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15 Activities To Help Your Huskypoo With Anxiety

15 Activities To Help Your Huskypoo With Anxiety

Huskypoos are known for their many attributes. As mixed-breed, they offer the best of both worlds of two great parent dog breeds. They are loving, loyal, intelligent dogs who love to be with their human family members. Like most breeds, they have certain qualities that make them unique and maybe better fits for certain homes than they are for others.

Dog health is the number one goal of any dog owner- aside from their dog's happiness. A healthy dog consists of many different areas of health that must be addressed. Grooming, exercise, nutrition, and more go into the physical health of your Huskypoo. What many owners may often overlook is their psychological health. Just like humans, dogs can be prone to psychological health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and even canine dementia. Some breeds are more prone to these conditions than others, and for this Husky Poodle mix, anxiety can be common.

Dealing with a dog that has anxiety can be difficult to navigate. Anxiety is a condition that requires some attention and care to manage, and there are many different ways to go about this. Knowing which ones are best for your dog may seem daunting, but we're here to help. We'll go over all of the Huskypoo anxiety basics, what to do about this condition and some fun ways that you can help your Huskypoo overcome and cope with their anxiety.

Huskypoo Anxiety Basics

The Huskypoo mixed breed dog is a result of the Poodle parent breed and Husky parent breed- which are both well-known and loved breeds. These breeds can be very active and loyal to their owners, which can lead to a higher anxiety risk. To avoid this, it's best to focus on various ways to fight anxiety and help calm your dog. We'll look at 15 activities to help your Huskypoo with anxiety and how to implement them into their life.

Going For A Walk

One of the best ways to prevent anxiety in your Husky Poodle mix is through a simple walk around your neighborhood or elsewhere. Walks allow your Huskypoo to obtain some mental stimulation as they take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the outside world, which prevents boredom and the anxiety that it may cause. At the same time, your Huskypoo will also be getting some much-needed exercise. Exercise helps minimize your dog's excess energy that may cause them to become anxious if not properly released. The next time you notice your Huskypoo seems anxious, pick up the leash and enjoy some time together on a walk.

Dogs walking

Obedience Training

Huskypoos are very smart dogs who love to have a task at hand. When they don't have something to keep them busy and feeling accomplished, they may become bored - which can easily lead to unwanted anxiety.

One of the best jobs you can give your dog to keep them busy and prevent anxiety is obedience training. Obedience training can be done at home, on a walk, and almost anywhere. This process keeps your dog focused on pleasing you and engages them in mental stimulation, burning up some of the anxious energy they may develop.

Agility Training

Aside from obedience training, agility training is another great way to keep your dog engaged and active while preventing anxiety. Agility training serves as a job that Huskypoos are happy to complete along your side. Not only does agility training provide mental stimulation, but it also exercises your dog in a fun and enjoyable way.

Agility training consists of obstacles that your dog must learn to navigate with your guidance. It keeps them busy, and active and can help minimize boredom and lack of exercise that can lead to anxiety. If you are looking for a way to help your Huskypoo with anxiety, consider taking up agility training.

Resting in a Calming Dog Bed

Dogs love different textures and soft materials- this is why you may find your dog laying on their favorite blanket or snuggling in your bed. Taking advantage of their love for softer fabrics can also help with their anxiety. With so many dogs suffering from anxiety, dog products have caught on and the market now offers an abundance of products to help combat these conditions.

A calming dog bed is one great way to prevent and combat Huskypoo anxiety. Calming dog beds offer your dog a sense of security and safety when they are feeling uneasy. They have soft fabric, a comforting soft texture, and can even be made of memory foam - which helps prevent joint issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Calming dog beds can help prevent Huskypoo anxiety and enhance your dog's health and happiness.

Puzzle Toys

One of the most well-known ways to keep any dog stimulated and prevent boredom is through puzzle toys. Puzzle toys are stuffed with your dog's favorite treat, such as peanut butter, creating a puzzle for your dog to overcome. They must find the best way to reach the treats that are inside of the toy, keeping them engaged and stimulated in the process.

Dog toys

Puzzle toys come in a variety of different shapes and sizes and can be used by almost all dogs. They are a fun way to get out some of that anxious energy and give your dog a boredom-preventing task to focus on. The next time you are looking for a way to prevent Huskypoo anxiety, consider giving them a puzzle toy to try and master.

Crate Training

As stated earlier, dogs like a sense of security and comfort when they're feeling anxious. This is one of the many reasons so many dog owners choose to crate train their pups. Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, it will benefit from crate training.

Crates offer your dog a safe space that's their own. When they need to wind down and relax, they know they have a dedicated space to do so. Crates offer the security your dog may need when they are feeling nervous from being left alone, known as separation anxiety. In addition, it will also prevent them from destructive habits that can stem from boredom, such as digging and chewing. Try putting a soft bed and a few of your dog's favorite toys in their crate to get them used to it. Since Huskypoos are a large dog breed, it's essential to get the right size crate for them to be comfortable spending time in.

Music Therapy

Music is a relaxation method for many people. There's nothing better than turning on your favorite songs to decompress when you're feeling anxious, or even just after a long day. The same emotional relief that music brings humans can be the same for dogs. 

Someone playing a violin for dog

Dogs are very sensitive to noises in their area, which is why unknown or loud noises, such as fireworks or the garbage truck, may cause Poodle mixes and other breeds to become anxious. To combat this, consider using music therapy with your Hyskypoo. Using calming music during times of loud noise, such as on the Fourth of July, can drown out these scary sounds and prevent anxiety. If your Huskypoo becomes anxious in the car, consider turning on some relaxing music to help them calm down while traveling.

Offer Them Calming Treats

Treats not only taste good but can also help with various medical conditions, including dog anxiety. There is an abundance of calming dog treats on the market today to help calm all dogs, including a Husky mix. These calming treats contain various natural ingredients that prevent anxiety and are safe for your dog to eat.

