How To & Not To Use a Smelly Plug-in, for Fearful, Anxious and Restless Dogs

The Hidden Truth About Smelly Plug-ins for Dogs

We've all been there: a loud bang, a thunderstorm, or the vacuum turning on, and our beloved furry friend starts trembling in fear. Seeking out a quick solution, many dog owners turn to those smelly plug-ins that promise to calm your pet. But are these plug-ins truly the answer, or could they be worsening the problem?

The Intended Use of Calming Plug-ins

The idea behind these scented plug-ins is straightforward: they're designed to release calming aromas that can help soothe anxious dogs and promote sleep. On the surface, it seems like a brilliant, hassle-free solution. However, there’s a catch.

The Unintended Side-Effect: Conditioning Fear

Imagine this: every time your dog shows signs of fear, you rush to plug in that calming scent. Over time, instead of associating the aroma with peace and relaxation, your dog might start thinking, "Every time I smell this, something bad or scary happens." This is classical conditioning in action.

For those unfamiliar, classical conditioning was a concept introduced by Ivan Pavlov, who discovered that dogs could associate a neutral stimulus (like a bell ring) with food, leading them to salivate. In our case, the neutral stimulus is the smell from the plug-in, and the negative response is fear or anxiety.

A Better Way to Use Calming Plug-ins

Instead of reinforcing this negative association, why not build a positive one? Use the plug-in when you know your dog is already calm, or perhaps right at bedtime. Over time, this positive conditioning can help your dog associate the scent with moments of tranquility and rest. and after a couple months we can then start using it in the struggling times.

Beyond the Plug-in: A Holistic Approach

While calming plug-ins can play a role in helping an anxious dog, they're just a fraction of what can be done. Especially for dogs with separation anxiety or those terrified of loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, relying solely on a plug-in might not be enough.

Want to explore comprehensive strategies to alleviate your dog's anxiety? Our website offers a series of resources and tools to help you understand and support your canine companion better. Dive in to get the entire solution, rather than just a slice of it.