Even the best behaved dogs can get perturbed and lose their calm. Barking, growling, snapping, it can be exceedingly alarming to dog owners who typically see their dogs as the charming, loving companions that they are 90% of the time. Remember, they are still animals, and need your assistance in keeping them cool in certain circumstances. Here's a little advice on how to take your dog from 60 to 0.
The Five Steps
If you follow these 5 steps, your dog should be back to the calm, agreeable pet he typically is. There are cases where these 5 steps will not be enough. If this is common with your pet, you need to consider behaviour training and consulting your vet.
Leave the Source of Conflict
The quickest way to diffuse the situation, is to exit your dog from whatever it is that is troubling them. It might be a person, another dog, or even merely an object. If your dog isn't on a leash, try to clip the leash on instantly. If it is safe to do , get between your dog and the agitator. Rapidly and quietly walk your dog away from the situation. You may need to physically pick up your dog to get them away. If your dog is particularly aggressive, you may need to gate them in a safe place until they calm down enough for you to interact with them. You can find baby and pet gates in many varieties to fit all spaces, including extra wide pet gates, freestanding gates and gate extensions.
Take your pet to a calm environment
Attempt to take your dog away from crowds, intense noises and other animals. If you aren't able to remove your dog from the source of the agitation, for instance in the case of a thunderstorm or construction noises, try and distract them and make a relaxing environment. Your pet may also still be upset from the encounter you removed them from. If you're at home, take them to a place in the house they feel extra-safe such as their crate or bed. Try giving them treats and initiate an easy, calm game.
Make your dog feel safe
When calming your dog, the key is to make them feel safe again. Your instinct will be to hug and hold your dog but you should avoid doing this as it reinforces the concept that there's something frightening and set back the relaxing process. Instead , try quietly stroking their back or gently patting. Calmly talk with your dog and, if possible, get them to do simple tricks followed by plenty of praise.
Use patience
Keeping your dog calm could be a nerve wracking experience for both of you. If you are bringing your pet back to a location where they've had a previous encounter or unpleasant experience, you could need to be additionally patient when easing your dog into the area. This is common with dog parks and vet offices. Your dog may need space and time to get adjusted to being back there, and reassured that they won't have an identical experience. Practice calling your dog over to you. This is an important ability to master for avoiding or diffusing agitating situations with your pet.
Slowly ease your pet back into the situation
When you bring your dog back to the scene of a negative experience they may get perturbed and upset all over again when they recognise the scene. Ease them over to the spot slowly, chatting to them in a positive and casual way. If your pet becomes upset, remove them from the area and calm them down. Try again once the dog is calmed. If they continue to freak out, call it a day and try again later on. This could require several attempts before your pet is comfortable here again. Give your pet the time and support it needs to be comfortable there again.
The Five Steps
If you follow these 5 steps, your dog should be back to the calm, agreeable pet he typically is. There are cases where these 5 steps will not be enough. If this is common with your pet, you need to consider behaviour training and consulting your vet.
Leave the Source of Conflict
The quickest way to diffuse the situation, is to exit your dog from whatever it is that is troubling them. It might be a person, another dog, or even merely an object. If your dog isn't on a leash, try to clip the leash on instantly. If it is safe to do , get between your dog and the agitator. Rapidly and quietly walk your dog away from the situation. You may need to physically pick up your dog to get them away. If your dog is particularly aggressive, you may need to gate them in a safe place until they calm down enough for you to interact with them. You can find baby and pet gates in many varieties to fit all spaces, including extra wide pet gates, freestanding gates and gate extensions.
Take your pet to a calm environment
Attempt to take your dog away from crowds, intense noises and other animals. If you aren't able to remove your dog from the source of the agitation, for instance in the case of a thunderstorm or construction noises, try and distract them and make a relaxing environment. Your pet may also still be upset from the encounter you removed them from. If you're at home, take them to a place in the house they feel extra-safe such as their crate or bed. Try giving them treats and initiate an easy, calm game.
Make your dog feel safe
When calming your dog, the key is to make them feel safe again. Your instinct will be to hug and hold your dog but you should avoid doing this as it reinforces the concept that there's something frightening and set back the relaxing process. Instead , try quietly stroking their back or gently patting. Calmly talk with your dog and, if possible, get them to do simple tricks followed by plenty of praise.
Use patience
Keeping your dog calm could be a nerve wracking experience for both of you. If you are bringing your pet back to a location where they've had a previous encounter or unpleasant experience, you could need to be additionally patient when easing your dog into the area. This is common with dog parks and vet offices. Your dog may need space and time to get adjusted to being back there, and reassured that they won't have an identical experience. Practice calling your dog over to you. This is an important ability to master for avoiding or diffusing agitating situations with your pet.
Slowly ease your pet back into the situation
When you bring your dog back to the scene of a negative experience they may get perturbed and upset all over again when they recognise the scene. Ease them over to the spot slowly, chatting to them in a positive and casual way. If your pet becomes upset, remove them from the area and calm them down. Try again once the dog is calmed. If they continue to freak out, call it a day and try again later on. This could require several attempts before your pet is comfortable here again. Give your pet the time and support it needs to be comfortable there again.
About the Author:
Pamela Noble writes pet care and parenting articles for BabyandPetGates.com. You can find more information on pet gates on their website.
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