Are you looking for alternatives that may help with dog training? Read about CBD’s health benefits and find out how it may help train your furry friend.

How CBD May Help With Dog Training

A happy dog is more likely to become a well-trained and well-behaved dog(1). However, problem behaviors hinder dog training(2).

Excessive chewing and barking may be linked to dog anxiety. Dog anxiety may be categorized as fear-related anxiety, separation anxiety, and age-related anxiety(3).

Unfamiliar people or loud noises may also cause anxiety in dogs, which could get in the way of their training.

According to reports from dog owners, CBD may help manage dog anxiety(4). Human and animal studies also show that CBD may help with the condition(5-6).

Cannabidiol (CBD) can be found in hemp plants and cannabis plants (also called marijuana)(7). CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which causes a euphoric high(8).

The endocannabinoid system (ECS), present in mammals, balances essential functions in the body(9).

A study examined the ECS of animals(10). Data from studies on humans and laboratory animal models have shown that cannabidiol interacts with cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. These receptors regulate pain and anxiety processes.

Dogs have a large number of cannabinoid receptors(11), making these animals sensitive to cannabinoids and more susceptible to THC toxicity.

However, CBD may help counteract the harmful effects of THC when the compounds are administered simultaneously(12).

Benefits of Using CBD for Dog Training

CBD may be used in dogs for the following purposes(13):

  • anxiety reduction

  • inflammation reduction (anti-inflammatory effect)

  • appetite stimulation

A dog experiencing pain may exhibit behavioral issues like increased aggression, hindering dog training(14).

A study in 2019 indicated dog owners gave their pets CBD for some ailments like pain, inflammation, and anxiety(15). Results suggest that CBD may have provided pain relief and reduced inflammation and anxiety.

Anxiety can cause negative behaviors in dogs(16). CBD’s potential anxiolytic (antianxiety) effects may help dog training(17).

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Dog Training?

The effects of CBD may vary depending on your dog’s body weight. Big dogs may need larger doses to feel the benefits of CBD(18).

Orally ingested CBD may take effect within 30 minutes(19). You can mix CBD to your dog’s food, like peanut butter, or administer CBD tinctures directly to the mouth through a calibrated dropper(20).

It takes 30 to 90 minutes for CBD in CBD treats, like soft chews with hemp extracts, to start working(21).

Meanwhile, CBD topicals are applied directly to the dog’s skin to alleviate painful joints and chronic pain. Onset time may depend on skin thickness.

How Long Will CBD Help With Dog Training?

Research shows that the bioavailability of CBD is low when administered orally to dogs and humans due to the high first-pass effect through the liver(22).

Bioavailability is the rate by which a portion of the active component of an ingested substance is absorbed into the bloodstream(23).

CBD Dosage for Dog Training

No standard dosage of CBD for dog training is set. However, a study in 2019 tested a dog’s reaction to a 12-week course of CBD soft chews given twice daily(24).

Each dose contained 2 milligrams (mg) of CBD per kilogram (kg) of the dog’s body weight. Thus, a 13.6-kilogram (30-pound) dog will get around 27 mg of CBD.

Results suggested that CBD is relatively safe and absorbed well by healthy dogs.

Another study noted that a mid-dose of 75 ng/mL of CBD and CBDA may be therapeutic when administered at a 1mg/kg body weight for each of these cannabinoids with food(25).

How to Find High-Quality CBD Oil for Dog Training

Consider these factors when looking for high-quality CBD products to help with training your dog:

Overall Quality

Manufacturers of high-quality CBD oils typically use organic hemp and non-genetically modified organisms or non-GMO hemp oil.

Many CBD brands produce and sell pet products like CBD dog treats made from human-grade ingredients, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

Honest Paws, HolistaPet, and Colorado Healing Acres are some brands that carry a pet product line.

Type of CBD

Full-spectrum CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil contains a full range of cannabis-derived compounds.

Broad-spectrum CBD extract has all the compounds found in hemp, including flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. However, it is THC-free(26).

