Freya V. Locke - Dog Behaviourist | Author | Blogger. Issue 34, 2024
It's been a bit of a week in the UK.
Hi Gang
The summer holidays are in full swing.
The parks are full of kids. If we are lucky, we’ll have days out or even a holiday. Our child's friends could be knocking on the door nonstop. Or out in next door’s garden, or in the street outside. There may be more cars around. More people in shops and cafes. The house is noisy. Even without kids of your own, the world has become more crowded.
How do we help our dogs cope?
It might not be possible to stick to our dog’s usual routines. Dogs who are used to certain walks, mealtimes, bedtimes, doing things in the same places might find their mixed -up days are confusing and exhausting. Not to mention frustrating. In my opinion, it is better to avoid sticking to rigid routines with dogs in the first place.
Instead, focus on building a dog who will trust that their needs are met throughout the day, without creating exact times, places and spaces.
Sometimes walk in the evening, sometimes before dinner, or in the morning - or even not every day.
Feed different foods, of different flavours and textures. Sometimes use a bowl, sometimes use enrichment toys. Sometimes scatter it down the garden.
Visit different places, see different people.
Try and get up a little later on the weekend if laying-in is your thing.
Have the odd late night.
Mix it all up from the start. This will prevent them from experiencing sudden mixed-up days that can be confusing, exhausting, and frustrating.
If your dog is already reliant on routines, pick one thing and start mixing that up a little.
Move the food bowl around or walk somewhere new.
No big sudden changes.
Start building some resilience in your dog, using baby steps at first.
They will then cope better in the future with holidays and changable days.
It is our duty to them to ensure they are getting enough downtime. Tired dogs, like tired humans, get grumpy and run down. A space of their own is especially important for anxious dogs, as they need somewhere to retreat to, to calm down, feel safe and regain their composure.
So, be certain that there are places your dog can be left in peace. I used to use an open door, covered crate with comfy bedding in for Moo, and he would slip off in there when he had his fill of household shenanigans.
Now that my kids are older, we have Twyla. Twyla will go for a sleep behind the sofa, and we can still leave her in peace.
Most importantly - spend some time with your dog. Let them know they are still your special floofer. Cuddle up with them when the kids are asleep (if they want to) or treat them to nice chews and toys. Take them on a sniffy walk, just the two of you. Talk to them while you cook dinner, or do housework. When your time is spent elsewhere, they miss spending time with you. So make a point of fitting them in however you can.
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I know I keep reposting this article about heatstroke - but it keeps being hot out!
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Spotted and sharing.
Not a dog, but we need reminding that all species are equally beautiful and amazing. This parrot made my heart melt.
And this statement holds absolute truth:
My other posts - because I write about other stuff too!
A note on the riots in Britain.
This week, my country felt unsafe. Not just because of the tragedy of the stabbing of those children, but at the violence that followed it.
Violence is never the answer.
Sadly, there are some monsters that are real. Those that used the deaths of those poor angels as an excuse to go terrorising, looting, burning things and hurting people.
They claim to “love their country” but they:
The protests caused the police to divert their attention from other crimes and put additional pressure on the already overwhelmed NHS, Ambulance, and Fire Services.
Frightened children, animals, old, and frail people.
Destroyed cars, signs, windows, homes, shop fronts, plants, other things that belong to communities.
Loot shops and steal from people
Scream about wanting their country back, while simultaneously smashing it up.
That is not showing love to your country.
Showing love to your country is accepting that we are a multicultural island, and that we are ALL descended from immigrants, some recent, some in history. It is embracing those around us so that we can create one big community who will all face the future together, looking after one another in a state of kindness and respect.
Did COVID-19 teach us nothing? We are very lonely, when we segregate ourselves, become insular and afraid of others. The world thrives on community and sharing.
My partner was caught up at work, when one such riot attempted to start nearby his shop. His brother lives on a road where are riot was planned and people were boarding up their windows. I was frightened for them and didn’t do my live for the Fun Not Fear® Club, preferring to keep my phone free for any emergencies instead. This meant I missed a person who was seeking my help.
Thankfully the protest didn’t happen.
In an indirect way, these “people” caused massive problems for the very people of the country they claim to love. Even those who were not caught up in the rioting.
It did, however, make my heart sing, when the residents of places like Bristol, Walthamstow and more, poured out into the streets in a show of solidarity, and peacefully blocked the way for any riots to happen. The sheer force of numbers overwhelmed any sign of oncoming trouble, and replaced it with a wash of love and kindness. THAT is how you love your country.
I must mention the incredible strength and dignity shown by the families of those little girls, even though this should have never happened. I am so sorry for your loss, and I hope you know that the vast majority of the country holds you in their heart.
Handy links.
Warm ‘N’ Fuzzies,
Freya xx
P.S. No video live this edition for the Fun Not Fear® Club. Hoping the world will be less mad next week and we’ll all go back to normal.
Your post is timely! This has been our year of rain. Instead of putting Shiloh into her outdoor shelter after our morning walk, I've been bringing her inside. Being one of much fur, she quickly becomes one of much wet fur in the rain. I started giving her treats in a puzzle in the coat room to keep her brain engaged while her fur dries. Now, even on rainless days, she wants to come inside to get her treats! I will be mixing things up tomorrow to see if I can break her of her new habit! (Her "treats" are not actual treats but kibble I set aside when I feed her, so I don't overfeed her. Her weight is perfect. Her "wait" is not! :)