8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Poodle’s Anxiety

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How To Conquer Your Poodle’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

If your Poodle is experiencing anxiety, life can be miserable both for you and your pup. I myself spent 2 years battling extreme separation anxiety with my dog, and we successfully came out on the other side. In this article I’ll share some of the resources and strategies that worked for us.

There are many forms of anxiety that your Poodle may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Poodle’s might be:

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your poodle pacing, drooling, biting, or being destructive while you’re away.
• Sound anxiety – Fear of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or a vacuum cleaner
• Travel anxiety – Fear of traveling in a moving vehicle, or fear of intimidating places like your vet’s office or a boarding kennel

1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Poodle’s Anxiety

One of the tools I successfully used in treating my dog’s anxiety was hemp. While your results may vary, approximately 67% of the dog owners polled here claimed that hemp was ‘extremely effective’ or ‘somewhat effective’ in helping their dog’s anxiety.

In my experience, hemp helped my dog calm down enough to respond positively to the other training methods I was using to treat her anxiety. When choosing a hemp oil, always look for a certificate of analysis showing a pure and safe product. I’d also recommend a product with 0% THC.

If you’d rather not give an hemp oil tincture to your dog, there are also great full spectrum hemp treat options available for dogs on Amazon. 

2. Desensitize Your Poodle to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Poodle’s anxiety is desensitizing them to the trigger of their fear. For example, my dog’s anxiety was triggered anytime I walked out the door to leave the house. For other dogs, the trigger might be you grabbing your keys or putting on your coat.

Begin by doing the trigger activity, but then immediately reversing it. For example, I would grab my keys and walk out the door. Then I’d come back 5 seconds later. I did this literally hundreds of times over a period of a week. Eventually, my dog was desensitized and bored by the behavior.

Related: Best Calming Treat for Dogs

3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Poodle and Playing Loud Music

Many Poodle’s that suffer from thunderstorm or fireworks anxiety experience relief in a smaller, more isolated room of the house where music can be played at a loud volume. A word of caution though, if your dog is also experiences separation anxiety leaving them alone in a room during may be counterproductive.

4. Try Using a Compression Wrap (Available in Many Sizes and Will Fit Your Poodle)

Many dogs are comforted by the feeling of compression across their body. One popular product many have found success with is the Thundershirt (available on Amazon and Chewy). The product applies gentle, calming pressure that is very reassuring to many pups. The company claims the product to be helpful for about 80% of the dogs who tried it. It can be used to help calm your Poodle during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.

 5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Poodle with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root

Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your Poodle’s stress and give a sense of safety and calm. Some supplements contain calming herbs like chamomile, passion flower, ginger root, and valerian root are a great option. 

6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Poodle

Canine pheromone diffusers mimic the calming pheromone that a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies. The diffuser can help many dogs feel calmer and more comfortable in stressful situations. The same company that makes the Thundershirt above also makes a product called ThunderEase diffuser, which is also available on Amazon and Chewy.

7. Try an Anti-Anxiety Supplement Containing L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine or Melatonin

Other popular ingredients in anti-anxiety supplements include the amino acids L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine, both of which offer calming properties and increase the release of “feel good” serotonin in your dog’s body. In addition, some calming products for dogs contain a small amount of melatonin, which can help regulate and improve their sleep.

8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your Poodle

In my experience, using your own scent and sound to help calm your dog is a powerful strategy in beating anxiety. I stumbled upon this one day with my own dog by accident.

Typically, if I left the home my dog would instantly enter a panic. But one day I needed to take a long phone call, and left my dog outside my bedroom door where I took the call. During the call, she calmly lied next to the door, where she could obviously smell and hear me. It occurred to me that I could possibly mimic this tactic while I wasn’t at home.

I recorded my voice on a CD player and then put it on loop. Then I placed a used t-shirt on the inside of the door where she could easily smell it underneath. To my surprise, I was able to leave the house for a short time. (I monitored her on a video camera). I slowly increased the length of time I left, and always found her calm and sincerely believing that I was just behind the door!

If you’d like to read the full story of how I cured my dog’s extreme separation anxiety, go here.

Another popular calming product is the heartbeat puppy toy. Traditionally, these have been used to help calm puppies who have recently left their litter. The plush toys come with a warming features as well as a simulated heartbeat. While originally intended for puppies, many dog owners have found they can effectively calm dogs of all ages. This popular model is available on Amazon. 