Carrier Oil

CBD products usually have carrier oils like hempseed oil, MCT oil, or coconut oil to help dilute the compound.

Third-party Lab Testing 

Ensure the CBD products went through third-party lab testing and have a certificate of analysis (COA) showing the CBD concentration and ingredients.

The presence of solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and preservatives should also be included in the report.

Many of the best CBD oil for dogs are processed using extraction methods like steam distillation and CO2 extraction.

NASC Seal of Quality Assurance

The National Animal Supplement Council awards the Quality Seal to companies that utilize rigorous quality and safety assurance standards of animal health products(27).

Is CBD Safe for Dog Training?

One study indicated that high doses of CBD may cause cannabis intoxication in pets(28). Dog owners should not give dogs high CBD products with high amounts of THC.

Side effects of cannabis intoxication are disorientation, seizures, hyperactivity, excessive drooling or vomiting, and urinary incontinence(29).

Hyperactivity and inappropriate urination are signs of behavioral issues in dogs that may hinder training(30).

Consulting a veterinarian before using CBD products on your pet is highly advised.

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Dog Training

Based on research conducted on humans, dogs may experience similar side effects such as(31):

  • Dry mouth

  • Drowsiness

  • Lower blood pressure

Consulting with veterinarians is highly advised to pet owners before using CBD products on their pets.

After administering CBD, close monitoring of the dog’s health and tolerance to CBD is advised.

Legality of CBD

The United States federal laws may prevent most veterinarians from recommending CBD products to pet parents(32).

However, this should not deter you from initiating a conversation about using CBD for your pet(33).

Additionally, while CBD is legal for humans on a federal level, CBD use in dogs may have other restrictions(34). Thus, review your state laws before buying CBD products.

FAQs

  1. How can CBD help with dog training?

Undesirable behaviors in dogs such as excessive barking and chewing may hinder dog training(35).

These negative behaviors may be caused by dog anxiety. Meanwhile, CBD has shown potential benefits to help with anxiety in dogs(36).

  1. What evidence or research exists to say that CBD helps with dog training?

Anxiety may cause problematic behavior in dogs(37). CBD has been shown to induce antianxiety effects on dogs(38).

Pain may cause increased aggression in dogs, hindering dog training(39). Fixing these underlying issues should be a priority for dog owners.

A 2019 study noted that dog owners would give their pets CBD for issues like pain, inflammation, and anxiety(40). Results indicated that CBD may provide pain relief and reduce anxiety and anti-inflammation in dogs.

  1. Is there any evidence that CBD can make dog training worse?

However, high doses of CBD may cause side effects such as hyperactivity and incontinence(41). These side effects may lead to behavioral issues and may hinder dog training(42).

  1. Will CBD interact with any current medication my dog may be taking for dog training?

CBD may interact with your other dog’s medication by inhibiting the P450 enzyme in your dog’s system. This effect may inhibit the metabolization of drugs(43).

You should ask your veterinarian about any potential drug-to-drug interactions.

  1. Are there other treatments I should consider for my dog to take alongside CBD to help with dog training?

Treatments vary depending on the dog’s medical condition.

Pet owners and dog trainers should speak to a professional dog trainer or veterinarian for treatments that may be taken alongside CBD for dog training.

  1. What is the dosage for dog training?

There is no current standard dosage for CBD products for dog training. However, one study noted that two milligrams per kilogram of CBD may cause no adverse side effects in dogs(44).

  1. Is CBD oil legal?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advocates for manufacturers to seek approval from the FDA to assure the safety and quality of CBD for dogs(45). Veterinarians in the U.S. cannot suggest CBD to their patients(46).

However, Nevada citizens may ask for a consultation with their vets on the right amount of CBD dosage for dogs(47).

Nevada, USA, is the first state to legalize the use of specific cannabis products as a veterinary treatment(48).

  1. How long does CBD oil for dog training take to start working in dogs?

CBD’s effects may vary depending on dog size. Large dogs may need higher doses before feeling the effects of CBD(49).

