Balancing Life for our Dogs
Hello, and welcome.
Just one day to go until (here in England) we can meet up with more friends for a walk or to socialise in our gardens. This easing of restrictions brings the opportunity for those social encounters we’ve been so badly craving.
As you plan for get-togethers and trips to new walking locations, your diary might start filling up pretty quickly. Last week, Linda suggested bookmarking a couple of hours for solitude each week. A balance of social interactions and quiet time is also really important for our dogs.
Even for the most social of dogs, the limited encounters they’ve had over the last year means their social skills aren’t as well-practised as they used to be. We might see more frustration (cue jumping up at your guests), excitement and arousal (with them unable to settle while you’re trying to entertain), or you may even see some fearful behaviours creeping in.
For all of our dogs, as their social world re-opens, adding a ‘Rest Day’ into their week - at least in these early stages - can be so valuable.
A ‘Rest Day’ is one without any walks, a day free from interactions with the outside world. It allows our dogs to fully relax and for us to focus on calm experiences for a day. On a Rest Day, we aim to avoid any activities that could cause any stress or over-arousal. We swap energetic movements for calm sniffing or chewing opportunities. Outside stimulation is replaced by mental stimulation. And socialising with others is swapped for cuddles on the sofa with you, their special humans.
It might feel like you’re not fulfilling your duties as a dog guardian if you don’t walk them for one day - but, in fact, you are giving them a very special gift. When we swap walks for at-home activities, you’ll find you’re able to be more present and ‘in the moment’ with them - as there’s also no outdoor stimulus to distract you.
Rest days are a wonderful way to bond with your dog, as well as giving them a little respite during these ever-changing times.
Until next time, enjoy these small steps back towards real life.
Caroline