We’ve all been there. Our canine companion pulls tight on the leash, ears flat, hackles raised as they fixate on… a black bin bag? A rogue traffic cone? In that moment, our instinct is to soothe, to reassure with a cheery “It’s alright!” or a calming “Hey it’s okay, baby…”. But hold your horses! While our intentions are good, these verbal reassurances might be doing more harm than good in your dog’s world.
Think about it this way: you’re strolling down the street, minding your own business, when a stranger starts whimpering and staring intently at a bush. They might even make nervous eye contact and try to usher you away. Wouldn’t you be a tad concerned? In the canine world, our well-meaning “It’s alright!” translates to a similar kind of anxious whining, coupled with confusing eye contact. To your dog, you’ve just confirmed there might be something to worry about!
So, how do those amazing canine mothers, foxes and wolves teach their pups to navigate a world full of strange sights and smells? They ditch the verbal reassurances and focus on actions.
Let’s take that black bin bag, for example. Here’s how a mother dog might handle it:
- The Cautious Approach: She might give the bin bag a wide berth, calmly guiding the pups around it. This subtle message? “Let’s be cautious, there’s something new here.”
- Freeze & Assess: She spots the bin bag, freezes for a moment, and then continues with confidence. This tells the pups, “It’s interesting, but nothing to panic about.”
- Fearless Investigation: The ultimate confidence booster! She approaches the bin bag, sniffs it, and maybe even gives it a nudge. This action speaks volumes: “See? Nothing scary here at all!”
In each scenario, the mother dog communicates through her actions, guiding her pups to interpret the situation and respond accordingly. Similarly, as dog owners, we must be mindful of our actions and the signals we convey to our furry companions.
Standing back, displaying signs of distress, or retreating when your dog encounters something new only reinforces their concerns and validates their fear. Instead, by adopting a calm and confident demeanour, and perhaps even approaching the object yourself to show it’s harmless, you can reassure your dog without saying a word.
Remember, in the canine world, actions speak volumes. So, the next time you’re out with your canine companion and they encounter the unknown, let your actions convey the message: “You’re safe with me.”
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