The importance of feeling safe

As many of you who visit the page will know, we adopted Freya back in March this year. 

When she arrived, we took it slowly, really really slowly. Taking time to integrate, time to slowly introduce her to new things, time to build the relationship and for her to learn she can trust us and the other dogs.

We didn't have any visitors to the home for months, until she had truly settled. Her safe space was the conservatory.

Freya is like any other dog now inside the house. She visits us in the bathroom (!), jumps up on the bed, snoozes on the rug, picks up toys and interacts with them, interacts with the other two dogs, instigates play with them and basically sleeps wherever she feels comfortable. 

She is now comfortable and confident enough to tackle harder enrichment toys too (when she has the patience)!

Outside of the house is a different matter. She is still quite nervous although will happily jump in the car. She doesn't really enjoy going for long walks (unless with another dog) and would happily stay home. As soon as we turn for home, she pulls - hard!  She is outside her safe place.

So, when we walk, we might only go 10 steps or we might go 200 steps - it is her choice, every single time. When she indicates she wants to return home, that is exactly what we do and each walk is getting a little longer as her confidence grows and because she chooses to walk for longer.

We should never underestimate the importance of  feeling safe for our dogs.  

With the holiday period fast approaching, it is worth thinking and planning for your dog as well as visitors, meals, presents etc. Our dogs routines may be changed or interrupted and there may be an increase in noise and activity.

Does your dog enjoy lots of visitors or does he prefer his own space? - set up a quiet comfortable safe area that your dog can go to if he chooses, away from noise and busyness. Provide him with a stuffed Kong, safe chew toys, snuffle mat or other enrichment toy.

Will your dog try to get in on the action and join in "opening" presents? - set him up for success with a licki mat, safe chew toys or stuffed Kong to keep him occupied.

Does your dog jump up on people when they come in? - use a stair gate and give your dog something wonderful to do while you safely bring people into your home and get them seated.

Does your dog try to dash out the front door whenever it is open? - use a stair gate to manage him while visitors enter.

Is your dog a food hoover? - remember to keep him occupied safely away from any forbidden food. A great deal of food (and alcohol) is poisonous to dogs so use a stair gate to separate him from temptation and provide him with wonderful things to do.

A little extra preparation and some additional mental stimulation prior to visitors arriving will help your dog and you enjoy the festive season and help your dog feel safe!

Have a good one!