There are so many soothing and relaxing behaviors that animals need to engage in for emotional and mental well being. Today we will talk about dogs! But over the next few days we will talk about other species too (cats, horses, small pets).
These necessary behaviors are often perceived as annoying or nuisances by humans.
By allowing dogs to engage in these behaviors, you are providing them with natural ways to relieve stress, tension and promote well being. In fact, you can buy toys and carious items that promote this behaviors! Encouraging your pet to use these things to soothe and relax themselves.
Sometimes these soothing behaviors cause destruction or injury to the animal itself or to items in the house. The key is not to punish the animal but to find a way to redirect the behavior to an appropriate spot.
They are participating in the behavior because they need to, but they may need your help to direct the behavior appropriately without discouraging it fully. Is it gonna t’ke work and time? Yes! But that’s part of the responsibility that comes with guardianship.
Dogs:
- Licking
Try lick mats or simply allow them to lick their friends or you (a show of affection). If you have an animal that overly licks itself to the point of causing sores, try to find alternate sources that attract interest while preventing access to the sores (either by supervision or topical prevention)
- Chewing
Try bones, chews, bully stick, etc.. Put things away that are NOT items you want chewed. Dogs don’t know the difference. As humans we think they do, but they don’t.
- Sniffing
Let them sniff! It activates so many feel good hormones in their bodies! It also gives them mental stimulation. Take walks and let them sniff, please! Let them stop and sniff over and over and over. Bring them to new places with new smells. Yes, they will get bored with the same smells over and over.
If you can’t bring your dog to new places with new smells try hiding some of their favorite snacks in the house or in boxes or toilet paper rolls and let them sniff it out! There are many ways to provide opportunities for sniffing even within the house.
Encouraging your dog to participate in these soothing and relaxing behaviors will help create enrichment, well being, and relaxation. The inability to participate in these necessary behaviors can cause stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety will later create behavioral issues and/or health issues. These simple, natural behaviors are beneficial in so many ways
