How to Calm a Nervous Italian Greyhound?

Italian greyhounds are elegant, sweet-tempered dogs that make wonderful companions. However, they tend to be high-strung and easily excitable. Their nervousness can lead to behaviors like shaking, whining, and running in circles. As an Italian greyhound owner, you need to learn techniques to help calm your anxious iggy. This will make them happier and allow you to enjoy their company even more. In this article we talk about How to Calm a Nervous Italian Greyhound.

Create a Calm Home Environment

Italian greyhounds don’t do well in chaotic, loud households. Make your home a stress-free zone for your iggy. Keep the tone relaxed by avoiding shouting and slamming doors. Also, try to minimize loud noises from TVs, music, or guests. You should discourage roughhousing and chasing games that can overstimulate your dog.

Additionally, keep to a regular daily routine so your Italian greyhound knows what to expect. Consistency and quiet will help them remain tranquil.

Use Calming Scents

Certain smells have calming effects on dogs. Natural scents like lavender and chamomile can help relax your Italian greyhound. Put a few drops of these essential oils on their bedding or add to an oil diffuser or plug-in air freshener. You can also use calming scented candles or sprays around areas where your dog spends most of their time.

However, keep candles safely out of reach to prevent burns. Items with your own scent can also reassure an anxious iggy when you’re away. Consider placing an unwashed t-shirt or blanket in their crate or bed.

Play Soothing Music

Italian greyhounds often respond well to calming music. Try turning on soft, gentle classical or piano tracks when your iggy seems stressed. There are even albums developed specifically for anxious dogs! The music should be played at a moderate, consistent volume to prevent startling your dog. You may notice them settling down and their nervous behaviors subsiding as the melodies relax them.

Having the music on when you leave the house can be helpful too. But don’t play it too loudly or suddenly to avoid scaring them.

Use Anxiety Wraps

Anxiety wraps and shirts apply gentle, constant pressure to help reassure and relax nervous pups. This type of therapy may work wonders for an high-strung Italian greyhound. Choose an appropriately sized wrap made specifically for dogs.

Place it snugly around their torso whenever they exhibit anxious behaviors. Many dogs will settle down and stop shaking or pacing once wearing a wrap. It should not restrict movement or breathing when fitted properly. Let your iggy wear the calming wrap for short periods until they adjust to the sensation.

Try Dog Appeasing Pheromones

Dog appeasing pheromones (DAP) are synthetic pheromones identical to those mother dogs give off to their puppies. The pheromones provide feelings of comfort and reassurance. They come in various forms like plug-in diffusers, sprays, wipes and collars. Exposing a nervous Italian greyhound to these pheromones often has remarkable calming effects.

Use DAP products in your dog’s main living areas like their crate, next to food bowls and on furniture they use. You may notice your iggy relaxing, whining less and even seeking out the pheromone source! However, the effects of DAP products will diminish over time so they must be replaced monthly.

Teach Settling Exercises

One of the best ways to calm an anxious Italian greyhound is through training ‘settle’ commands. Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to go through special exercises that reward your dog for relaxing on cue. Start by commanding ‘settle’ when your iggy is naturally laying down.

Reward them with treats and praise for remaining in place calmly. Gradually increase the duration your dog must stay settled before getting a reward. Use a mat or dog bed so they identify it as their settling spot. Advanced settling training involves giving the command when your dog is worked up to redirect the behavior. With regular practice, they will relax easier in stressful situations.

Create a Safe Space

It’s important nervous Italian greyhounds have access to a designated ‘safe’ space for retreat when frightened. Often a crate or corner of a room works well. The space should be partially enclosed, quiet and contain familiar scents from toys and bedding.

Allow your iggy to access it at all times. Place a pheromone diffuser or their unwashed blanket inside too. They will likely dash to this safe zone when anxious. Reward your Italian greyhound every time they use it to reinforce the calming association. In their safe space, leave them undisturbed until they reemerge relaxed and ready to socialize.

Use Interactive Toys and Puzzles

Anxious energy can be redirected into mental stimulation that tires out your Italian greyhound. Interactive toys and puzzles make your dog use their brain instead of acting out nervously. Introduce puzzle toys you can hide treats inside for them to figure out extracting.

Or try toys that dispense kibble as they are pushed around and played with. Even simple games of fetch or hide-and-seek can occupy high-strung iggy minds. Aim to mentally exercise your Italian greyhound for 30-60 minutes daily to prevent anxiety from boredom. Tired dogs are far less likely to be stressed dogs!

Avoid Triggering Situations

Pay attention to situations that seem to make your Italian greyhound especially nervous. Common triggers include visitors at home, car travel, crowded areas, or loud noises. Avoid exposing them to triggers if possible to prevent anxiety and fearful reactions.

If triggers cannot be avoided entirely, implement other calming measures beforehand. You can use pheromone collars on car rides or give anxiety medication prescribed by your veterinarian before a stressful event. Gradually desensitizing your dog to triggers through positive reinforcement training can help too. Manage their environment wisely by minimizing triggering stimuli when feasible.

See Your Veterinarian

If your Italian greyhound’s anxiety seems extreme and is not improved through lifestyle changes, check with your vet. They can examine your iggy for any underlying illnesses contributing to the behavior. Certain medical conditions cause dogs to feel persistently anxious. Your veterinarian may also recommend anti-anxiety medication for situational use.

These prescription drugs help greatly when training and management alone don’t adequately calm your dog. Some anti-anxiety medications also allow easier socialization by reducing fearful reactions. Never give your Italian greyhound medication without explicit veterinary approval. Also, ensure you use it alongside management techniques, not in place of them.

With the proper techniques, most nervous greyhounds can transform into happy, relaxed companions. Patience and consistency are vital when implementing calming strategies. Pay attention to what specifically helps lower your individual iggy’s stress levels.

Over time, a calmer temperament will emerge so you both can enjoy their sweet, gentle nature. While their nervousness often arises from enthusiasm, managing it will let their lively spirit shine without the anxiety.

With care and training, even high-strung Italian greyhounds can learn to settle into tranquil, well-adjusted pets. I sincerely hope you find this “How to Calm a Nervous Italian Greyhound” article helpful.

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