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How To Conquer Your American Staffordshire Terrier’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety
If your American Staffordshire Terrier 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 American Staffordshire terrier may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in American Staffordshire Terrier’s might be:
- Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your American Staffordshire Terrier 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
1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your American Staffordshire Terrier’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 American Staffordshire Terrier to The Cause of Their Anxiety
A key strategy for treating your American Staffordshire Terrier’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
3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your American Staffordshire Terrier and Playing Loud Music
Many American Staffordshire Terriers 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 experiencing separation anxiety leaving them alone in a room during may be counterproductive.
4. Try Using a Compression Wrap (Available in Many Sizes and Will Fit Your American Staffordshire Terrier)
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 American Staffordshire Terrier during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.
5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your American Staffordshire Terrier 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 American Staffordshire Terrier’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.
6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your American Staffordshire Terrier
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.
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.
8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your American Staffordshire Terrier
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.
Defeating your American Staffordshire Terrier’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 American Staffordshire Terriers
Frequently Asked Questions About American Staffordshire Terrier Anxiety
1. Why are American Staffordshire Terriers prone to anxiety?
American Staffordshire Terriers form strong bonds with their owners, which can make them more prone to separation anxiety. They are also very sensitive to changes in environment, routine, or the emotions of people around them.
2. What are the common signs of anxiety in American Staffordshire Terriers?
Signs may include excessive barking or whining, destructive behavior, pacing, panting, restlessness, hiding, aggression, or loss of appetite. Each dog may display anxiety differently depending on personality and circumstances.
3. Can separation anxiety affect my American Staffordshire Terrier?
Yes, separation anxiety is one of the most common issues for this breed. When left alone for long periods, they may show stress through destructive behavior, vocalization, or pacing.
4. How can exercise help calm my American Staffordshire Terrier’s anxiety?
Regular physical activity helps release pent-up energy and reduces stress. Long walks, playtime, and structured exercise routines can significantly improve your dog’s mood and lower anxiety levels.
5. Are training and obedience helpful for anxiety in American Staffordshire Terriers?
Yes, obedience training builds confidence and provides mental stimulation. Structured commands and positive reinforcement help dogs feel secure, making them less likely to display anxious behaviors.
6. Can diet affect my American Staffordshire Terrier’s anxiety?
Absolutely. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals supports brain health and overall wellbeing. Avoiding excess sugar and fillers may also help reduce hyperactivity and anxiety.
7. Are natural supplements safe for calming anxiety in American Staffordshire Terriers?
Natural supplements such as CBD oil, chamomile, or valerian root can help promote relaxation. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing supplements to ensure safety and proper dosage.
8. What role does routine play in managing my dog’s anxiety?
Consistency provides stability for anxious dogs. Feeding, walking, and playtime should happen on a schedule so your American Staffordshire Terrier knows what to expect, which reduces stress and uncertainty.
9. Can crate training help with anxiety?
Yes, when done correctly, crate training can provide a safe space where your dog feels secure. It should never be used as punishment but rather as a calm retreat for your Terrier when feeling overwhelmed.
10. Do loud noises cause anxiety in American Staffordshire Terriers?
Yes, like many breeds, they may react fearfully to fireworks, thunderstorms, or other loud sounds. Providing a safe, quiet environment or using calming aids like music or weighted blankets can help.
11. How does socialization help with anxiety?
Proper socialization reduces fear of new people, animals, and environments. Exposing your American Staffordshire Terrier to positive experiences early on helps them develop confidence and reduces anxiety triggers.
12. Can mental stimulation calm an anxious American Staffordshire Terrier?
Yes, puzzle toys, scent games, and obedience training challenge their minds and provide distraction from stress. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for this intelligent breed.
13. Should I consult a vet if my American Staffordshire Terrier shows anxiety?
Yes, always consult your veterinarian if anxiety symptoms are persistent or severe. Anxiety could be linked to underlying medical issues or may require professional behavioral support.
14. Can American Staffordshire Terriers outgrow anxiety?
Some dogs may improve as they mature, but without intervention, anxiety often persists. Consistent training, socialization, and lifestyle adjustments are essential to help them manage stress throughout their lives.
15. What are the best ways to calm my American Staffordshire Terrier during stressful events?
Strategies include exercise before the event, providing a safe space, using calming treats or supplements, playing soothing music, and staying calm yourself—since your dog mirrors your emotions.
Helping Your American Staffordshire Terrier Find Calm
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your American Staffordshire Terrier, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most American Staffordshire Terriers 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 American Staffordshire Terrier feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.
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