How to soothe dogs
Kiley Kutch
2025-09-14 14:54:11
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To begin with you may just need to reward your dog for any behaviour that doesn’t involve staring at you, pulling on the lead, or barking.
Sit quietly on a chair with your dog on the lead and a blanket on the floor.
Drop tiny bite-size treats to your dog as a reward for settling down on the blanket.
Gradually reward more relaxed behaviours.
This will vary between dogs – some will automatically start lying down so you can quickly progress to rewarding your dog only for this behaviour.
Then move on to reward specific signs of relaxing like sighing, weight shifting and head resting.
Always make sure your dog is having a good time when settling, whether enjoying their toys, chews, or simply dozing and snoozing.
When your dog is relaxed, start increasing the time they must be settled before you reward them.
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.
Elnora Reichel
2025-09-14 13:56:15
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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.
If you notice signs that your dog is stressed, first remove them from the stressor.
Find a quiet place to regroup.
Resist the urge to overly comfort them.
You may be able to use a treat to lure them to a safer spot.
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.
Flossie Ratke
2025-09-14 10:18:19
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For Anxious Dogs: Exercise: Regular physical activity helps reduce anxiety.
Take your dog for walks, play fetch, or engage in other active games.
Interactive toys: Provide toys that stimulate your dog’s mind, such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys.
Calming products: Consider using calming sprays, diffusers, or treats designed to reduce anxiety.
Products containing pheromones or natural calming ingredients can be effective.
Music therapy: Playing calming music or white noise can help drown out loud sounds and soothe your dog.
Environmental changes: Create a safe space: Provide a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat when feeling anxious.
Consistent routine: Maintain a consistent daily routine for feeding, walking, and playtime to provide stability and reduce anxiety.
Behavioural training: Desensitisation: Gradually expose your pet to their anxiety triggers in a controlled manner to help them become less sensitive over time.
Positive reinforcement: Reward your pet with treats and praise when they remain calm in situations that typically cause anxiety.