Author: Evie Van Hove

My dog is restless

A restless dog can be a source of stress for both the animal itself and the owner. Restless behaviour can express itself in different ways, such as excessive barking, whining, chewing, running around or even aggression. In this blog, we will explore the possible causes of restless behaviour in dogs, how to treat it, and when it is wise to seek help from a clinical behaviourist.
 

Causes of restless behaviour in dogs

There are several factors that can contribute to restless behaviour in dogs. Here are some of the most common causes:
 

1. Boredom and lack of stimulation

Dogs are active animals that need physical and mental stimulation. Lack of sufficient exercise or challenge can lead to boredom and restless behaviour.
 

2. Anxiety and stress

Situations that cause anxiety or stress, such as loud noises, strange environments, or separation from the owner, can lead to restless behaviour.
 

3. Medical problems

Pain, itching or other discomfort due to medical problems can cause your dog to become restless. It's important to rule out health problems if behaviour is unexplained.
 

4. Environmental changes

Changes in the living environment, such as moving house, new family members or other pets, can cause stress and anxiety in dogs.
 

5. Poor socialisation

Dogs that are not well socialised may have difficulty dealing with new situations, people or other animals, which can lead to restless behaviour.

Treatment options for restless behaviour
 

Depending on the cause, there are several strategies to treat restless behaviour in dogs:
 

1. Sufficient exercise and mental stimulation

Make sure your dog gets sufficient daily exercise through walks, games and training. Give your dog challenging toys and feed puzzles to stimulate him mentally.
 

2. Quiet and safe environment

Create a calm and safe environment for your dog. Provide a place where he can retreat and relax, away from noise and crowds.
 

3. Training and behavioural therapy

Positive reinforcement training can help correct unwanted behaviour and teach your dog how to behave in different situations. Behaviour therapy can be useful in addressing specific problems.
 

4. Fear reduction techniques

Use techniques such as desensitisation and counterconditioning to help your dog deal with fearful situations. There are also products such as pheromone therapy or calming supplements that can help.
 

5. Medical treatment

If medical problems are the cause of the restless behaviour, it is important to get them treated by a vet. Pain relief, special diets or other medical treatments may be needed.

Help from a clinical behaviourist

If your dog remains restless despite your best efforts, it may be helpful to engage a clinical behaviourist. These professionals specialise in understanding and treating complex behavioural problems in animals. They work with veterinarians to provide a comprehensive evaluation and tailor-made treatment plans.
 

A clinical behaviourist can include:

•     Delve deeper into the causes of your dog's restless behaviour.
•     Conduct detailed behavioural assessments.
•     Offer tailored training and behaviour modification programmes.
•     Provide support and guidance in implementing treatment strategies.
   

Conclusion
 

Restless behaviour in dogs can have many causes and requires careful management. By identifying the causes and choosing the right treatment options, you can help your dog become calmer and happier. Remember that professional help is always available if you need it. A clinical behaviourist can be invaluable in solving complex behavioural problems and improving the quality of life for both you and your dog.

Evie Van Hove is PgD Clinical Animal Behaviour, certified puppy coach, dog trainer and behaviour coach. She has been business manager of Pettherapy.be since 2021.