Dogs can get anxious and overwhelmed — a canine scientist has shared the key nervous dog signs to look out for and how to build your dog's confidence08:35, 15 Jun 2026Dogs experience anxiety just like humans, and as pet owners, it's crucial to recognise exactly which signs to watch for and how to boost your pooch's confidence.‌Searches for 'how to help a nervous dog' have rocketed by 5,000% over the past three months as people start planning their summer holidays.‌Multiple factors can affect how confident a dog feels - from their environment to the owner's own confidence levels - and 68% of pet owners surveyed by Canine Cottages say that their personal confidence directly impacts their dog's behaviour.‌To help identify whether your dog is experiencing anxiety and bolster their confidence, Canine Cottages' resident dog expert and canine scientist, Dr Emma Scales-Theobald (PhD Veterinary Medicine), has put together a list of warning signs to look for, alongside practical guidance on building up their confidence so they can enjoy every walk more than the last, reports the Express.Signs your dog is nervousDogs are incredibly skilled at communicating when they're feeling anxious or overwhelmed - you just need to spot the telltale signs.‌Attention seekingAs owners, you represent your dog's safe haven, and being near to you is one of the main things that calms them. If your dog is suddenly jumping up at you or cuddling close beside you, they're seeking reassurance.ReactivenessA key warning sign to look out for is your dog suddenly becoming highly reactive, whether through barking, jumpiness or responding unusually to sights and sounds. Keep an eye on whether they start pulling harder on their lead too. If your dog begins acting skittish and out of character, they're most likely trying to tell you that they're feeling anxious.‌Stress pantingPanting is a perfectly normal way for dogs to regulate their body temperature in warm weather or after exercise, but if they start panting excessively in any situation, it could be a sign they're feeling stressed.FreezingDuring walks, your dog may suddenly freeze and refuse to move, though this isn't always down to stubbornness. There are plenty of reasons behind this behaviour, ranging from tiredness to uncertainty about where you're headed.Dr Emma explains: "Typically, if a dog is feeling stressed or overwhelmed in a new environment, they will show this through different behaviours. For example, they will probably begin to pant excessively, have their tail tucked under their body, and they might tremble and have their ears pinned down, showing whale eye. They will likely be unwilling to explore more and disinterested in their treats or toys.‌"They might whine, try to hide or cower and become clingy. If overstimulated, they might start to excessively bark, become hyperactive, start ignoring commands they would usually respond to and find it hard to settle."According to the doctor, if your dog starts showing these symptoms, slow down the pace, take a break, try to encourage them to settle and offer them water and comfort. If possible, cut the outing short and have another go later or on a different day.How to build your dog's confidenceJust because your dog is feeling anxious doesn't mean there aren't ways to nurture their self-assurance and boost your four-legged friend's confidence. Some great ways to do this include mixing up your routine, taking a breather, offering plenty of treats, and letting your dog take the lead and have a good sniff on your walks.‌Change up your routineGradually tweaking your schedule can be a brilliant way to build their confidence when exploring new places. Be careful not to overwhelm them by pushing too hard; simply make small changes over time and let them explore at their own pace.Have a sit downBy heading to a new spot and simply taking in the surroundings, you give your pooch the chance to soak everything up, and they may even find the courage to venture further afield.‌Let them sniffOne of the main ways dogs familiarise themselves with a new place is by taking in all the scents around them, so be patient and allow them to get a proper feel for their surroundings. Dr Emma adds: "Sniffing is their main sense and how they predominantly explore the world. They will therefore be very excited to sniff everything, to take everything in."Let them leadIf they encounter something alarming in their environment, they'll instinctively want to avoid it. Rather than pushing them to go further, let them decide where they want to explore and what they'd rather steer clear of.Plenty of treatsWhen they're behaving well and showing bravery, nothing encourages them to keep it up quite like a tasty treat. Lots of praise will keep them happy too - but let's face it, no dog will turn down a delicious reward in the form of a treat.Article continues belowDr Emma advises: "Bringing items from home like their favourite toy can provide comfort, being a familiar smell and encouragement to come out of their shell a little. Introducing them slowly and at their pace will help them to relax more, and keeping visits short will help prevent them from getting too overwhelmed."Build your own confidenceDogs are our most loyal companions, and they can tell when we're not feeling our best, so set a good example and show that you're self-assured in what you're doing on a walk. Make sure you've planned your route in advance and that you're ready for the weather conditions, so your walk can be a soothing experience for both you and your four-legged friend.Sarah Pring, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, adds: "Everyone gets nervous sometimes, even the bravest people and pooches, but by letting your dog take things at their own pace and get to know your routes when they feel comfortable, you can build their confidence up to explore the world one walk at a time."