Aiding Calm: The Role of Behaviour Aids
The best behaviour modification plans typically incorporate a combination of training, environmental adjustments, and, in some cases, behaviour aids designed to support your dog’s emotional health. Behaviour aids are products that can help manage mild to moderate stress, or other emotional triggers, and when used correctly, they can play an important role in a dog's behaviour modification journey. While these aids are not a “cure-all,” they can provide a supportive foundation that enhances training and environmental changes.
Here, we’ll explore some common behavior aids and their effectiveness in helping dogs cope with anxiety and behaviour challenges.
Zylkene is a supplement derived from a protein in milk known as alpha-casozepine. This protein has calming properties and works by promoting relaxation. Zylkene is often used for dogs that experience situational stress, such as during travel, thunderstorms, or visits to the vet. It’s typically administered in capsule form and can be a useful short-term aid for reducing stress during triggering circumstances or events. It works by modulating the stress response, helping to reduce signs of anxiety, such as panting, drooling, or restlessness. When used as part of a broader behaviour modification plan, Zylkene can help your dog cope better with anxiety-triggering situations, making it easier to implement other behavior training techniques.
The Canine Tranquil Formula is an herbal supplement that contains ingredients such as valerian root, chamomile, and passionflower—natural substances known for their calming effects. This product is designed to help manage stress, and hyperactivity in dogs, especially during events that may trigger excitement or nervousness. These supplements promote relaxation and can be particularly beneficial for dogs that experience separation distress, noise phobias, or situational stress. It’s a helpful option for owners who want to support their dog’s emotional health while working through behavior modification plans, though it is most effective when paired with behavioural training.
Adaptil is a product line that includes diffusers, sprays, and collars designed to mimic the natural comforting pheromones produced by mother dogs to reassure their puppies. These synthetic pheromones are designed to calm dogs and make them feel safe and secure in their environment. Adaptil is particularly effective for dogs that experience fear-based behaviours such as stress around new environments, loud noises, or separation from their owners. The diffuser releases the pheromones into the air, while the collar or spray provides a more targeted application. Research has shown that these products can help reduce signs of stress, such as barking, destructive chewing, and even inappropriate urination. Adaptil products can be especially useful when combined with other behavioural interventions, helping to create a calm environment for dogs to learn in.
Paw Complete Calm is another natural supplement designed to reduce stress in dogs. This product typically includes ingredients such as L-theanine (an amino acid found in green tea) and other calming herbs like chamomile and lavender. Paw Complete Calm is especially helpful for dogs that experience nervousness during everyday events such as car rides, trips to the groomer, or when exposed to new people or environments. It can be used as part of a larger behaviour modification plan by promoting a calm state that makes it easier for dogs to focus on training and responding to behavior cues.
The ThunderShirt is a well-known piece of apparel designed to apply gentle, constant pressure to a dog’s torso. This type of pressure has been shown to have a calming effect on many dogs, particularly those with noise phobias or anxiety. It’s often used for dogs that are scared of thunderstorms, fireworks, or even separation distress. The pressure from the ThunderShirt mimics the sensation of being swaddled, which can trigger a calming response in the dog’s nervous system. The effectiveness of the ThunderShirt varies between dogs, but it can provide immediate comfort, particularly during stressful events. For dogs that experience situational anxiety, the ThunderShirt can be a helpful tool when integrated with other behavior modification strategies like desensitisation and counter-conditioning.
Royal Canin Calm Dog Food
Royal Canin Calm is a specially formulated dog food designed to support a dog’s emotional wellbeing. It contains a blend of nutrients, including hydrolyzed milk protein (alpha-casozepine), L-tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin), and other ingredients that help promote a calm demeanor. This food is particularly beneficial for dogs that are prone to stress-related behaviours, such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or inappropriate urination. While nutrition alone isn't a solution for severe behaviour problems, a calming diet can complement training efforts by providing the nutritional foundation needed for emotional stability. Royal Canin Calm can be used as part of a comprehensive behaviour modification plan to help keep your dog’s stress levels manageable and provide support as they work through behavior challenges.
Integrating Behaviour Aids with Training Plans
While behaviour aids such as Zylkene, Adaptil products, and ThunderShirts can help manage stress and anxiety, they are not standalone solutions. The most effective behaviour modification plans integrate these aids with structured training techniques, such as positive reinforcement and counter-conditioning. For instance, you might use an Adaptil collar to help your dog stay calm during training sessions, making it easier for them to focus on learning. Supplements like Zylkene or Paw Complete Calm can help dogs manage stress during challenging situations, allowing them to better engage with training efforts. Similarly, using a ThunderShirt during stressful events can help your dog remain calm enough to benefit from training aimed at changing fear-based responses.
Behaviour aids can be an incredibly valuable tool in managing stress and anxiety-related behaviors in dogs, but they should always be used as part of a holistic approach that includes training, environmental management, and regular exercise. Whether you’re dealing with noise phobias, separation anxiety, or general stress, the right combination can support your dog’s emotional status and make training more effective. However, always consult with your veterinarian or a professional behaviourist before introducing new products to your dog’s routine to ensure they are the right fit for your dog’s unique needs.
