It doesn't matter if you have a gun dog, agility dog, or sporting dog — your performance dog is an athlete. They train hard, push their limits, and are expected to perform under pressure. But just like human athletes, canine competitors can get stressed and anxious. This anxiety can manifest in several ways, hindering their performance and overall well-being.
Here's the lowdown on common anxiety triggers for high performance dogs, and how some simple, natural calming aids can help.
TRIGGER: Separation From You (Handler) = Problem: Loss of Focus and Control
Hunting dogs and working breeds are bred to work alongside their handlers. Being left alone can trigger major anxiety, leading to pacing, whining, and even barking. This can disrupt your pre-hunt routine and throw your dog off their game.
TRIGGER: Loud Noises and Unfamiliar Environments (Gunshots, Crowds) = Problem: Startle Response and Distraction
The firing of a shotgun, the roar of the crowd at an agility competition – these loud noises can be overwhelming for some dogs. This can lead to a startled response, distraction, and difficulty concentrating on the task at hand.
TRIGGER: Travel Stress and Anxiety = Problem: Car Sickness, Whining, Destructive Behavior
Car rides, plane trips, or even visits to the vet can be stressful experiences for some dogs. This can manifest as car sickness, whining, excessive panting, or even destructive behavior in their crate. A stressed dog is more prone to motion sickness and less receptive to training during travel.
TRIGGER: Training Inattentiveness = Problem: Frustration and Miscommunication
Training sessions can become frustrating for both dog and handler when the dog struggles to focus or seems easily distracted. This inattentiveness can stem from underlying anxiety or simply being overwhelmed by the training environment.
HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR DOG: By reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, natural calming aids can contribute to your dog's overall well-being. A calmer dog is more receptive to training, recovers better from physical exertion, and can sleep more soundly. Some natural ingredients that help calm high-energy dogs include:
MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides / Coconut Oil):
- MCT Oil can provide sustained energy and reduce blood sugar fluctuations that can trigger anxiety. MCT oil offers potential benefits for relaxation through:
- Increased Energy Production: MCT oil is a readily absorbed source of energy. By providing a steady supply of fuel, it can help reduce fatigue and improve focus, leading to a calmer demeanor.
- Improved Cognitive Function: Studies suggest MCT oil may enhance cognitive function by promoting the production of ketones, an alternative energy source for the brain. This can potentially improve a dog's ability to process information and respond to commands during training, reducing frustration and anxiety.
Hempseed Oil:
- Hemp seed oil is a natural source of essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are crucial for various bodily functions, including brain health and neurotransmitter production.
- Some neurotransmitters, like serotonin, play a role in mood regulation and promoting feelings of calmness.
- By providing essential fatty acids, hemp seed oil may indirectly support the production of calming neurotransmitters, promoting relaxation and potentially improving sleep quality for recovery.
Chamomile:
- Chamomile is a well-known herb with calming properties. It contains compounds called apigenin and luteolin that interact with the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
- In a stressed dog, chamomile can help ease tension and promote a sense of calmness, making them more receptive to training or less likely to be overwhelmed in new environments.
L-Theanine:
- This amino acid found in green tea works by increasing levels of calming neurotransmitters like GABA in the brain. GABA helps quiet nerve activity, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
- L-theanine can be particularly beneficial for high-performance dogs who struggle with focus or easily get startled by loud noises. It may enhance their ability to concentrate on tasks and reduce distractions during training or competition.
- Studies also suggest L-theanine can promote alertness alongside relaxation, which can be ideal for performance dogs who need to maintain focus while remaining calm.
Valerian Root:
- Valerian root is a traditional herbal remedy known for its calming and sleep-promoting effects. It interacts with GABA receptors in the brain, similar to L-theanine, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
- For high-performance dogs experiencing travel anxiety or difficulty settling down after training sessions, valerian root can help promote calmness and improve sleep quality.
Helluva Dog's Unwind is a veterinarian-formulated calming oil that combines MCT Oil, Chamomile, and Valerian Root to promote relaxation, reduce stress hormones, and improve your dog's focus.
Remember, consult your vet before starting any new supplements, but with Unwind as part of your training regimen, your canine athlete can stay calm, focused, and ready to dominate on competition day.