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Ashley

Heidi, our other German Shepherd (5 years old), has been more resource guarding and aggressive towards Archie and it’s nots always when she’s in the presence of a bone. Archie has kept his distance from her, tip toed around her, and even gone on his back in submission, sometimes discreeting in fear. Archie’s other issue is when we’re cooking, he’ll keep his distance from the kitchen and often lay in the garage. This is mainly when the house starts to smell or the noises get loud. I’m wondering if these behaviors have affected him outside of home. Recently at dog school, he’ll bark at the other dogs and try to run towards the door and leave. More so, he’ll sit and shake (and even won’t take treats). I brought him into a Pet Store to see how I’ll do there and he barked at all the dogs, even the ones who weren’t barking, and tried to immediately leave.
*Heidi has also lunged at our new cat and shown her teeth when she thinks the cat will take her bone.

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Archie
Dog, German Shepherd Dog
9 months, Male
Issue details
Main concern
Behavior
Travel anxiety
Noise aversion
Destructive behavior
Excessive barking
Others
A new pet
Dog training
Episodic (at certain triggers)
Duration
2 month(s)
Ongoing
Other issues
N/A
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Dr. Valliyatte
Dr.Tail Vet

It sounds like Archie is dealing with a mix of anxiety and stress, possibly due to changes in his environment, such as the arrival of a new pet and Heidi's behavior. Here are some steps you can take to help Archie feel more at ease:

Firstly, it's beneficial to create safe spaces for Archie. Ensure he has a quiet, secure place to retreat to when he feels overwhelmed, like a designated room or a cozy crate. This can help him feel more secure and reduce his anxiety.

Next, consider desensitization and counterconditioning. Gradually expose Archie to the things that trigger his anxiety, such as kitchen noises or the presence of other dogs, in a controlled manner. Pair these exposures with positive experiences, like treats or praise, to help him form positive associations.

Continuing with dog training classes is also a good idea, focusing on positive reinforcement techniques. This can help Archie build confidence and learn to handle stressful situations better.

Maintaining a consistent daily routine is important as well. Providing Archie with predictable feeding, walking, and playtimes can offer him a sense of stability and help reduce anxiety.

You might also want to explore calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or natural supplements designed to reduce stress in dogs.

It's crucial to monitor interactions between Archie and Heidi, as well as with the new cat, to prevent any negative experiences. Reward calm behavior and be ready to intervene if tensions rise.

Lastly, if Archie's anxiety persists or worsens, consulting with a professional dog behaviorist could provide tailored strategies to address his specific needs.

Remember, patience and consistency are key, as behavior changes can take time. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.