Why does a dog need relaxation

Relaxation is an important skill that any dog ​​needs. However, this seemingly elementary skill is sometimes very difficult to teach a pet. However, it’s worth doing. Why does a dog need relaxation?

Relaxation is not just an excerpt on command. It is not even just a lack of excitement, excitement or anxiety.

Relaxation for a dog is a state of pleasure, calmness, happiness. Relaxed dog lies still. She can watch what is happening, but at the same time she does not bark at every sound and does not break down at every movement.

If the dog does not know how to relax, he worries when he has nothing to do. And in this case – hello separation anxiety, insecure attachment and demands for excessive attention from the owner. Such a dog simply cannot be happy without company or work.

Does this mean that if your dog can’t relax, all is lost? The dog is broken, let’s get a new one? Of course not! Relaxation is not an innate skill. And like any skill, relaxation can be taught to a dog. The sooner you start and the more regularly you practice, the faster the dog will master this wisdom. And the more success you will achieve.

Most often, in the “basic configuration” puppies have two states: they either run, or they fell and fell asleep. It is great if there is an opportunity to start teaching relaxation from puppyhood. However, do not demand too much from the baby. The maximum that a puppy can do is to endure a relaxing massage for a few minutes or wait on the mat for a couple of seconds.

There are many different protocols for teaching relaxation. However, an integrated approach works best.

Before using relaxation protocols, massage or music therapy, it is necessary to provide the dog with the proper level of physical and intellectual activity, as well as satisfy the need for communication. If well-being is not established, it is difficult to expect a calm and relaxed state from a pet. Be sure to walk the dog, and the walks should be complete both in time and in content. 

However, keep in mind that too high a load is also not the best option, it increases the excitation of the dog.