Published: February 15, 2024  

Last updated: December 21, 2024  

Author: Debi McKee

Do you have a rescue dog who struggles with anxiety? My dog, Ginger, suffers from anxiety and so do many of the Rescue Dogs 101 community members dogs’. So even if it feels like you are alone, you’re not. 

Many rescue dogs have experienced trauma and neglect before being adopted, which can lead to an anxious and fearful dog. But the good news is that you can help your dog overcome their anxiety and at the same time build a strong bond with them. 

In this step-by-step guide, I will walk you through the symptoms of anxiety and methods to help calm an anxious dog. These are proven strategies that I have used with my dogs and foster dogs. 

By establishing a routine and using positive reinforcement training techniques you will be able to introduce your dog to new experiences and relieve their anxiety. We will also cover some natural remedies that could help with a dog’s anxiety levels. And finally, you will know when it’s time to seek professional help for your anxious dog.

grey dog with ears back and eyes showing signs of anxiety.

Say goodbye to anxiety and hello to a happy, confident rescue dog. 

Symptoms of anxiety in dogs

Anxiety in rescue dogs can manifest in many ways, depending on the dog and situation. Some common signs of anxiety include:

  • behavioral issues, such as barking
  • defecating in the house
  • destructive behavior, such as chewing or digging
  • excessive panting
  • fear aggression
  • hiding or withdrawing from situations
  • loss of appetite
  • pacing or restlessness
  • seeking constant reassurance
  • separation anxiety
  • shaking or trembling
  • whining

Remember your dog is unique and may exhibit none, one, or even all of these signs of anxiety. Watch your dog’s body language and behavior to identify their signs of anxiety. By observing and understanding your dog’s cues, you can better address their anxiety and provide appropriate training sessions.

📖 READ: How to read your dog’s body language.

small dog hiding under the couch showing signs of anxiety.

What causes anxiety in rescue dogs?

More often than not, we don’t know our dog’s back story, or what their past lives were like. And honestly, I don’t think it matters as much as it is to move on to the next phase, and that’s to help create positive associations with the things that make them anxious so that your dog can live a life without fear and anxiety. 

But as humans, we tend to like to know WHY, so let’s discuss some of the underlying causes of your dog’s anxiety

  1. Lack of socialization: Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized during their early development stages may struggle with anxiety when exposed to new environments, people, or animals.
  2. Past trauma: Dogs that have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by a previous owner may develop anxiety as a result of their past experiences.
  3. Change and instability: Rescue dogs are often faced with significant changes, such as being moved to a new home or being surrounded by unfamiliar people and environments. These changes can trigger anxious behavior in your dog.
brown dog laying down showing signs of anxiety.

How to help your rescue dog overcome anxiety

Helping your rescue dog overcome anxiety requires patience, understanding, and a step-by-step approach. By implementing the following strategies, you can create a loving and stress-free environment that will help your dog thrive and feel safe.

I firmly believe that hanging on to your dog’s past story can stall your dog’s progress. If you keep feeling sorry for your dog and are constantly worrying about them, they pick up on that energy. Your anxiety over their behavior can make them even more anxious. So your first step is to let go of your dog’s history and focus on today. 

1. Establishing a routine and providing structure

Rescue dogs thrive in a structured environment. Establishing a consistent daily routine can help your dog feel secure and reduce anxiety. Set a schedule for meal times, walks, and training sessions. 

Need help creating a schedule? Get our Daily Schedule Chart here.

Additionally, creating a safe and comfortable space for your dog, such as a crate or a designated area in your home, can provide a sense of security. A separate room away from all the hustle and bustle of the home can be helpful, especially during the adjustment period after adoption. 

2. Positive reinforcement training techniques for anxiety

Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective in helping rescue dogs overcome anxiety. Reward-based training methods encourage desired behaviors and create a positive association for your dog. Use treats, praise, and affection to reward your dog when they exhibit calm and relaxed behavior. This will help them associate positive experiences with situations that previously triggered anxiety.

So for example, your dog is afraid of going out the front door. You will start training at a distance from the door so that your dog shows no signs of stress. Then move closer and closer to the door, very slowly. Always keep training sessions short and fun.

3. Introducing your rescue dog to new experiences and socialization

Gradual exposure to new experiences and socialization is crucial for helping rescue dogs overcome anxiety. Start by introducing your dog to new environments, people, and animals in a controlled and positive manner. 

Get my printable Socialization Checklist here.

