Why I Stress My Dog Out

Before anyone starts clutching their pearls, let me assure you that we're always on top of things with my dogs. We hit pause or call it a day just before they give us the "I've had it" look. Putting our dogs first has been and always will be our top priority, and that's not about to change!

Why - "the motivation"

As loving dog owners, we cherish the cuddles, the playtime, and the unwavering companionship our furry friends provide. But beyond the fun and games lies a crucial aspect of responsible dog ownership: ensuring our dogs are comfortable being handled by humans, and ideally, a variety of humans. This skill, often overlooked in the excitement of puppyhood, becomes increasingly vital as our dogs age and navigate various life stages.

My personal experience with my two dogs beautifully illustrates this point.

Our 14-year-old Weimaraner, Vinny, a gentleman who has always greeted strangers with a wagging tail and confident demeanor, is now entering his senior years.

With this new chapter comes more frequent veterinary check-ups, and the introduction of physiotherapy to keep him comfortable and mobile. Special shout out to @soravet, @thepetphysio.sg and @fidospawpose.

While he's generally been accepting, I've noticed that as his health fluctuates, his tolerance for prolonged handling, especially by unfamiliar hands, can wane. We've learned to recognize his cues and provide him with breaks, a testament to the importance of understanding a dog's comfort levels.

Hydro Treadmill & Laser Therapy at The Pet Physio

Then there's Gree, my female dog. Her journey with strangers has been quite different. Initially, any approaching unfamiliar person would send her scurrying for cover. Recognizing the potential challenges this could create for her well-being and necessary interactions (vet visits, groomers, etc.), I made it a priority to help her feel more secure.

Through consistent counter-conditioning – rewarding her for choosing not to flee and eventually for looking at me when strangers appeared – and by harnessing her play drive to allow non-contact positive interactions, she has made significant progress. While still cautious, she now shows signs of warming up to new people much faster.

These experiences underscore a fundamental truth: early and positive exposure to handling is paramount for a dog's lifelong well-being and your peace of mind. 

It's not just about tolerating touch; it's about building trust, confidence, and a positive association with being handled by different individuals.

Why is early handling so important?

• Stress Reduction During Necessary Procedures: From routine veterinary examinations and vaccinations in puppyhood to more involved medical treatments and grooming sessions later in life, a dog comfortable with handling experiences significantly less stress and anxiety. This makes these essential procedures easier for both the dog and the handler.

• Enhanced Safety: A dog that is comfortable being handled is less likely to react defensively (growl, snap, or bite) when touched, even in potentially uncomfortable situations. This ensures the safety of veterinary staff, groomers, family members, and even well-meaning strangers.

• Improved Socialization: Early positive experiences with a variety of people help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult who is more confident and less fearful in new social situations.

• Easier Grooming: Regular grooming is essential for a dog's health and hygiene. A puppy accustomed to being touched, brushed, and having their paws and ears handled from a young age will be much more cooperative during grooming sessions throughout their life.

• Facilitates Emergency Care: In an emergency situation, the ability for a veterinarian or other emergency responder to handle your dog calmly and effectively can be life-saving. A dog that is fearful and resistant will make providing necessary care much more challenging.

Getting Started Early: Three Basic Handling Exercises for Puppies (and Adaptable for Older Dogs)

The key to successful handling exercises is to make them positive and rewarding. Keep sessions short, fun, and always end on a good note. Use high-value treats and plenty of praise. If your dog shows any signs of stress or discomfort, stop immediately and try again later with a less intense approach.

1. The "Friendly Touch" Game:

   
   

   Goal: To associate being touched in various places with positive reinforcement.

   
   

   How-to:

   • Start in a calm environment with your puppy (or older dog).

   • Gently touch a part of their body – their ear, paw, tail, back, muzzle – for a brief second.

   • Immediately follow the touch with a high-value treat and verbal praise ("Good!").

   • Gradually increase the duration of the touch and vary the body parts you touch.

   • Once your dog is comfortable with you, have familiar friends or family members practice the same exercise, ensuring they are gentle and also provide treats.

   
   

2. The "Look at Me" with Approaching Strangers:

   
   

   Goal: To create a positive association with strangers approaching and to encourage your dog to look at you for reassurance.

   
   

   How-to:

   • Start at a distance where your dog notices a stranger but isn't reactive (cowering, barking excessively).

   • As the stranger approaches (or even just stands still initially), if your dog remains calm or chooses not to flee, immediately reward them with a treat.

   • Gradually decrease the distance as your dog becomes more comfortable.

   • The goal is for your dog to learn that the appearance of a stranger predicts a positive reward from you.

   • Once your dog is consistently looking at you when a stranger approaches, you can progress to having the stranger gently offer a treat (if your dog is comfortable). Never force interaction.

   

   Eye contact as the waitress approaches our table. Special shoutout to the @humpback.sg staff!

   
   

3. The "Cooperative Positions":

   
   

   Goal: To teach your dog to comfortably assume positions that are often required during examinations (lying down, standing still).

   
   

   How-to:

   • Use positive reinforcement (treats and praise) to lure your dog into a down or stand position.

   • Once they are in the position, gently touch different parts of their body while they are holding the pose, rewarding them for staying still.

   • Gradually increase the duration they need to hold the position while being touched.

   • Introduce the cue words ("down," "stand") as they perform the action reliably.

   • Have familiar people gently guide them into these positions and reward them.

Consistency and Patience are Key:

Building a dog's comfort with handling takes time, consistency, and patience. Always prioritize positive reinforcement and never force your dog into a situation that crosses the threshold that makes them feel uncomfortable or scared to a point of shutting down.

By starting early and making handling a positive experience, you'll be setting your dog up for a lifetime of easier and less stressful interactions, ensuring their well-being and strengthening the bond you share.

Just like with Gree, even dogs who are initially hesitant can learn to be more comfortable with new people and gentle touch with the right approach. She's definitely no where near as confident as Vinny, but I also remind myself that she's also grown to be a lot more confident in the last 2 years - progress, not perfection.

This early investment will pay dividends in all stages of their life, especially as they navigate the increased handling that often comes with their golden years.

With Gree's confidence on the rise, we're eager to set our goal for her to spread joy and laughter by volunteering at pet-friendly events in hospitals or nursing homes with her charming antics!

Watch our journey on our socials @happytailsasia and @iam.hungree

If you have a dog with similar concerns, we totally get it and we're here for you! Reach out to us, we're excited to support you!