How long does it take for a dog to destress?
Carlos Rolfson
2025-08-05 05:23:56
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: 18
To reduce stress levels, you may seek comfort in several ways. Maybe you find solace in the company of a trusted friend. Perhaps you relieve stress when occupied by routine chores like cleaning the house. Or maybe you blow off some steam with physical exercise. A relaxed dog usually has semi-erect or forward-facing ears, a soft mouth, and round eyes. They will distribute their weight evenly on all four paws. If you notice signs that your dog is stressed, first remove them from the stressor. Find a quiet place to regroup. For some dogs, being asked to follow some routine commands for treats provides a positive distraction. As with humans, exercise can be a great stress reducer. For healthy dogs, physical activities such as walking or playing fetch may help both you and your dog release tension. It is also important to provide your dog with a safe place in the home where they can escape stimuli that trigger a stress response.
Henriette Mosciski
2025-08-05 03:23:18
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: 25
Some dogs will take longer and might struggle to stop pulling on the lead or staring at you. If this is the case with your dog, you’ll need to take things more slowly by rewarding behaviours such as standing quietly, disengaging from people or sniffing their blanket. Once your dog starts to get the hang of it and is shifting their weight so they’re comfortable and relaxed, you can start practising with them off lead. Gradually build up by a couple of seconds each time over multiple training sessions. If your dog becomes unsettled or gets up, ignore them and wait until they settle again before rewarding them. If they won’t relax and settle, increase the distance from the distraction or make the distraction less interesting. Always make sure your dog is having a good time when settling, whether enjoying their toys, chews, or simply dozing and snoozing.