4 Ways To Relax Your Dog

I’m a pretty uptight, anxious person, and unfortunately, my dog has inherited my disquieted temperament. This means that she is distressed almost every time we leave the house without her. She also has difficulty making friends at the dog park. (She seems to panic each time another pup sniffs her — I really think she may be overthinking things.)

Anyway, I have been researching techniques to help my furry friend calm down. Here are a few different approaches that I think are promising. 

Massage 

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Everyone loves a good massage, including dogs! According to the American Kennel Club, giving your pooch this type of physical contact can be a major stress reliever. Now, you can take your pooch to a professional dog masseuse, but you can also take matters into your own hands, literally. 

The AKC suggests using your palms to rub in “long, sweeping motions” on your dog’s body. Your pup should love it, but if they seem upset, stop the massage ASAP. 

Go For A Long Walk

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I used to resent people who suggested exercising as a way to reduce anxiety. Unfortunately, they are right. 

Both my dog and I benefit from walking at least 45 minutes a day. Not only does it get our blood pumping, but also being in the great outdoors helps us calm down. 

Acupuncture

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If your pup is agitated due to arthritis or joint inflammation, you may want to consider trying out acupuncture. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, acupuncture can be helpful as it “relaxes muscles both where the needle is inserted, and muscles located elsewhere in the body,” reducing pain and discomfort. 

Please consult your pet’s vet before proceeding with an animal acupuncturist. 

Doga  

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Dog yoga, also known as Doga, is a great way for you and your dog to unwind. Daily Paws reported that you can practice Doga by either doing yoga near your dog or helping your canine companion attempt some moves of their own.

While there aren’t any proven benefits that Doga helps your dog physically, spending time with your canine companion can be relaxing for both parties. 

 “Doing activities together is a fun way to spend time with your dog. They get to experience more of the world and it’s a great way to bond,” explained pet behavior and training specialist Jessa Paschke.

 Going to Doga class is also a wonderful opportunity to get your pup to socialize in a calm environment. As previously mentioned, my furry friend seems to get overstimulated at the dog park so a Doga session may be perfect for her!