My dog hides from harness or bedtime. How to ease her anxiety?

Although I can't be exactly sure there may be something causing Kenai's anxiety in he middle of the night. Sometimes a noise that occurs (perhaps snoring or something while sleeping in your case) is causing Kenai's anxiety. If there are loud noises outside like thunder, gun shots, cars back firing this could also trigger this response. It may even be a sound imperceptible to you. My first suggestion is to try an Adaptil collar to see if this lessens some anxiety. This is a pheromone collar that tends to work nicely with mild anxiety. There are supplements like Solliquin that may also be helpful. Even adding a white noise machine may be worthwhile to block out some sound. It may be helpful to crate train Kenai at least for sleeping. Sometimes have a "settle location" like a crate can help reduce a dog's anxiety. Finally, if there is no improvement it would be a good idea to have Kenai examined by your veterinarian to ensure there isn't any underlying health problem contributing to the behavior. Sometimes pain or infection can manifest in anxious behaviors. If necessary your veterinarian can prescribe a medication for anxiety. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and good luck to you and Kenai!

A pheromone collar, such as the Adaptil collar, may help decrease anxiety. Gradual desensitization is also strongly recommended. Calming chews, such as Composure chews (by VetriScience) may help but they are not "magic pills". You will need to modify her behavior. This may require the assistance of a certified trainer.

I'd always want to rule out a medical problem when there has been an abrupt change in behavior. A visit to the vet is in order to help to ensure that there are no underlying issues - changes in vision, neurologic issues, etc - that may be at the bottom of this. If everything is well with your health, ask yourself some questions: could there be any nocturnal animals visiting your property, and would she be able to see them or smell them? Could there be distant thunderstorms that she is hearing (and you're not, because you're sleeping) and the noise is making her anxious? You can try some low impact changes, such as a [Thundershirt ](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/thundershirt-heather-gray-dog-anxiety-solution) or [pheromone diffuser](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/thunderease-calming-diffuser-kit-for-dogs) to help calm anxiety. Your vet can also prescribe medications that will reduce anxiety. Hope this helps!

Try using a simple leash and collar. Gradually acclimate her to the harness by leaving it out in plain sight. Do not force the harness on her until she is acclimated. This should be done in steps: let her see it, let her sniff and touch it, lay it on her for short periods then try placing it on her. A pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar or DAP diffuser may decrease any anxiety. Use plenty of praise and rewards as she progresses. Be patient and don't force her to wear the harness until she is ready.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your question. Luna is likely experiencing anxiety when in the kennel. I would recommend providing plenty of toys for her in the kennel and even consider using products such as the Adaptil collar and NaturVet Quiet Moments calm chews with Melatonin, which can be found at your local Petco. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hello. The best thing to do is start slow & put the harness on for a few minutes 2-3 times a day. Reward her with many treats & lots of petting to calm her. Then attach a leash & just let her drag it around for a few days. Once she seems comfortable, ask her to follow or approach you while gently pulling on the leash. I always have a tasty treat in my hand to encourage her. With just a little time & patience, all dogs will get used to being on a leash & harness. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Ophelia! There are many things you can do to help get Ophelia feeling more comfortable and help control her anxiety. It’s great that you are being proactive about preventing issues in future! I would advise seeing your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for Ophelia’s behavior first, and then visit the following links for some good tips on training http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=T&C=33&S=0 ,https://healthcareforpets.com/videos . Also visit the following link to learn more about Adaptil, a synthetic pheromone that is available in a diffuser and spray form that promotes calm feelings in dogs, and can often be useful in cases of anxiety http://www.adaptil.com . I strongly recommend you speak to a trainer who uses positive reinforcement or a veterinary behaviorist to help give Ophelia her best chance at becoming a well adjusted, happy dog. See the following link for more information on that https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/findabehaviourist . Good luck!