In my most recent blog post I discussed the pervasive importance body language and the way it makes our dogs behave. I introduce the idea of using the body to alter the chemistry of the mind. In this post I dig deeper into this concept from the canine side: tricks you can use to make your dog feel better.
Did you know that in approaching a dog reaching for the top of their head, as humans so often are inclined to do, is actually a very dominant move? It is really not polite at all. To uplift a dog (which is not always necessary, but often appropriate in meeting a new dog) it is much more suitable to first allow them the space to come to you and sniff you, then perhaps reach to scratch under the chin. Think about for a second. if someone came to you and began to reach over your head you are likely to hunch your shoulders and lower your head. With insecure dogs in particular, by petting under the chin and lifting UP the head you are creating a much more confident body language. Remember from below that yes, our minds create the language of our bodies, but our bodies too can impact the feelings of our minds. Dogs are no exception.
When working with a shut down, insecure, anxious, or fearful dog I will often lift the head, make sure the leash is underneath and never over the head, gently pull the tail out from being tucked between the legs, or even apply pressure to the underneath of their body is they are so hunched down that they are not even walking on straight legs.
For dogs that are tense or excited even, massages can be another tool similar to what is described above. by using a tension then release method of gently digging into the muscles on the dog you are sending the brain the message to relax. I use this when Baron gets too wound up over a new visitor or play session and when any dog I'm working with gets anxious and tense. Tension can be dangerous in dogs, so using a massage technique to relax the muscles I find a have successful avoided the snapping and lunging type behaviors that can step from a tense, fearful, or frustrated mind. Next time you meet a shy dog try these easy body-first approaches to giving confidence and see what happens!
** note: these pictures do not belong to me but are simply visual aids
Did you know that in approaching a dog reaching for the top of their head, as humans so often are inclined to do, is actually a very dominant move? It is really not polite at all. To uplift a dog (which is not always necessary, but often appropriate in meeting a new dog) it is much more suitable to first allow them the space to come to you and sniff you, then perhaps reach to scratch under the chin. Think about for a second. if someone came to you and began to reach over your head you are likely to hunch your shoulders and lower your head. With insecure dogs in particular, by petting under the chin and lifting UP the head you are creating a much more confident body language. Remember from below that yes, our minds create the language of our bodies, but our bodies too can impact the feelings of our minds. Dogs are no exception.
When working with a shut down, insecure, anxious, or fearful dog I will often lift the head, make sure the leash is underneath and never over the head, gently pull the tail out from being tucked between the legs, or even apply pressure to the underneath of their body is they are so hunched down that they are not even walking on straight legs.
For dogs that are tense or excited even, massages can be another tool similar to what is described above. by using a tension then release method of gently digging into the muscles on the dog you are sending the brain the message to relax. I use this when Baron gets too wound up over a new visitor or play session and when any dog I'm working with gets anxious and tense. Tension can be dangerous in dogs, so using a massage technique to relax the muscles I find a have successful avoided the snapping and lunging type behaviors that can step from a tense, fearful, or frustrated mind. Next time you meet a shy dog try these easy body-first approaches to giving confidence and see what happens!
** note: these pictures do not belong to me but are simply visual aids
