Being lost can be scary for your dog as well as you! Here’s how to settle him back in when he’s safely home again.

Endorphins end anxiety

Exercise build lots of positive endorphins, lifting the mood of your dog. Exercise is great for discharging energy, making your dog feel calmer afterwards. Find a school kid keen for a bit of extra pocket money to help with extra walks.

Don’t worry, be happy

Kongs and other toys help keep your dog busily occupied at home. Google “ways to relieve boredom in dogs” for a huge range of ideas. Agility and obedience training are fantastic mental and physical workouts for dogs too. Consider doggie daycare for group play with other dogs, or even a “dog share” where a non-dog owner gets time with your dog. Many people can’t have dogs where they live, so maybe those humans could “borrow” your dog for company and walks. That’s a win/win for everyone!

Calm as a cucumber

There’s a Feliway equivalent to calm nervous or unsettled dogs called Adaptil (or DAP). It’s used via a diffuser plugged in the wall or worn as a collar. The benefit of the collar version is that the warmth of the dog diffuses the calming pheromones as he moves. So, it’s working all the time - wherever your dog is.

Sonic booms

Help prevent fear caused by loud noises like thunder and fireworks by using a desensitization programme. Google and YouTube have lots of resources with white noise or sounds like rain that run for hours and hours to help relax your dog. Bonus: It’s relaxing for you too…

Some dogs (and cats) find wearing a Thundershirts helps them cope better with loud noises.

Rein in those raging hormones

Desexing your dog (male and female) helps them feel calmer. They’ll be less agitated and less likely to feel the urge to run away from home looking for “love”.

All you need is love

Give plenty of love, attention, cuddles and play. Topped off with a big steak to share?! ♥

This site welcomes any other suggestions and recommendations that help settle dogs after their big adventure. Email your ideas and we can always look to add them to our list.