique personality, preferences, and needs. From there, you can set realistic, achievable boundaries, manage their environment effectively, and support them through gradual familiarisation, socialisation, and desensitisation.

Rest and downtime are just as important as activity. Ensure your dog has space to simply be—to sleep, to relax, and to feel safe. Avoid overstimulation, and engage with them in calm, species-appropriate ways, like scent work or free work. Create a predictable, soothing environment, and gently help them become more resilient by desensitising them to specific triggers.

For a practical overview of these steps, visit the ‘Key Principles to Remember When Helping Dogs Become Calmer’ section, as well as ‘Setting Boundaries’ and ‘In-the-Moment Tips’ in the blog above.

References

Meehan, C. L., & Mench, J. A. (2007). The challenge of challenge: Can problem solving opportunities enhance animal welfare? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 102(3-4), 246-261. Doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2006.05.031
Höglin, A., Van Poucke, E., Katajamaa, R., Jensen, P., Theodorsson, E., & Roth, L. S. V. (2021). Long-term stress in dogs is related to the human–dog relationship and personality traits. Scientific Reports, 11, Article 8612. Doi:10.1038/s41598-021-88201-y
Kinsman R, Owczarczak-Garstecka S, Casey R, Knowles T, Tasker S, Woodward J, Da Costa R, Murray J. Sleep Duration and Behaviours: A Descriptive Analysis of a Cohort of Dogs up to 12 Months of Age. Animals (Basel). 2020 Jul 10;10(7):1172. doi: 10.3390/ani10071172.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Why Is Sleep Important? National Institutes of Health, Mar. 2022. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Rugaas, Turid (2006). On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals (2nd ed.). Wenatchee, Wash.: Dogwise Pub.
Dodman, N. H. (2001). The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments and the Psychology of Dogs. Bantam Books.

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Calming Dogs: The All You Need to Know Guide

Calmness goals

When you work on nurturing a calm mindset in your dog and follow my approach, you will be:

Identifying the root of your dog’s stress or anxiety

Here’s why your dog might not be calm: