There is a plethora of items positioned as solutions for the barking, quaking, biting, and cowering some dogs exhibit. But just like humans, dogs are individuals with their own genetic make-up and experiences that play a part in their reactions. Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, Tufts Cummings School’s Animal Behavior Clinic, addresses issues, perceptions and products that target canine anxiety.
Source: Your Dog, April 2016. (partial link)
Behaviorists point out that products alone cannot remediate whatever is at the root of things your dog perceives to be stressors. Here are some products that at least won’t cause harm and in some cases may even help, despite the preponderance of evidence against them. Says Dr. Borns-Weil, “sometimes even taking the time to lovingly and soothingly care for your dog with a particular product may be enough to calm him some” (the placebo effect at work). Furthermore, she adds, these products may even prove scientifically to do some good at some point. But at best, she comments, they’re “a small water gun in the arsenal of things, such as behavioral and environmental modification,” that can calm a fearful dog.
INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams and retail associates can use this information to set expectations when dispensing or selling behavior products, including behavior modification training.