Pet Calming Techniques

As a pet parent, there are few things sadder than listening to your dog cry as you walk out of the house. I often feel so guilty turning the key, locking the front door, and knowing that Blackberry, my miniature pinscher, is inside wanting nothing more than for me to stay. That’s why I began researching different techniques to help Blackberry cope with being left alone and was able to find some great tips that really worked for him. Now, when it’s time for me to head out, he doesn’t even flinch, and I don’t feel bad leaving my little guy at home. Below are some tips for helping your pets to better cope with stress:

• Walking & Playing
  The old adage “A good dog is a tired dog” has become a rule to live by in our home. It’s important to make sure that we are exercising our dogs on a daily basis. When pets are not given an outlet for their excess energy, behavioral issues can develop out of pure frustration on their part. Taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood and changing the walking path every now and then can provide them with much needed physical activity and excitement. Think of all those new smells, dogs, and people they can meet along the way, too! Another vital component to getting rid of energy is playing. The simple act of throwing a ball and having your dog bring it back to you can really tire your pup out. These activities also help you bond with your pet, all while getting rid of that energy.
• Training
  While walking and exercise are great energy outlets, we need to think about ways to mentally stimulate our pets as well. Dogs that are bored, or don’t feel challenged, can end up getting into trouble because they are looking for excitement in all of the wrong places. Training your dog helps to tire them out mentally, and provides you with another activity that you can bond over. Besides helping to mentally challenge your dog, you will also be teaching him or her potentially life-saving commands. Even a simple, yet assertive “Sit!” command can stop a dog that was running into traffic, or “Drop it” can prevent your pet picking up potentially hazardous objects from the floor.
• Create a Safe Space
  Another tip to help you create a sense of calm for your pet is to provide him or her with a safe space that’s only for them. Whether it’s in the corner of your closet or a kennel, you want to create a quiet environment where your dog can go in times of stress. In our house, we covered a kennel with a small blanket, and inside we’ve placed a comfortable pillow and Blackberry’s favorite toys. We keep his kennel in our guest room, where it is nice and quiet, and never use it as a form of punishment.
• Natural Calming Aids
  There are times when no matter the amount of walks I take Blackberry on, or how many times I throw his favorite mini-sized tennis ball, it’s simply not enough to tire him out to the point of relieving anxiety. When going on long car rides, or taking him to the vet’s office, I turn to natural solutions to help him calm down in safe and healthy ways. Before using any new products with your pet, it is always recommended to first speak with your dog’s veterinarian.