Life changes and your dog
Even the best behaved and obedient dog can exhibit behavioral changes that reflect changes in your life. What can affect your dog? Moving; a family member leaving permanently or temporarily; an addition to the family such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, baby; another dog or cat added or having passed away; going back to work or staying home; a traumatic experience such as getting injured; aging or illness.
The best advice is to establish a routine that your dog is comfortable with. If your schedule has changed dramatically introduce a new routine that is consistent and that your dog enjoys. Play or exercise should be a factor in the new schedule. This will help them to not just adjust but to look forward to the new daily rituals. An extra walk, visit to a dog park or a dog buddy and a play session such as ball, Frisbee, tug, chase or Find It Games both before and after a changed routine.
If new people in the house are involved, they should participate in walking as well as play. This helps the dog to trust and bond more quickly rather than being wary. Have them feed and give treats and teach them basic commands your dog knows so they assume a leadership role from the start. Little kids should be supervised and not annoying. It generally takes time and trust before dogs adjust to toddlers. There are steps you can take to introduce them and DO NOT FORCE THIS, BE PATIENT!
Going back to basics is essential. This means doing an obedience training routine several times a day for just a few minutes. This routine, called a Drill, keeps the dog’s brain sharp and them wanting to get your attention. A Drill contains commands such as Walk or Heel, Focus, Side Sit, Lie Down, Stay, Wait, Come and Sit for Petting, all done in rapid succession a few times in a row. Let them earn a wonderful rub or scratch on a favorite body part and ONE fabulously special treat! This works well with household changes or even moving. Take them to places they like and keep to the same routine every day. Repetition of their old routine gives them a sense of security during a very insecure time. It is helpful if you are moving to remove the dog during the confusion. If you can, let them go to daycare or even board them while there are boxes and strangers disrupting their routine.
Working through a traumatic experience rather than babying them helps to get past the experience, possibly even changing an old routine that now bothers them by introducing a new one. If illness is an issue, let them still do things that bring them pleasure (with your Vet’s advice) rather than letting them merely endure daily existence.
If your dog has lost a beloved dog or cat companion and is depressed, let them choose a new buddy. Find one that they like first not just one that you’ve selected. They need to be part of this choice since they spend more time together and have a unique animal relationship.
Recognizing what your dog needs will assure a happier existence for all.
Abby Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com
