11/22/2018
Thanksgiving Tip:
The holiday session is right around the corner.
What an amazing and exciting time this is for all us 2-legged humans.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for our 4-legged best friends.
Therefore, I made this important tip on how to help you, to help your best friends, to handle the holidays with less anxiety, less fear and to feel comfortable and have more fun together.
If you are planning to travel or to host at your home, it is important to prepare your dog accordingly.
Dogs are very sensitive to changes, even the smallest ones, so what a better way to help them to feel more comfortable everywhere.
I made a basic formula for everyone:
1.Your dog needs to be tired – the more tired he become the easier it will be for him and for you.
2.It is important to take your dog for a good walk (with one or two stops so he can release him self ,but long and fast walking) so when both of you and your dog, will come home, he will lay down and will try to cool himself – it will help him be happier and more relaxed.
3.Dog that are tired will not be in a stressful or even uncomfortable state of mind – meaning less anxiety, less fear and less dominant behavior.
Now after you apply the basic formula you can apply the next steps in each situation your dog will be.
If you need to take your dog to a dog sitter (dog boarding, dog hotel etc....):
• When dogs are been together in the same group they can imitate each other behavior, and when dog come to a group when he is tired he can’t imitate another dogs’ behavior.
• This a hard one!!! Try to ignore your dog (for up to a minute) when you need to leave and when meet with him again:
Why you might ask, because if you have a fearful / anxious dog and you will say “by baby see you soon” with a soft voice you are causing him to be in an excitement mode that Intensifies his unwanted behavior (fear...), the same thing with a dominant dog, you intensifies his unwanted behavior (dominant..)
If you are hosting:
• The more tired your dog become the easier it will be for him, and of course for you and your guests.
• It is even more important that the dog will be tired when small kids and babies are present.
• Tell your guests to ignore your dog (for up to a minute) when they meet him, especially if you have a very fearful and anxious dog. By simply ignoring him (No eye contact No talking No touching)
o your guests are helping him to feel more comfortable.
o There will be less barking.
o And of course, less showing of teeth and less growling.
o The dog will feel more comfortable and will try to get close to them eventually.
Summary:
A tired dog, is a calm and happy dog that can cope with changes, noises, sounds and even a lot of people and stimulation.
Hope this was helpful :-)
I wish you to laugh, enjoy, and have fun with everyone
Happy Thanksgiving
