Helping Your Dog Through a Changing World
Our dogs notice changes we sometimes don't give a second thought.
The cooler weather brings more time outside. Leaves are falling and blowing across sidewalks. The neighborhood may be busier. And before long, doorbells will be ringing and people who look very different will be standing outside our homes.
What feels normal or fun to us may feel completely different to the dog standing beside us.
Let Them Take It In
You don't have to rush your dog past everything that catches their attention.
That pile of leaves moving across the sidewalk may deserve a sniff. The decoration that wasn't there yesterday may need a second look. A person walking toward you in a hat or bulky coat may look different than they did all summer.
Giving your dog a moment to gather information isn't giving in. Sometimes it's exactly what helps them feel comfortable enough to keep moving forward with you. Being comfortable is also having them gain confidence.
Give Them Room When They Need It
Not every dog wants to meet every person or dog they pass. And they don't have to. We certainly don’t meet every person or dog we pass, and we shouldn’t expect them to need to.
If your dog needs a little more space, create it. Cross the street. Step off to the side. Give them enough room to notice what's happening without feeling like they have to handle more than they're ready for.
A little distance can make it much easier for your dog to stay connected with you.
Plan Ahead for Howl-O-Ween
Howl-O-Ween can make a familiar home feel very different.
Costumes and masks change the way people look. The doorbell may ring again and again. Excited trick-or-treaters come and go, and the front door that normally stays closed may be opening all evening.
Your dog doesn't need to participate in any of it. If they're comfortable with the activity, wonderful. If they're not, setting up a quiet space with something they enjoy can make the evening much easier for them.
Most importantly, keep your dog safely away from the front door while you're greeting trick-or-treaters. This is also a great time to make sure their ID tag and microchip information are current.
Listen to the Dog You Have Today
Some days your dog may be ready to explore the world with you. Other days they may need a little more space, time, or support. We all can’t be 100% every day of the week, and we shouldn’t expect that from our dogs as well.
The more we notice those little differences, the better we become at helping our dogs through them.
Because meeting your dog where they are isn't about expecting less from them.
It's about understanding them well enough to help them feel safe, confident, and connected to you wherever life takes you.