Each dog has its own distinct personality and not everyone can relax easily; some may have difficulty because of anxiety or fear, others because they are very lively and full of energy. Either way, it is important for each dog to learn to calm down. Taking a few hours to train your faithful friend to teach him to calm down also offers the added benefit of spending quality time with him, which is one of life's greatest pleasures.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Meeting Your Dog's Basic Needs
Step 1. Offer him a calm and balanced environment
You can only relax him when all his basic needs have been met and he feels safe enough to "let his guard down". If your home is very chaotic and noisy due to the stereo blaring, children yelling or arguing with adults, the dog's mood adjusts to the atmosphere and the pet will hardly be able to relax. Make the home environment calm and pleasant, perhaps avoid raising your voice.
Also make sure the pet has a personal space to escape from the activities of the house, such as a cage. It is important to offer him a safe place to hole up when there is too much excitement around; if he does not have a hiding place or a quiet place to be at peace, he may feel very stressed, as his natural instinct is to "take cover" when he feels threatened
Step 2. Get him to do a lot of physical activity
For example, breeds like the Jack Russell terrier or the Border collie, which have a genetic heritage of working dogs, need to move a lot. If they stay in the cage for several hours at a time or you leave them at home alone all day, they will most likely get very upset as soon as you get back.
Expect to have to take long walks with your dog to burn off some energy before you feel calm again. After all, if he hasn't done anything all day and just slept, rest is definitely the last thing on his mind
Step 3. Provide lots of mental stimulation
Again, a tired mind is also more likely to relax, while a bored one tends to get distracted more easily. Have him mentally stimulate him with impromptu specific training sessions 2-4 times a day, for about five to ten minutes each time. If he can concentrate even for longer periods, even better!
You can also get him food puzzles or put his kibble in a cardboard box so that he has to work hard to be able to eat and at the same time feel mentally stimulated
Step 4. Make sure you are eating the right diet
Give him quality food (meat must be the first ingredient on the label) that is suitable for his age. If you have a pet with a lot of energy, ask your vet for advice on reducing protein intake.
You can also consider a hypoallergenic diet, in case the dog's hyperactive attitude is due to some food intolerance
Step 5. Check that he is comfortable
If he is in pain, for example from arthritis, he will find it difficult to relax and may become too lively. If you notice any changes in character, such as becoming aggressive while always having a peaceful attitude, schedule a visit to the vet to make sure there are no health problems to treat.
Part 2 of 2: Putting the Dog at ease
Step 1. Try to understand what they like and what they don't like
The animal may not be able to calm down because you are doing something it hates. For example, some dogs do not wish to be patted on the head because the hand moves over the eyes and head, a gesture considered threatening in "canine language". If your four-legged friend shrinks or stiffens when you touch his forehead, consider that he may not like it.
Instead, close your fist hand and hold it just under his nose. Let it come and smell it; if he wags his tail, raises his head, puts his ears forward or approaches, these are all signs that he is willing to be stroked
Step 2. Give it a lot of time
The dog may sense that you are in a hurry to calm him down. Instead, try to calm him down when you have a lot of time to spend with him. A perfect time is when you watch television in the evening; you can gently stroke it while you follow your favorite show.
Remember that his hearing is very sensitive, so don't keep the volume too high
Step 3. Make sure there is a comfortable place for him to lie down
Wherever he is, the dog should have access to his personal space, but he should not be forced to go there; it could be a blanket on the floor or the seat on the sofa next to you.
Decide whether or not the pet is allowed to be on furniture. Remember that if you invite him to get on the sofa, you are teaching him that he can jump on it; so choose a piece of furniture that you don't mind being trampled on by the dog
Step 4. Caress it
Run your hand gently over its fur following the direction of the hair. Don't move it against the grain and abruptly, she'll find it as unpleasant as a hair pull or a slap on the face would be for you. Make long, fluid movements; the dog appreciates if you use both hands, making the second follow the path of the first.
Remember that some areas are more ticklish than others and that your dog feels particularly vulnerable when touched on certain areas, such as the belly. Touch the area of his body he offers you; if he lies on his side, caress the side of his abdomen instead of pushing him to lie on his back. The dog may interpret the gesture as a sign of hostility, as you are forcing him into a position of submission; however, if he spontaneously shows his abdomen, stroke it
Step 5. Establish a certain rhythm and stick to it, to allow your four-legged friend to completely calm down
If all goes well, try giving him a gentle massage. Apply more pressure with your palms and rub them along his neck, shoulders and spine; if he shows signs of discomfort, such as increased muscle tension, looks at you repeatedly, moves your hand away with his paw, or stands up, you must stop.
- Remember that the elderly specimens may experience pain in the joints, especially those of the front legs; for this reason, never apply pressure to these areas unless your vet or vet physiotherapist has shown you how.
- Do not abruptly end the relaxation session, you could frighten or shock the dog. Instead, wait until you begin to doze in full knowledge that you have done a good job.
Step 6. Use pheromones to help him calm down
For maximum relaxation, consider plugging a pheromone diffuser into the electrical outlet; this device gives off canine pheromones (natural chemicals) which communicate to the animal's olfactory system that it is in a safe place and therefore can calm down.
Step 7. Try alternative relaxation techniques
Another popular method is the T-Touch; This is a special therapeutic massage for pets, which you can easily learn at home and which consists of performing repetitive circular movements with the palms or fingertips along the entire body of the dog. To start, you should perform small circular massages on the ears and cheeks of the animal; As you feel more confident and your faithful friend begins to relax, you can try touching other areas, such as their shoulders or back.
Advice
- Try to play some calming music for the dog. If he likes it, he should relax after a while.
- If he's behaving well, tell him.
