8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Old English Sheepdog’s Anxiety

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How To Conquer Your Old English Sheepdog’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

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

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

A key strategy for treating your Old English Sheepdog’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 Old English Sheepdog and Playing Loud Music

Many Old English Sheepdog’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 Old English Sheepdog)

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 Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdog’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 Old English Sheepdog

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 Old English Sheepdog

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 Old English Sheepdog’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 Old English Sheepdogs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Old English Sheepdog’s  Anxiety

1. Why are Old English Sheepdogs prone to anxiety?

Old English Sheepdogs are highly social and loyal. They thrive on companionship and can develop anxiety when left alone for long periods, or if their environment changes suddenly.

2. What are the common signs of anxiety in Old English Sheepdogs?

Signs may include excessive barking, pacing, destructive chewing, panting, whining, hiding, aggression, or changes in appetite and sleep habits.

3. How can exercise help reduce my Old English Sheepdog’s anxiety?

Regular exercise burns excess energy and reduces stress. Activities like long walks, playtime, or agility training help keep your Sheepdog calm and balanced.

4. Can mental stimulation ease anxiety in Old English Sheepdogs?

Yes, puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games provide mental enrichment, keeping your Sheepdog engaged and reducing anxious behaviors.

5. How does a consistent routine affect Sheepdog anxiety?

Old English Sheepdogs feel more secure when they know what to expect. Feeding, walking, and playtime on a set schedule helps reduce stress and uncertainty.

6. Are calming supplements safe for Old English Sheepdogs?

Vet-approved calming supplements containing ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, or CBD may help reduce stress. Always consult your veterinarian before use.

7. What role does socialization play in reducing anxiety?

Proper socialization with people, other dogs, and environments helps Sheepdogs build confidence and prevents fear-based anxiety.

8. Can music therapy calm my Old English Sheepdog?

Yes, soothing music, white noise, or calming soundtracks can mask stressful noises and create a more relaxed environment for your Sheepdog.

9. Do Old English Sheepdogs suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, this breed is prone to separation anxiety due to their strong bond with their owners. Training and gradual alone-time practice can help them adjust.

10. How can training reduce anxiety in Sheepdogs?

Basic obedience and positive reinforcement training build confidence and help your Sheepdog focus on commands instead of anxious triggers.

11. Should I use anxiety vests or wraps for my Old English Sheepdog?

Yes, products like thunder shirts apply gentle, constant pressure, which can help some Sheepdogs feel more secure during stressful situations.

12. Can diet affect my Sheepdog’s anxiety levels?

A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can support brain health and help reduce stress-related behaviors.

13. How do I help my Sheepdog during thunderstorms or fireworks?

Provide a safe space indoors, close curtains to reduce noise and light, and use calming aids like music or pheromone diffusers to ease their stress.

14. When should I seek professional help for my Sheepdog’s anxiety?

If anxiety leads to destructive behavior, aggression, or persistent distress, consult a veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist for tailored solutions.

15. Can Old English Sheepdog anxiety improve with age?

Some dogs become more relaxed as they age, but others may develop new anxieties. Ongoing training, routine, and care are essential throughout their life.

Helping Your Old English Sheepdog’s Find Calm

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