
If you have a dog that frequently shows signs of being fearful, anxious, nervous or stressed, it can feel incredibly challenging to know what to do. These are not issues that are easy to deal with, so if you're struggling right now, know that you're not alone.
However, one thing that can be really helpful is understanding where all of these different emotional states stem from — and that's your dog's nervous system. While some trainers will suggest you use the best dog treats to reward positive behaviors and help your pup feel less anxious, expert behaviorist Renee Rhoades says we must address nervous system dysregulation (NSD) first, before anything else.