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You'll always know what to do before, during and after a hard moment.
A practical guide for anxious dogs at home, on the road and at the vet.
Who this is for
This book is for first-time and newer dog owners in the Netherlands with an anxious dog. You need a few minutes a day, some good treats and a little patience.
Start with the vet
Book a check-up with your dierenarts (vet) before any training. From the outside, a scared dog and a sore dog can look exactly the same.
Go now if:
- the change happened suddenly
- your older dog has new fears
- your dog is stiff or limping
- your dog keeps licking one spot
- eating, drinking or toilet habits have changed
- your dog flinches when you touch it
The traffic-light method
Every plan in this book starts with one check: is my dog green, amber or red?
Green
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What you see: loose body, soft eyes, takes treats, can settle.
What to do: one small step harder next time.
Amber
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What you see: quiet stress signs, slow to take food, very alert.
What to do: go back one step.
Red
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What you see: clear stress signs, refuses food, tries to get away.
What to do: go back two steps. If it keeps happening, read 'When to get professional help' in the book.
The easiest test is food. If your dog won't take a favourite treat, stop and make things easier.
What's happening at home?
Barking
Make life easier first. Cover the bottom half of a busy window, or move the sofa away from it.
Read the full plan in the ebookBeing alone (alleen thuis)
Film your dog alone for a few minutes to see where its limit is.
Read the full plan in the ebookCar rides
Parked car, engine off: toss a few treats inside and let your dog hop in and out freely.
Read the full plan in the ebookVet visits (dierenarts)
At home, touch an ear, a paw or the mouth for one second, then give a treat.
Read the full plan in the ebookVisitors at the door
Before guests arrive, put up a baby gate, or settle your dog in its Safe space with a chew.
Read the full plan in the ebookFireworks (vuurwerk)
Weeks ahead, ask your dierenarts whether medication suits your dog, and how far ahead to start.
Read the full plan in the ebookThe 7-day plan
Seven days, one small step at a time. Day 1 is always the vet check.
- Day 1Vet check and routine
- Day 2Safe space
- Day 3Film and log triggers
- Day 4Small steps
- Day 5Treats after the trigger
- Day 6Enrichment
- Day 7Review
Get the 7-day tracker and traffic-light log. Free, printable, no fuss.
The Calm Dog Plan
The ebook €14.99
Get the ebook €14.99Instant access in Whop after payment.
I can't promise that your dog will be calm, cured or fixed. Every dog learns at its own pace. What I can give you is a plan.