Use treats and praise to reward calm behavior, and gradually increase the level of exposure over time. This will help your dog build confidence and reduce anxiety in unfamiliar situations.

​The biggest mistake most people make is to continue exposure to the things that trigger the anxiety. If at all possible remove any of these anxiety triggers until you can work on them with the positive reinforcement training techniques mentioned above. 

📖 READ: Your reactive dog (socialize, training, chart)

light brown dog with tail tucked and pulling away from a person's hand.

Natural remedies for dog anxiety

In addition to behavioral strategies, there are natural remedies that can help alleviate anxiety in rescue dogs. Some popular options include:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Calming Supplements
  • CBD Oil
  • Exercise
  • Essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile
  • Grooming
  • Massage or T-Touch
  • Mediation
  • Music, dog calming music, white noise, or classical music
  • Pheromone sprays
  • Rescue Remedy

If you want a full list of natural products that I recommend, click here to see my Amazon shopping list.

Always consult your veterinarian before using any natural remedies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your dog.

grey dog with eyes furrowed showing signs of anxiety.

Seeking professional help for your rescue dog’s anxiety

If your rescue dog’s anxiety persists or becomes severe, it’s important to seek professional help. 

A certified professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist can provide a personalized behavior modification plan and support tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

I also recommend getting a comprehensive health checkup from your veterinarian. Occasionally the underlying cause of your dog’s stress could be medical issues or pain. With that said, you need to be your dog’s advocate. Your vet may not be able to observe any health concerns, even after blood tests, x-rays, or ultrasounds. Our dogs are very good at hiding pain, so it’s important to observe your dog at home daily.

Your vet may want to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication if your dog’s anxiety is extreme and is becoming detrimental to your dog’s overall health and well-being. I just caution to use this as a last resort, after you’ve tried all of the tips here and by your dog trainer. 

Conclusion: Helping your rescue dog live a happy and anxiety-free life

With patience, understanding, and the right strategies, you can help your rescue dog overcome anxiety and live a happy, anxiety-free life. By creating a safe and secure environment, implementing positive reinforcement training techniques, and gradually exposing your dog to new experiences, you can help them build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Remember to be patient with your dog, as overcoming anxiety takes time. Celebrate every small milestone and provide consistent support. With your love and care, your rescue dog can overcome their anxiety and thrive in their new forever home. 

We all learn from each other. Please share your experiences in the comments below with what has worked with your dog, it could help someone else and their dog struggling with a similiar situation.

What’s next?

About the Author

Debi McKee

Debi McKee is the expert behind Rescue Dogs 101 where she guides you in your journey of adopting and raising a rescue dog every step of the way. She is a mom of 3 human kids and 4 dogs and volunteers for a local dog rescue and Humane Society. Click here for more about Debi and her passion for helping you and your dog.

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  1. I have a very anxious rescue dog. I received him from a rescue that pulled him from a kill shelter. He was sick with kennel cough and wasn't neutered or given a Rabies shot when they had me meet them for a pick up. I am not a professional rescuer but have had dogs from rescues and shelters before and they came neutered vaccinated and adjusted into my home without a problem and lived their lives with us.

    I am in over my head with this guy. He would not let me touch him to put a leash /collar on him and they did a crate to crate transfer in their van. I almost drove away without him, but couldn't do that.I didn't know how I would be able to care for him since he was so fearful. His vet exam indicated he may be a fear biter. The rescue purchased a kennel for me so I could isolate him from my senior dog.

    I sat with him by the kennel for the next 2 weeks, he had very good kennel manners and never tried to escape. He never growled at me but no touching was the rule. He was sweet and when I finally was able to research correct info I took my Queensland heeler to get a nasal kennel cough vaccine and 4 days later I put them together. She is my intermediary with him. He progressed very well and routine is a key component I followed. I gave him rescue remedy daily, and purina calming probiotics daily. He stopped barking all night and his anxiety level decrease.

    He had found a hiding place in the far corner of my large yard where it was covered with younger oaks and brush that had overgrown over the years. He dug a den there and retreated there and spent time there throughout the day and when a rare vehicle came, or he heard noise at the neighbor home. He came to porch at night to sleep and I sat in the yard by his place for hours a day. He didn't know how to play with any toys. Before the event two weeks ago he had started to play tug with me, pulling a blanket. He likes to steal my shoes and has tried to get my iPhone. He is a hilarious little guy when he plays with Bella. They are both herding dogs and play with their heads, mouths, shoulders and butts.

