Understanding why your dog isn’t calm is the first step towards helping them achieve a state of contentment. Dogs thrive on feeling safe and understood. To truly connect with them, we must focus on doing more and saying less, implementing the principles outlined in Caroline Spencer’s “Why Does My Dog Do That?” This approach, emphasizing the “Five To Thrive,” is fundamental to fostering a calm and settled demeanor in our canine companions. A dog’s reactions can stem from various sources, including fear, stress, over-stimulation, fatigue, misunderstanding, or underlying health issues. Additionally, processed foods high in sugar can contribute to a dog’s inability to remain calm.
Addressing Stress and Anxiety in Dogs
A dog’s stress levels can be influenced by numerous factors. It’s crucial to remember that we live in a human-centric world, and our actions can inadvertently cause confusion and stress for our dogs. Sudden changes in the home environment, exposure to unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations, or even overtiredness and illness can all contribute to a dog’s stress. Similarly, anxiety in dogs can arise from alterations in routine, health problems (prompting a veterinary consultation for sudden onset anxiety), or the aging process. Past traumas or negative experiences, such as a car accident, can also lead to a dog developing car-related anxiety.
Managing Hyperactivity in Dogs
Several reasons can contribute to a dog’s hyperactivity. A primary cause is often a lack of adequate exercise. Insufficient physical activity can lead to pent-up energy, manifesting as hyperactivity at home. It is essential to provide energetic breeds with activities that match their breed characteristics and energy levels. Boredom, stemming from a lack of mental stimulation, can also fuel hyperactivity. Engaging training exercises, puzzle toys, and opportunities for scent work can effectively occupy a dog’s mind. Furthermore, anxiety and stress can manifest as hyperactive behavior as dogs attempt to cope with uncomfortable situations. A healthy, balanced diet is also vital for regulating behavior and promoting calmness.
Strategies for Calming Your Dog
Creating Space for Relaxation
Dogs require dedicated time and space to relax. Establish a ‘safe space’ where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed or needing rest. During these times, allow them undisturbed relaxation. Remember that puppies, in particular, need significant sleep (up to 18 hours), and over-tiredness can lead to hyperactivity.
Minimizing Eye Contact
Surprisingly, reducing eye contact and vocalization can significantly aid in calming your dog. Engaging in quiet activities like reading or briefly leaving the room allows your dog the space needed to calm down naturally without pressure.
The Power of Touch
For pacing, anxious dogs, placing the palm of your hand on their side, near their ribs, can provide a sense of security and calm. Avoid forcing contact; instead, by looking down and touching the floor, you encourage them to approach you, especially when combined with a gentle call of their name. Thundershirts or appropriate dog coats can also offer a sense of security.
The Calm Walk Technique
This method, applicable both at home and outdoors, is beneficial for reactive or over-stimulated dogs. Gently attach the lead and move your dog from side to side, away from the trigger. Maintain light pressure on the lead and avoid dragging. If your dog lies down, this is ideal. If not, guide them towards their safe space. Offer calm verbal praise and reassurance during walks.
Managing Jumping Behavior
When a dog jumps up due to excitement or stress, gently step towards them without making eye contact or speaking. This action encourages them to disengage. Rewarding desired behaviors with praise and petting, rather than giving attention to jumping, helps modify their actions. Consistency is key, and if the behavior persists, temporarily removing yourself from the situation by leaving the room can be effective.
Stepping Away from Triggers
Dogs cannot calm down when in close proximity to a trigger for their anxiety. If your dog barks or lunges, they are reacting to something. Calmly remove them from the situation to allow them space to de-escalate. For triggers at home, like the postman, move your dog to a safe space and speak calmly. When out, use the lead to calmly walk away from triggers, ideally spotting and avoiding them before your dog reacts.
Utilizing Music for Relaxation
Music can be a powerful tool for relaxation and can help mask startling noises like fireworks. Both reggae and classical music have proven effective, with many curated playlists available.
Training Puppies to Calm Down
It’s essential to remember that puppies are still learning and naturally possess a high energy level. Your own calmness is contagious and can help your puppy regulate their energy. Ensure they receive adequate exercise, along with training and mental stimulation. Provide ample opportunities for rest and sleep, and a dedicated safe space for them to “switch off.” Gradually acclimate your puppy to being alone, as sudden separation can cause significant distress and lead to separation anxiety. Reward calm behavior with gentle petting and soft verbal praise, and redirect or ignore unwanted behaviors instead of resorting to punishment. Patience is crucial, as developing a well-behaved dog is a gradual process.
Calming Aids and Supplements
Calming supplements can be beneficial for anxious, stressed, or hyperactive dogs, but they should complement behavioral management strategies. Products like Bella+Duke Calm + Balmy offer natural calming support. In severe cases, veterinary consultation for prescription medication may be necessary.
Understanding Canine Communication Signals
Dogs communicate through a complex array of body language signals. By adopting some of these techniques, we can help our dogs feel more at ease. Facing away from your dog, offering a side profile, and performing a slow, deep breath can convey a sense of relaxation. As Brenda Aloff notes in “Canine Body Language,” your overall demeanor is crucial in communicating your intentions. Observing how dogs interact with each other provides invaluable insights into their communication methods.
Addressing Specific Problem Behaviors
Over-stimulation, Jumping, and Play Biting
When play becomes excessively stimulating, it can overwhelm some dogs, leading to hyperactivity and biting. Ensure a balance between stimulating games and calmer activities that engage their thinking processes. Respectful play between dogs involves breaks and mindful observation of their responses.
Barking
Excessive barking can indicate heightened alertness, concern about their environment, attention-seeking, or a lack of social skills and patience.
Aggression, Lunging, and Biting
Unpredictable aggression towards certain individuals or dogs can be triggered by proximity, appearance, or scent. Triggers can include hats, sunglasses, or anything that obscures facial recognition. Like humans, dogs can find it intimidating when they cannot clearly see someone’s face. It is important to respect a dog’s boundaries and remove them from situations that cause fear or discomfort, guided by their individual preferences.
Sensitive and Anxious Dogs
Dogs exhibiting fear towards specific triggers, whether fireworks, vehicles, or other dogs, will display behaviors indicating distress. Providing adequate space is crucial, as some dogs fear being alone while others experience the opposite. While their fears may seem irrational to us, dogs perceive situations in a clear, black-and-white manner. Proactive intervention is necessary to build their trust in our decision-making for their safety. Unaddressed anxieties can escalate to uncontrollable fear, resulting in a range of intense behaviors.
Recognizing a Happy Dog
A happy dog is one that can remain calm amidst environmental changes. They can relax and disengage between activities without feeling the need to bark excessively at every new sight or person. A relaxed dog’s body will feel supple, and their skin will move easily over their body during petting.
Behavior as Communication
Ultimately, your dog’s behavior is a form of communication, expressing their feelings. When we demonstrate understanding, our dogs feel supported, leading to increased trust and more thoughtful, calm behavior. This reduces the need for constant management and allows for more quality time spent enjoying your dog’s company.
