WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR STRESSED (COVID-19) DOG
Predictability and Consistency
In your communication with your dog
The way you handle your dog
Letting your dog know what to expect
Stick to a routine. For example, the same time each day for meals and walks and going to bed.
Activities you do with your dog including making sure there’s playtime each day
Familiarity
Make changes a little bit each day, build up a little more each day to get into a routine. Don’t make big changes all at once. For example, getting back onto a new daily work schedule and all the routines that go along with that
Manage & Minimize Stressors
Separate your dogs if you have more than one in the home and that is a source of stress to your dog(s)
Redirect your dog through distraction from a stressful situation like offering peanut butter when it’s time for them to get a shower
Prevent a stressful situation such as walking a leash reactive dog when other dogs are not around
Avoid those things that you know are stressful
Choice & Control Offer your dog as much choice and control as possible. For example, where he/she wants go on their walks and how much time they get to sniff
Reward Training Offer treats for doing what you ask them to do or even just when they are behaving well on their own
Enrichment
Include new toys and interactive games often but rotate them so the dog doesn't get bored with the same toys out all the time.