Avoid Coronation Chaos for Canines!
With the Coronation of King Charles III rapidly approaching many of you will be looking forward to celebratory parties.
If your dog is like our boy, Tyler, and sensitive to noise and disruption, it can present a multitude of problems when it comes to an event that’s out of their ordinary daily norm.
Having had a number of sensitive dogs over the years I have always had to take into account their welfare when such occasions arise.
These are my top tips from those that have worked for me, but as we all know, every dog is different, with its own likes and dislikes, so adaptation may be necessary to suit the individual.
We all want to enjoy ourselves and, whether it be your own house or garden party or a coming together of neighbours for a street party, there is going to be commotion that your dog may not be overly keen on.
Now it’s time to think dog!
- Think ahead and make a plan taking into account where the party is, time, if you need to make any purchases in advance and so on.
- Give calming supplements. There are a number of different natural calming methods available whether it be tablets, collars, vests or plug-ins. Particularly anxious or fearful dogs may need something stronger, so I would suggest speaking to a vet for the correct advice.
- Exercise your dog in advance of any celebrations to avoid any upsets while out and help make them more likely to sleep during a party.
- Keep your dog indoors with windows, curtains and doors closed. Fear can instil a flight response and they will look for ways to escape. You will also be softening any noises from outside.
- Playing calming sounds that won’t aggravate any anxiety, will help calm your dog and also muffle outside noises.
- Ensure that your dog feels safe and secure in their environment. Don’t take your dog to any parties, they need to know their surroundings and feel that they can move to another location in somewhere familiar should they feel the need. Provide a safe place for them to settle in, this could be a crate covered with a blanket, under a table or wherever they choose to be.
- Give support and reassurance if your dog allows you to do so in the form of touch, affection and massage. Keep your voice soft and low and your movements subtle so as not to alarm your dog in any way or fuel their emotions.
- Keep yourself calm, relaxed and confident as your dog will look to you for guidance and take from your emotions and behaviour.
- Watch your dog’s body language and behaviour for signs of stress, which may include drooling, yawning, lip licking, pacing, panting and barking.
- Try to keep to your routine as normal as possible and not disrupt what your dog knows and helps to be provide them with stability.
If you are having your own party:
- Tell visitors to greet the dog calmly and not to make eye contact with them, which will reduce intensity.
- Make sure your guests respect your dog and give it space, especially excited children.
- Ensure your dog has entertainment of its own with toys or mental stimulation such as treat filled puzzles.
- Reward good behaviour with the use of positive reinforcement.
- Allow your dog a safe and quiet place to go to away from the gathering to allow them to relax quietly and leave them alone when they are there.
- Do not permit anyone to bother your dog. If your dog is constantly harassed it may cause an adverse reaction.
- Pay close attention to your dog’s body language and respect its communication. If your dog is uncomfortable and not happy with what’s going on it will let you know.
- Make sure your guests respect your dog and give it space.
- Remember that over excitement can manifest into negative behaviours. When too much energy is present and your dog gets over stimulated this can then become unhealthy leading to negative behaviours and even aggression.
And, remember, things change over time so keep at it and adapt with your dog.
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My Top Tips to help your dog stay calm during a Coronation party
