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

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

If your Collie 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 Collie may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Collie’s might be:

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Collie 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

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1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Collie’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. 

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2. Desensitize Your Collie to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Collie’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

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

Many Collie’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.

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

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 Collie during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.

 

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5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Collie 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 Collie’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. 

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6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Collie

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.

 

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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.

 

 

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

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.

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Defeating your Collie’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 Collies

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Frequently Asked Questions About Collies Anxiety

1. Why do Collies suffer from anxiety?

Collies are intelligent and sensitive dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. Their anxiety often comes from separation, lack of stimulation, changes in routine, or past trauma. Their heightened awareness also makes them more prone to stress compared to some breeds.

2. What are the common signs of anxiety in Collies?

Collies may show anxiety through excessive barking, whining, pacing, destructive behavior, trembling, hiding, or trying to escape. Some may also display aggression when stressed or anxious.

3. Can separation anxiety be common in Collies?

Yes, Collies are highly social and devoted to their families. Being left alone for long periods can cause separation anxiety, which may lead to destructive chewing, barking, or restlessness.

4. How do I calm my Collie when I leave the house?

Before leaving, give your Collie plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Provide safe toys, puzzle feeders, or treat-dispensing devices. Gradually train them to feel comfortable being alone and avoid dramatic departures or arrivals.

5. Are Collies more sensitive to their owner’s emotions?

Yes, Collies are very empathetic and can sense when their owners are stressed or upset. They often mirror human emotions, which can trigger or worsen their own anxiety.

6. What role does exercise play in reducing Collie anxiety?

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to calm an anxious Collie. Physical activity releases energy, reduces stress, and helps prevent destructive behaviors caused by restlessness.

7. Can training help reduce Collie anxiety?

Yes, obedience training and positive reinforcement build confidence in Collies. Training also helps them learn to focus on tasks, which distracts from anxious feelings and creates structure.

8. Are natural remedies helpful for Collie anxiety?

Some natural remedies, such as chamomile, valerian root, or CBD oil for dogs, may help reduce anxiety. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your Collie supplements or alternative treatments.

9. Can music or sound therapy calm an anxious Collie?

Yes, soothing music, white noise, or nature sounds can help calm Collies when they are stressed. These sounds can block out frightening noises like thunderstorms or fireworks.

10. Should I crate my Collie if they have anxiety?

Crates can be a safe space for some Collies if introduced positively. However, forcing a Collie into a crate when they are anxious may make things worse. The crate should always feel like a comforting den, not punishment.

11. Do Collies need socialization to reduce anxiety?

Yes, early and consistent socialization helps Collies build confidence and reduces fear of new people, places, and experiences. Lack of socialization may increase stress and anxiety in unfamiliar situations.

12. How can diet affect my Collie’s anxiety?

A balanced diet with proper nutrients supports brain health and overall well-being. Deficiencies or poor-quality food may worsen anxiety. Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can promote calmness and better mental function.

13. Can professional training or behaviorists help with Collie anxiety?

Yes, professional dog trainers or behaviorists can create tailored plans for Collies with severe anxiety. They use proven techniques to desensitize fears and build coping mechanisms.

14. When should I consult a veterinarian about my Collie’s anxiety?

If your Collie’s anxiety leads to destructive behavior, self-harm, aggression, or extreme distress, consult a veterinarian. They may recommend medical evaluation, natural supplements, or prescribed anxiety treatments.

15. Are Collies prone to lifelong anxiety?

Not all Collies will have lifelong anxiety, but their sensitivity makes them more susceptible than some breeds. With proper training, exercise, and consistent care, many Collies can learn to manage or outgro

Helping Your Collie Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Collie, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Collies 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 Collie 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.