Are there ways of calming my dog without medication?

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The short answer to this question is "yes!", we have outlined some of your options below:

Exercise- many dogs have excess energy and this can result in anxious or nervous behaviour. Wear them out with nice long walk or extended play time which will serve as a distraction.
Physical contact-give them a cuddle- dogs have feelings too and feeling loved and nurtured can make the world of difference to a dog that is stressed.
Massage- massage can be calming and help a stressed or anxious dog get to sleep
Play music- classical music is particularly good for calming dogs or natural sounds. Make sure that you listen to music with your dog at first to check that they like it and that it doesn't make symptoms worse (one dogs bird song is another dog's heavy metal!).
Have some quiet time- create a safe space where they can feel comfortable and have some quiet time. This doesn't mean shutting them away (which could make symptoms worse). Ensure that they have options so that they can choose the place where they feel most calm. Putting a blanket over a table or giving them somewhere to hide is a nice option.
Give them a challenge- such as a puzzle or teaching them a new trick. Trying playing hide and seek with them by hiding their favourite treats around the house or garden for them to find.
distraction techniques- fun game, lots of encouragement- take them out for a game of frisbee or catch
Avoid triggers-pay attention to when they are more calm and when they are more stressed and consider alternatives such as for example trying a grain free diet- an upset tummy could easily translate into being anxious and jumpy. Once you understand the triggers you will be able to be sensitive to their needs and better able to support them.

Giving your dog a range of mentally stimulating, interesting and fun toys to play with will stop them being destructive with the things that you don’t want them to chew. A range of toys is advisable to appeal to their different needs and moods, for example chew toys are great for teeth and are mentally stimulating, balls are obviously great to chase and exercise with, and ropes, frisbees and toys combining ropes with balls etc are great for you to play along too. Make sure that the toys you choose are appropriate size and don’t have any risk of choking, also monitor if the toy becomes smaller through chewing and throw it away before it becomes a choke risk. You should also be careful not to leave dogs (particularly puppies) alone with toys that could be a choking hazard.

Dog chew toys

KONG- stuffable toy Medium Pack of 2 £16.49

Natural Rubber Dumbbell toy £19.99

KONG-Wobbler £12.99

PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Dog Chew, small, £6.99

Idepet Dog Treat Ball set of 3 £9.99

KONG Genius Toy, Large £13.49

Dog puzzles

Dog Sniffing Mat Puzzle £19.99

Nina Ottoson by Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Puzzle Toy £16.00

Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Game £18.54

Thundershirts/Anxiety coats

You could also consider a dog thundershirt which can help dogs to feel calm and less anxious. They work by gently applying pressure to your dog's chest, helping to calm their breathing and reduce fear and anxiety. We would recommend using these for specific situations where your dog might be feeling stressed such as if there is a thunderstorm for example rather than your dog wearing a thundershirt all of the time.