​Emotionally challenged dogs

Have you ever been unfortunate to have a panic attack? If you haven't it feels like you can't breathe, your having a heart attack and you feel like you are going to pass out. Sounds are muffled and you are simply focused on surviving in that moment.

This is how it feels for your dog when they too feel big emotions. For humans someone can give us a paper bag, soothe us, reassure us, and give those who aren't anti hugs a hug. 

For your dog they don't understand why you aren't reassuring them, why are you getting mad. They need to hear your voice which is soothing, gentle and familiar to break through the dizzying fog. They are desperately connection seeking you through the internal storm in their brain, paralysing their body and all of their nerve endings. They are no longer in control of their body, just like a deer or a rabbit running for their life.

A dog cannot run for their life. Most of the time they are on a lead. Sometimes they feel they can do nothing but protect themselves. This is what they were born to do. To protect themselves at all costs, just like us. 

Some humans fight, some freeze and some fawn, just like dogs. 

Reassure them, let them know you are with them, retreat and go home. Wait until they are rested and recovered. Enjoy your dog every minute of their short life.

​Image description:

A baby Wolf Dog sat with a cheeky look on his face. Over the image are.text message notifications. The text messages read: From best friend:

PSA: an emotionally challenged dog is not trying to ignore you or refusing to listen, they are having a hard time relying on their instincts to survive. Punishing them, choking, yanking, shocking, shouting is only going to make them feel unsafe further…

Listening to them, retreating to safety and reaffirming your and their connection which will offer them a feeling of safety. You would not punish or ignore a human we love having a panic attack so it's the same principle.

Learning triggers, fears, thresholds and identifying needs can ensure you both have a fun and pleasant walk. At the end of the day I am an animal governed by the need to survive at all costs. To you it's another dog or person, to me they are terrifying just like the house spider you were screaming at, at 2am this morning... 
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