Stress and dogs
Stress is a part of our everyday life and causes physiological and psychological responses within the body. Humans receive guidance on how to control stress levels, such as through breathing exercises or physical activity. However, when it comes to our canine friends, we seem to fall short in sharing any type of stress management skills with them.
Most dogs live in a foreign world. They generally share a home with a different species, have to follow weird rules, and no one speaks the same language. It's a stressful situation, right? However, we automatically expect our dogs to overcome these dilemmas and be man's best friend... which works for most dogs who are genetically predisposed for such. But what about those dogs who are a little more shy or unsure? Or the dogs who are just too wound up to even think? Their stress load has to be significantly higher than that of your typical happy-go-lucky dog. Now, add to that stress years of bad communication, no outlet to be themselves, and additional factors such as a new family member. It's no wonder. We often see behavior problems starting around the age of 2 in dogs. Their bodies simply cannot handle any more stress, and their reactions, whether it be anxiety, fear, or aggression, have landed them in trouble.
So, how do we teach dogs the skills to handle stress? The first crucial component is security. We need to show our dogs that they are loved and can trust our judgment. This involves establishing a consistent communication system that our dogs understand, which forms the foundation of a healthy relationship. Personally, I rely on simple marker words to let my dog know when they are doing something good or bad, and I teach them the meaning of each word so that I can effectively communicate with them when necessary. I also focus on teaching cooperation, demonstrating to my dog the importance of working together and assuring them that I have their well-being in mind. Yes, there may be times when we have to do things they don't like, such as visiting the doctor, but it's a necessity, and in the end, we can do something they enjoy as a reward. Do you see what I did there? I introduced the concept of stress, explained how I help dogs work through it, and concluded with something fun for them. By doing this, I am creating a chain of behavior and gradually changing their emotional mindset towards the trigger. The last step is meeting my dog's needs. This includes involving them in day-to-day activities, giving them a purpose, allowing them to be themselves, and fulfilling their essential life needs such as food, water, and shelter.
Essentially, my approach to helping dogs overcome stress involves removing guesswork, building trust, and showing them how to overcome stress without resorting to running or fighting. Stress is not the enemy, and although it may be difficult not to coddle our canine friends in moments of need, they will benefit much more from us being leaders and showing them the way. If left unaddressed, stress can accumulate and eventually manifest as uncontrollable behavior such as fear, anxiety, and aggression. To prevent this, it is crucial to focus on clarity, security, and teamwork in order to build a happy-go-lucky attitude in our dogs.