    A few months later I began walking him with my Queensland off leash in the rural canyon I live in. We did that for 6 weeks and he grew more confident and less shy, he smiled and bounced as he backed out of my way, rather than retreating suspiciously. He ate treats out of my hand and I threw treats and little biscuits (only chicken livers worked for him) whenever he looked towards me or came to me. He had an iffy recall, he took his time, thought about it and then ran over. He runs to greet me when I drive in. He got lost in the canyon for 4 days on a walk, and he came home loving his home and us even more.

    Then I made a big mistake. I really messed up. I wish I had this group to speak with before I did it. Maybe I would have received better advice. The vet and other "rescuers" advised me to neuter and chip him. I was fearful to do it and had been ignoring it until I could handle him. I was afraid he would go backwards. After the trauma of losing him and searching for him for 4 days climbing hills and ridges looking for him I wanted to be responsible and do it. It was a disaster. I thought the sedative would put him to sleep and I would move him into the crate. I didn't get good anticipatory guidance. I wasn't acting from a clear thinking mind, still scared by losing him.

    It didn't happen. He woke up, saw the crate and me reaching for him and freaked out, adrenaline overriding the drugs and he had a lot of drugs. He went berserk on the porch where his bed was, (he would not come into the house except to come to the kitchen door to bark for me and that took almost 4 months. ) He tried to dive off the porch under a rail all drugged up and I grabbed him so he won't hurt himself and he wiggled free and crashed the baby gate and ran away from me. He spent the day sleeping on the ground shivering and I couldn't do anything but wait. Eventually he came to the porch ramp and I put bowls of cat food to his bed on the porch and he cuddled in his warm blankets.

    In the morning he barked at the door as usual and I came out hoping he would be "back to normal" as the vet said but he is regressed and backing away from me in the fear mode but still comes over to me if I sit quietly, especially if my Queensland is with me. He likes us to sit on the porch with him and he will lay by my feet and he smells me and coming closer again and we can put our faces close together again. He used to come close to my face and smell my breath and I would say kisses, and I still can do that and even kiss his nose occasionally, I put my head down and he smells my cap or my head. He used to lick the top of my head. I am saddened by losing the intimate trust we had attained and hoping it will come back. I try to be near him without broadcasting something is wrong. It is very hard. I have experienced a lot of anxiety working with him. I don't have good boundaries and am in the feeling sorry for mode regularly, and now aware it is reflected by him along with his base anxieties.

    I had to change phrases that I speak to him with since he became reactive negatively to phrases I used to use, also coats I wore and caps.
    I am once again navigating patience and love and constantly asking myself what would love ask to be healing for him once again.
    I have some lavender oil I use lavender body wash and he likes to smell me. I will put some on today and in the laundry room which I have put all my sleeping bags on the floor to make it warmer and more comfy looking. We are having 2 days of rain and I have made a comfy safe place since much of the porch is not covered but his bed is protected and dry. BTW his name is Ru. I was calling him RuRu but he looks at me funny when I say that now so I shortened it to Ru. I sing them a song when they play and I made verses up for each of them. I call him Ru in the song so he is okay with Ru still. He is an Australian Red Heeler over a year old but acts very babyish. Was estimated at 3 but I think he is younger.

    I know this is a lot of writing. I had a lot to share that worked and what messed things up. Routine, a safe place, calm everything is good attitude, love and patience and ask yourself, 'what would love ask". Don't feel pressured to do anything. Any guidance greatly appreciated.

    1. Thank you so much for sharing Ru’s story. It’s clear how deeply you care for him and how much effort and love you’ve poured into helping him feel safe and happy. It’s incredible to see the progress you’ve made together, even with the setbacks. Your patience, creativity, and willingness to learn are such inspiring qualities.

      Regaining Ru’s trust may take time, but you’re already doing all the right things by staying calm, offering him consistency, and letting him lead the way when he’s ready. It sounds like Ru is still finding comfort in your presence, even after the recent trauma, which is a great sign. Keep focusing on the bond you’ve built and those little moments of connection—like him lying by your feet or smelling your head.

      Remember, setbacks are part of the journey with anxious dogs, but your love and dedication will continue to make a difference. Don’t forget to give yourself grace too—you’re doing an amazing job. Ru is lucky to have someone as compassionate and thoughtful as you in his corner.

  2. My dog is a 3 year old rescue who has never been socialized around people. I need her to accept people so I can have a dog sitter when I have to go away. How do I socialize her?

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