Taking your anxious dog with you when you go out can be stressful at times, but it doesn’t have to be! All it takes is a deeper understanding of how your dog thinks. Once you understand things from your dog’s perspective, you can make outings stress-free. Here are four different strategies to help your dog be calm in public spaces.
1. Create a Safe Place for Your Dog
Have you ever seen your dog struggling to settle down when you are seated outside at a restaurant or coffee house? It is easy to assume your furry buddy is just excited and wants a bite of your pastry or to engage with all the activity around them. However, when you arrived at your table, did you sit on the ground in the middle of the action? Of course not!
You claimed a table, picked a chair, set your items down, and established “your space.” Your dog needs their space too! Bring a blanket or activity mat that your dog likes. Set that down as a space that is theirs. They will sit down and begin to settle down! Try bringing a chew toy, treat, or something you know they love to occupy their attention. Position the mat near you and away from main walkways.
2. See Strangers From Your Dog’s Perspective
Speaking of walkways, does your dog sometimes respond poorly to strangers? Do they pant, raise their hackles, maybe even bark or snap at some people? Try to picture the environment from their perspective.
Many dogs have vision issues especially later in life. Some dog breeds (such as Labrador Retrievers and Springer Spaniels) are more susceptible to these problems than others. A strange figure, perhaps with the sun behind them, can be a panic-inducing moment for your dog. We will cover more on stranger interactions in a later section, but for now, think about giving your dog that escape route to “say no” to an interaction without feeling cornered. Even be aware of where the sun is and where foot traffic is likely to be heaviest!
3. Understand Your Dog’s Triggers
If you are reading this article, you most likely have some concerns about the way your dog behaves in public. Think back to those times your dog has done something that concerned you. Perhaps they barked or snapped at someone. Maybe they just appeared stressed.
Noting repetitive behavior can help you see when your dog is exhibiting symptoms of stress before it gets too bad and can give you more specific strategies based off the behavior you notice. Signs of stress in dogs include restlessness, excessive panting, and constant looking around.
A restless dog will often benefit from the blanket-on-ground strategy. A panting dog with dandruff needs a task like a bone to chew. Dogs who seem to be looking at everything need mental stimulation and engagement.
4. Advocate for Your Dog
Some dogs have trouble meeting strangers. Your dog might feel scared when a stranger approaches with outstretched arms. You know the stranger is well-meaning, but your dog might not. This is where advocating for your dog is key to their comfort and lowering their stress levels.
Here’s your new golden rule for stranger interactions with your dog: no one has a given right to touch your dog. You can absolutely deny permission for people to touch your dog, and it is a great idea to do this if you have noticed some of your dog’s behavioral ticks we mentioned in the last section. It is not aggressive to place yourself between a stranger and your dog. This is also where the escape route is very important!
It is best to have a plan for introducing strangers to your dog. Take small treats with you when you are out with your dog. Give some to the stranger and have them place the food on the ground near their feet. It is important for the dog to make the decision to come near the stranger. Let your dog make the decisions and set the pace for these interactions.
