Does your dog worry when you go somewhere new? Being relaxed in new environments isn’t something that comes naturally to all dogs. Teaching your dog to be comfortable going to new places and being relaxed in new environments is a helpful skill for every dog to learn.
Be realistic
Set your dog up for success by picking locations to bring them where your dog will be able to handle the level of distraction. For example, if your dog is reactive or uncomfortable around other dogs, don’t bring them to a busy farmers market and expect them to tolerate being near dogs. Go slowly at a pace your dog is comfortable with when introducing your dog to new experiences and places. Whenever possible, start exposing your dog to new places that are low in distractions, and allow your dog to acclimate and be successful in these new places before throwing your dog into a new location that is filled with distractions which could be overwhelming.
Bring comfort objects
If you’re traveling with your dog, bring objects your dog finds comforting. Familiar beds, blankets, or crates can help support your dog with relaxing in new environments. You will also want to bring your dog’s favorite toys so that they have familiar objects to comfort them in new places. Having the toys your dog likes best around you can help your dog feel more secure and support your dog in making positive associations with being in a new location.
Let your dog explore
When bringing your dog to a new environment, allow your dog to explore as much as safely as possible. Have your dog on a loose leash and let your dog explore the new environment. This is especially important when traveling and staying in hotels or with friends/family. Praise your dog for exploring and interacting with the new environment. Dogs experience the world through their nose, so providing dogs with the opportunity to sniff and explore can put many dogs at ease when they enter new spaces.
Bring treats
When bringing your dog to a new environment, pack lots of treats. Keep your dog leashed to you in new spaces and praise and reward your dog for any engagement with you, including looking at you, as well as for interactions with the new environment. By pairing new locations with treat rewards, you’ll be able to help your dog to shift their emotional reactions to being in new places from worried to positive. Shifting your dog’s emotional response to new places is a critical step in supporting your dog to be relaxed when entering new spaces.
How to encourage your dog to relax
You can also introduce your dog’s favorite toys and games and treats to reward your dog and further encourage exploration. Playing familiar games and practicing tricks or obedience skills that your dog knows can boost your dog’s overall confidence, which can help your dog relax and feel at ease when going somewhere new. One way to encourage your dog to be calm in a new environment is to provide soothing and relaxing activities. Give your dog snuffle mats, lick mats, hollow toys stuffed with (dog-safe) peanut butter or another spreadable treat, or a dog-safe chew toy or bone. These chew/lick toys can be a great way to help your dog relax because chewing and licking naturally release endorphins, which help your dog feel better and be more relaxed in new places.
Take breaks
To help your dog make positive associations with being in a new location, try to provide your dog with relaxing breaks. Get outside for a walk, ideally in a quiet time or area where your dog can sniff, explore, and decompress. Giving your dog a chance to sniff, exercise, and get a break from a new space can help your dog to process their emotions about going back into a new environment. It also provides an excellent opportunity for you and your dog to reinforce your bond and spend more time together, which can help your dog feel more relaxed and confident.
Relaxation Supports
If you have a dog who struggles to adjust to new places, there is no shame in getting support. Working with a dog trainer who utilizes positive reinforcement techniques can work directly with you to support your dog in adjusting to new environments. If your dog struggles to adjust to new places, it’s a good idea to mention this to your vet. Your dog’s veterinarian might discuss supplements or anti-anxiety medication to help your dog to adjust to new experiences.
