Getting Started Week Twelve - Canine Stress Management


Unruly canine behaviors can often be prevented or solved simply by reducing canine stress. Canines are intelligent, social creatures that get cabin fever and are stressed by benign neglect that results from many human lifestyles.

Just as we can't expect young children to act like little adults, it's not fair to expect a canine to act like a stuffed animal.

Canine Stressors: hunger, thirst, loneliness, boredom, pent-up energy, unclear social order, inconsistent cues, confusing circumstances, dirty food or water bowl, human aggression, hitting, yelling, hectic households, fleas, parasites, matted fur, physical discomfort.

Canine Stress Relievers: aerobic exercise, daily physical and mental stimulation (going on errands, being walked off the property) predictable routines, clear social structure, indoor companionship, learning to earn valuables, playtime, proper veterinary care and grooming.