Many different ingredients can be used to treat pet anxiety. Some of the most common ones used include CBD and Chamomile. Finding a treat with the right amount of the right ingredients for your dog can be tricky. Calming Dog offers Calming Zen Chews, which have relaxation down to a science. Offer one of these calming treats when your Husky Poodle is showing signs of anxiety, or before stressful situations, such as leaving your pup home alone for a bit.

Doggy Massage

When we think of relaxation, we think of the basics: calming music, a good book, candles, maybe a bubble bath, or even a massage. These factors stimulate our senses and bring a sense of tranquility to us, and the same goes for dogs. A doggy massage is a great way to prevent anxiety and even help with other areas of health, such as joint health and skin health.

Poodle getting a dog massage

To give your dog a massage, simply apply light pressure to areas of fat and muscle- such as their sides or hind legs. Be sure to watch for areas of sensitivity, and ease your dog into the process of having a massage. Start with slow increments and increase them as your Huskypoo gets more used to this experience. In no time, your Huskypoo is sure to look forward to their doggy massages and all the health benefits that they bring.

Trips to the Dog Park

One of the best places on earth for any dog is the dog park. The dog park allows them to let loose, burn off excess energy, and meet new friends. During this process, your anxious dog can also prevent any anxiety they may be feeling or developing. The dog park provides plenty of mental stimulation for your pup, keeping them from becoming bored throughout the day.

Owner with her dog in the park

In addition to mental stimulation, a trip to the dog park allows your dog to run off-leash and chase a ball or roughhouse with other dogs. These activities can help tire them out and keep them from becoming anxious later in the day. The next time you're looking for a way to combat your Huskypoo's anxiety, consider taking them to the dog park.

Going to the Pet Store

Every dog owner wants to provide their dog with the best life possible. To accomplish this, trips to the pet store are likely a regular occurrence in your life. The pet store is a one-stop shop for food, treats, grooming supplies, collars, leashes, and so much more.

While the pet store is the perfect spot to get your Huskypoo everything they need, it's also a great way to help with dog anxiety. Taking your puppy or adult Huskypoo to the pet store can keep their mind busy and prevent boredom at home. It also provides plenty of opportunities for socialization, which can help your dog feel comfortable when meeting new dogs or people, or going to new places. The next time you're heading to pick up some dog food, take your Huskypoo with you for a fun and effective trip to the pet store to help with their anxiety.

Utilize Calming Carriers

Travelling can be stressful for both you and your dog, whether it's done by car, train, plane, or even boat. This experience is time-consuming and often consists of your dog having to stay in one place for long periods of time, surrounded by unknown people, places, and sounds. Because of this, traveling may cause many dogs to feel anxious, including your Husky Poodle mix.

Making traveling as easy and comfortable as possible is the key to minimizing canine anxiety. To do so, consider using a calming carrier. These carriers provide your dog their own safe space no matter where they are. They can contain relaxing soft fabrics and windows to watch from without being too exposed. Your dog will be able to lay down and relax in its calming carrier when on the go, and it can even be used as a crate or bed when you're at home.

Dog Games

Dogs are very smart animals- especially a working dog with a history of tasks to do, such as a Huskypoo. To keep your dog busy and out of trouble, it's important to have ample opportunities for mental stimulation that you can provide them. While mental stimulation can be done on a walk, this can also be achieved within your own home- which is where dog games come into play.

Dog games are simple and keep your pup engaged both mentally and physically. Consider hiding treats around your home for your Huskypoo to search for and find. They can be beneath a chair, in their dog bed, or even tucked behind a houseplant. Your Huskypoo will spend its time hunting down these delicious smells, keeping them stimulated and busy to prevent boredom and anxiety.

Fetching A Ball Or Frisbee

Any Husky hybrid, including a Huskypoo, is a very active dog. The husky parent breed is a breed that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation- which makes them the perfect contenders for a game of fetch. Fetch not only keeps your Husky Poodle mix active and healthy, but it also keeps them busy and allows them to feel like they have a job. In the process, your Poodle Husky mix puppy or adult can burn off some boredom that may cause anxiety.

Fetch can easily be done at home or out and about. The dog park, local park, and backyard are great places to let your dog chase after a ball or frisbee for a while. By the time you're finished, they're sure to be satisfied with all of the fun they had and less likely to feel anxious throughout the day.

Utilize a Slow Feeding Mat

Dog nutrition can be a difficult thing to navigate as a dog owner. Some breeds respond better to certain dog food types than others and having a mixed breed dog can make it confusing to narrow down what to focus on. On top of nutrition, how much you feed your dog, how often, and how you feed your dog can all make a difference when it comes to health.

Slow feeder for dogs

The right dog food will contribute to many aspects of health, including your dog's coat, immune system, joints, and more. In addition, their rate of eating can prevent various health conditions. Slow dog eating can help prevent bloat, anxiety, and more. To ensure your dog isn't eating too quickly, consider using a slow feeding mat. This tool will make your dog work to reach their dog food- preventing them from eating at a dangerously fast pace, and providing some mental stimulation in the meantime. Poodle mixes, such as a Huskypoo, are sure to reap the benefits of these slow feeder mats when it comes to anxiety.

Wrapping Up

Anxiety is a troubling condition for any dog and its owner to experience. Anxiety can stem from many different things and can range in severity and frequency. To ensure you are providing your Huskypoo the best life possible, it's important to minimize their anxiety in any way you can.

Many different tactics can prevent and combat canine anxiety, as well as some highly effective products on the market today. Consider trying different methods to see what works best for you and your dog. With some trial and error, you're sure to find methods that help calm your dog and minimize their anxiety experiences.