Being introduced to a strange person or separated from family can be stressful for dogs causing reactive or aggressive behavior. After caring for hundreds of dogs over the past eight years, our family learned a few ways to calm anxious dogs when during their stay. These tips are from personal experience introducing new dogs into a household we learned while pet sitting. Please consult a professional certified in dog behavior training for help specific to your dog.
Hand feeding
Hand feeding your dog is the most important step in creating trust with your dog. Hand feeding meals and treats is not a bribe, it is a reinforcement of your love and security for your dog. Food is the most effective reward for dogs and they will learn to trust whoever is constantly providing food.
2. Brush fur daily
Brushing your dog’s fur everyday is a wonderful way to establish trust and provides multiple benefits beyond removing loose fur. It allows you to practice keeping your dog relaxed when being touched and handled. Daily brushing teaches your dog to sit still and follow instructions while being held by you or your dog groomer.
3. Wear a leash indoors
A great indoor activity for anxious dogs is to wear a leash indoors part of the day. Our staff will often attach a leash on our guest dogs while house sitting to keep a puppy from chewing or marking in the home.
4. Active Games
Active games with your dog provide exercise and relieve stress while promoting basic obedience in a fun way. Active games at home include
fetch with a ball or frisbee
Tug with tether tug toy or stuffed animals
Ring the Bell- Use a bell hung from a door to allow dog to ask to be taken on a walk.
Puppy push ups- sit, down, stay & up positions
5. Mental Games
Mental games can help your dog relax in your home and are activities for dogs of any size or age. These games will keep them occupied and engaged with each repetition. These games are especially helpful for injured or older dogs. Many dogs enjoy these mental games and look forward to sharing the activities with you. Mental Games can include-
Search for hidden treats in the house
Hiding treats under a row of cups
Scent detection games
DIY Food puzzles
We are available for pet sitting in your home including dog walking skills in public, destination dog walks, enrichment games and pet photography. We offer pet care services in La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe. Use the contact form on our website to reserve services for your dog while you are away.
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