8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Dogue De Bordeaux’s Anxiety

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How To Conquer Your Dogue De Bordeaux’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

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

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Dogue De Bordeaux 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 Dogue De Bordeaux’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 Dogue De Bordeaux to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Dogue De Bordeaux’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 Dogue De Bordeaux and Playing Loud Music

Many Dogue De Bordeaux’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 Dogue De Bordeaux)

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 Dogue De Bordeaux 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 Dogue De Bordeaux 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 Dogue De Bordeaux 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 Dogue De Bordeaux

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 Dogue De Bordeaux

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. 

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Defeating your Dogue De Bordeaux 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dogue De Bordeaux Anxiety

1. Why do Dogue De Bordeaux dogs suffer from anxiety?

Dogue De Bordeaux dogs are deeply loyal and attached to their families. They can suffer from anxiety due to separation from their owners, lack of exercise, changes in routine, past trauma, or even medical conditions that affect their comfort and mood.

2. What are the signs of anxiety in a Dogue De Bordeaux?

Common signs include pacing, panting, excessive barking, destructive behavior, whining, trembling, hiding, or refusing food. Some may also display clinginess or aggression when stressed.

3. Is separation anxiety common in Dogue De Bordeaux dogs?

Yes, separation anxiety is one of the most common issues for this breed. Their strong bond with their family makes it difficult for them to be left alone for long periods, often leading to destructive or anxious behavior.

4. Can exercise help reduce anxiety in Dogue De Bordeaux dogs?

Absolutely. Daily exercise helps release excess energy, stimulates their mind, and promotes relaxation. Long walks, play sessions, or structured activities like obedience training can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

5. What role does diet play in managing anxiety?

A balanced diet with the right nutrients can help support your Dogue De Bordeaux’s overall wellbeing. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins may improve brain health and reduce stress responses.

6. Can training help with Dogue De Bordeaux anxiety?

Yes. Consistent, positive-reinforcement training builds confidence and reduces fear-based reactions. Training also provides mental stimulation, which can calm an anxious dog and redirect negative energy.

7. Do calming supplements work for Dogue De Bordeaux dogs?

Many owners find success with calming supplements containing ingredients such as chamomile, L-theanine, valerian root, or CBD oil. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement regimen.

8. How can I create a calming environment at home?

Provide a safe space such as a quiet room or cozy crate, keep a consistent routine, and minimize exposure to loud noises. Calming music, pheromone diffusers, and familiar toys can also help create a sense of security.

9. Can socialization help reduce anxiety in Dogue De Bordeaux dogs?

Yes, early and consistent socialization helps this breed feel more comfortable around new people, pets, and environments. A well-socialized Dogue De Bordeaux is less likely to react with fear or anxiety.

10. What natural methods can calm my Dogue De Bordeaux?

Natural calming methods include aromatherapy with lavender, gentle massage, acupressure, interactive toys, and slow, deep-breathing exercises alongside your dog. These techniques can help relax them without medication.

11. How do loud noises affect Dogue De Bordeaux anxiety?

Loud noises like thunderstorms, fireworks, or construction can trigger intense fear and anxiety. Creating a safe, quiet space and using white noise machines or calming wraps can help comfort them during these events.

12. Can medical conditions cause anxiety in Dogue De Bordeaux dogs?

Yes. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, chronic pain, or neurological issues can contribute to anxiety. It’s important to consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical causes before assuming it’s purely behavioral.

13. How long does it take to calm an anxious Dogue De Bordeaux?

The timeframe varies. Some dogs respond quickly to routine changes or calming techniques, while others with deeper anxiety issues may require weeks or months of consistent effort and professional guidance.

14. Should I consider professional training or therapy?

For severe anxiety, working with a certified dog trainer, behaviorist, or veterinary behaviorist is highly recommended. They can design a tailored plan to help your Dogue De Bordeaux overcome anxiety triggers safely and effectively.

15. Can Dogue De Bordeaux dogs outgrow anxiety?

Some may improve with age and consistent training, while others may always be sensitive to certain triggers. With proper management, structure, and support, most anxious Dogue De Bordeaux dogs can live calm, happy lives.

Helping Your Dogue De Bordeaux Find Calm

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