Generally, orally ingested CBD may take effect within 30 minutes(50). Still, a consultation from your veterinarian before buying any CBD products is highly encouraged.

  1. How can I give my dog CBD for dog training?

Some options are mixing CBD oil with your dog’s food or directly administering it to the mouth using a dropper(51).

Giving CBD treats like chews and dog biscuits may also be an option to give your dog CBD for training(52).

  1. Do vets recommend CBD oil for dog training?

Many veterinarians support CBD use in animals due to its suggested benefits on managing pain and anxiety in humans(53).

However, veterinarians cannot discuss CBD with their clients due to federal laws. Still, pet owners may initiate a discussion with their vets about using CBD for their dogs(54).

Veterinarians in Nevada can recommend and administer CBD products if they contain less than 0.3% THC(55).

  1. 4 Tips for Training Your Dog With Rewards
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/training-rewards/
  2. Behavioral Problems of Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/behavioral-problems-of-dogs
  3. Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Dog Anxiety
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/
  4. ibid.
  5. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
  6. The Impact of Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD) Containing Treats on Canine Response to a Noise-Induced Fear Response Test
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.569565/full
  7. Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Dog Anxiety
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/
  8. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
  9. ibid.
  10. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
  11. ibid.
  12. Ibid.
  13. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
  14. Behavioral Problems of Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/behavioral-problems-of-dogs
  15. Canadian dog owners’ use and perceptions of cannabis products
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6563876/
  16. Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Dog Anxiety
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/
  17. The Impact of Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD) Containing Treats on Canine Response to a Noise-Induced Fear Response Test
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7537661/
  18. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832
  19. Healing with CBD. page. 182
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  20. Healing with CBD. page. 182
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  21. Healing with CBD. page. 183
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  22. Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in dogs
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2900742/#:~:text=In%20three%20of%20the%20six,after%20oral%20administration%20to%20dogs.
  23. CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view
  24. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832/htm
  25. Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol, Cannabidiolic Acid, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid and Related Metabolites in Canine Serum After Dosing With Three Oral Forms of Hemp Extract
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00505/full
  26. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  27. The NASC Quality Seal
    https://www.nasc.cc/nasc-seal/
  28. Cannabis (Marijuana) Intoxication in Cats and Dogs
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/marijuana-intoxication-in-dogs-and-cats
  29. ibid.
  30. Behavioral Problems of Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/behavioral-problems-of-dogs
  31. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
  32. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
  33. ibid.
  34. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
  35. ibid.
  36. The Impact of Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD) Containing Treats on Canine Response to a Noise-Induced Fear Response Test
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.569565/full
  37. Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Dog Anxiety
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/
  38. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
  39. Behavioral Problems of Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/behavioral-problems-of-dogs
  40. Canadian dog owners’ use and perceptions of cannabis products
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6563876/
  41. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
  42. Behavioral Problems of Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/behavioral-problems-of-dogs
  43. FAQs about CBD Use in Pets
    https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/faqs-about-cbd-use-pets
  44. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832
  45. CBD for dogs with arthritis: What does the science actually say?
    https://caninearthritis.org/cbd-for-dogs-with-arthritis-claims/
  46. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
  47. Nevada veterinarians can treat patients with certain cannabis products
    https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-10-01/nevada-veterinarians-can-treat-patients-certain-cannabis-products
  48. ibid.
  49. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832
  50. Healing with CBD. page. 182
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  51. Healing with CBD. page. 183
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  52. Healing with CBD. page. 183
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  53. US Veterinarians’ Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00338/full
  54. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
  55. Nevada veterinarians can treat patients with certain cannabis products
    https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-10-01/nevada-veterinarians-can-treat-patients-certain-cannabis-products
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Written by 

Stanley Clark

Stanley Clark is a community development volunteer and writer. He had worked on several commercials, events, and campaigns before writing full-time in the area of natural health and wellness. He has a particular interest in reviewing CBD brands for their...

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