A dog trainer has shared their top tip for anyone whose pet suffers from anxiety.
Turns out, reading to your pet can make all the difference when it comes to calming your worrisome dog or cat. A video posted to TikTok by Dogs Trust shows volunteers partaking in story time with pooches at the shelter.
The purpose behind the adorable activity is to help the dogs “drift off to sleep.” The charity noted some dogs “love the comforting voice of a human” while others “simply enjoy the safe feeling of someone being there”.
Terry Cuyler, a dog trainer at Pawsitive Results, agrees the activity can be really beneficial. Speaking to the veterinary specialists at YuMove, Terry clarified that reciting to dogs serves as an “easy but strong method” for solidifying that our beloved pets feel calm and protected.
The key is to pick books that are uncomplicated with simplistic language. You can even find passages that contain words your pet already knows.
He explained: “When you read aloud to a dog, your voice can become a signal for them to relax. Dogs are very good at sensing our tone, and when we talk in a calm and soothing manner, it helps them feel peaceful. Dogs can understand around 15–89 words on average. I’d suggest focusing on simplistic books with words that are clearly different from each other, with no more than 3–4 syllables, so they sound distinct. They should be read in a calm, soothing tone.”
By doing this regularly, you can also start establishing a routine that is calming to your pet. Terry continued: “I have seen many times that dogs who are a bit too energetic or nervous can relax when their owners read to them in a gentle, calm voice.
“It seems like it helps build trust and supports good behaviour. I have many years of training dogs, and during my career, I have worked with hundreds of them. Using methods like this one, together with basic training methods such as positive reinforcement, can really help a lot in changing how your dog behaves.”
More ways to relieve your dog’s anxiety
1. Understand the Cause of Anxiety
2. Provide a Safe Space
3. Stick to a Routine
4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
5. Use Positive Reinforcement
6. Remain calm and patient
7. Speak to a vet
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