Defeating your Poodle’s anxiety is absolutely possible—though every dog’s path to calm will be unique. The tools and strategies above can help you get started, but sometimes our pups need an extra layer of support. That’s why at iHeartDogs, we trust gentle, vet-formulated supplements designed to ease stress without harsh medications.

For best results, you can pair the Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum hemp Oil with our Cannanine Bacon-Flavored hemp Calming Chews. Together, these two supplements deliver 10 active, naturally calming ingredients—including hemp, melatonin, and valerian root—to promote relaxation and support emotional balance. Whether it’s fireworks, separation stress, or everyday anxiety, this powerful duo can help your dog feel safe, secure, and comforted.

Related: Top Pet Insurance Plans for Poodles

Frequently Asked Questions About Poodles Anxiety

1. Why are Poodles prone to anxiety?

Poodles are highly intelligent and sensitive dogs that form strong bonds with their families. Their emotional nature makes them more prone to separation anxiety, stress from changes in routine, and even environmental triggers like loud noises.

2. What are the most common signs of anxiety in Poodles?

Signs of anxiety in Poodles can include excessive barking, destructive chewing, pacing, whining, trembling, panting, hiding, aggression, and avoidance of interaction. Each dog may display symptoms differently based on their personality and environment.

3. How can I tell if my Poodle has separation anxiety?

If your Poodle becomes anxious when you leave, shows destructive behavior, or excessively barks and whines in your absence, they may be experiencing separation anxiety. Some Poodles may also refuse to eat or use the bathroom while their owner is away.

4. Do exercise and playtime help reduce Poodle anxiety?

Yes, exercise and playtime are some of the best ways to reduce anxiety in Poodles. Physical activity helps release pent-up energy, while playtime provides mental stimulation that keeps them relaxed and balanced.

5. Can training help calm an anxious Poodle?

Absolutely. Consistent obedience training and positive reinforcement techniques give Poodles confidence and structure. Teaching commands like “stay” or “settle” can be effective in redirecting anxious behavior.

6. What calming techniques work best for anxious Poodles?

Some proven calming techniques include gentle massage, soothing music, calming pheromone sprays, puzzle toys, crate training, and providing a safe, quiet space where your Poodle feels secure.

7. Are Poodles more sensitive to human emotions?

Yes, Poodles are very attuned to their owners’ feelings. If you are stressed or anxious, your Poodle may mirror those emotions. Staying calm, patient, and positive can help them feel more secure.

8. Do changes in routine cause anxiety in Poodles?

Yes, Poodles thrive on consistency and predictability. Sudden changes in daily schedule, environment, or even feeding times can trigger anxiety. Maintaining a routine helps keep them grounded and relaxed.

9. Can crate training help reduce Poodle anxiety?

When introduced properly, crate training can help anxious Poodles by providing them with a safe and secure den-like environment. It should always be a positive space, not used as punishment.

10. Are natural supplements safe for calming Poodle anxiety?

Many natural supplements, such as those with chamomile, valerian root, or CBD oil (vet-approved), can help reduce anxiety in Poodles. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement routine.

11. Do Poodles suffer from noise anxiety?

Yes, like many breeds, Poodles can become anxious during thunderstorms, fireworks, or loud noises. Calming techniques, sound therapy, or anxiety vests can help them cope during these stressful events.

12. How does socialization affect Poodle anxiety?

Proper socialization from an early age can significantly reduce anxiety in Poodles. Exposure to different environments, people, and other pets helps them build confidence and adaptability.

13. Can diet influence anxiety in Poodles?

Yes, a poor diet can contribute to restlessness and stress in Poodles. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals supports brain health and can help regulate mood and anxiety levels.

14. Should I seek professional help for my Poodle’s anxiety?

If anxiety symptoms are severe or persistent, consulting a veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist is highly recommended. They can assess underlying medical conditions and provide tailored behavior modification plans.

15. Can anxiety in Poodles be completely cured?

While anxiety may not always be completely cured, it can be effectively managed with training, lifestyle changes, supplements, and consistent care. With the right approach, most Poodles can live calm, happy, and balanced lives.

Helping Your Poodle Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Poodle, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Poodles can overcome separation stress, noise phobias, or travel worries and return to their naturally happy, confident selves. Remember, every dog’s journey to calm will look different, so don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow. Even small steps forward are signs of healing. When combined with training and a loving routine, these solutions can make a world of difference in helping your Poodle feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.