STRESS SOLUTIONS -
RELAXING ROOM
| DEFINITION OF STRESS |
CAUSES | SYMPTOMS |
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It is good to introduce a ROUTINE where the dog and handler can rest and relax together at specific times of the day, where the dog is not asked to do anything apart from relax and enjoy the handler's attention and company (usually watching the TV). |
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By consistently and calmly rewarding the dog for lying down and relaxing with the family, the dog becomes calmer and does not feel the need to make Decisions about what it or the humans should be doing next.
It is important not to play with any toys or do any training at these times, as this will then confuse the dog about whether it should be resting or expect you to ask it to do something at any moment.
Begin by only allowing the dog a few minutes in the room and gradually build up the amount of time that the dog can relax and rest with you. It is learning that self control and reducing its stress levels are rewarded with you being calm and relaxed with the dog as well.
In these "quiet time sessions" some dogs benefit from having a house line on their harness and having it wrapped around the handler's foot so that it cannot wander around the room but relax by the handler's side and enjoy being stroked and praised for its calmness. After a couple of weeks the dog learns to enjoy these relaxing moments and does not need to have a houseline on to restrict its movements.
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