I have been a βdog mamaβ to my Black Labrador Holly for over 10 years now. She has travelled with me all over our home state of California, often on very long roadtrips from Northern California to Southern California.
Holly was a rescue adopted from the Humane Society when she was about one year old. She has always had a sweet disposition and is loving towards people, but sheβs also had very severe anxiety from past trauma. I never knew what her history was before I adopted her, but she clearly suffered in the hands of her previous owner.
Hollyβs anxiety can especially get triggered when she knows thereβs an upcoming trip. The moment she sees my suitcase come out of the closet, she begins to pace around nervously and follows me everywhere I go in the house. Sheβs either worried that Iβm leaving on a trip without her, or sheβs nervous to be taken on a roadtrip to a new place. Either way, traveling puts her on edge.
I have worked with several dog trainers over the years to help Holly with her anxiety. This blog post has been several years in the making, as Iβve complied many of my learnings, personal experiences and professional advice from trainers into one guide. I hope all dog owners with pups suffering from anxiety can use these tips to find relief for their fur babies.
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