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FOTD GRIEF SPRAY SUGGESTED BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATIONS |
FOTD BEHAVIOUR SPRAY - GRIEF SPRAY - SUGGESTED BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATIONS
With a dog that is suffering from grief I would suggest not only spraying that particular dog if there are more dogs in the family, then spray them as well. A major change has come about in the dynamics of the pack and there will be stress present. As the spray helps dogs to de-stress and cope, so too will the spray help other members of the family as well.
I would suggest spraying the dog at least twice a day and also spray where the dog sleeps and if the depression is very bad, then spray about 4 times a day.
Some tips to help the dog cope
I would suggest spraying the dog at least twice a day and also spray where the dog sleeps and if the depression is very bad, then spray about 4 times a day.
Some tips to help the dog cope
- Don't pander to the dog or make a big fuss of it. Yes, your dog is definitely not happy however if you fuss and pay too much attention there is a good chance that the dog will keep on engaging in the behaviour because it is so rewarding. Rather do short periods on a regular basis of the TTouch and Acupressure below - this will have a much more beneficial affect.
- Walks, walks, walks! As many daily walks as you can and I have found that it is better to do a few short one's during the day rather than just one long one and they don't have to be fast - in fact the slower you go and the more that you let the dog sniff and smell, the more effective the walk will be. Dogs investigate their world by scenting and this will help to balance the serotonin levels and result in the dog feeling more relaxed and able to cope.
- Anything the dog likes - games of ball, a game of pullies, scenting or digging in the garden (if you have a digging pit of course). As above with the walks, I have found that short regular bouts are more beneficial that one long one.
- A really nice chew toy such as a Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude or a Kong. These can be stuffed and provide excellent stimulation. If the dog is not used to a Kong, then try a raw femur bone, however make sure that the dog is supervised as even tho' the femur bone is the safest bone to give, dogs can choke or swallow a large part. If you are not sure, check with your vet.
- Before we go onto the TTouch and Acupressure - your own emotions will probably be very low as well - you have lost a beloved friend - do not hesitate to get help if you need it and on my website at link below, on the Dog Stuff page you will find articles on Pet Loss that may help you.
- TTouch is a wonderful tool to have to help your dog and if you can book a session with a Practitioner or attend a workshop, you and your dog will gain so much. TTouch has an immediate calming effect on dogs and the beauty of this modality is that it is very easy to learn, effects are accumulative, and the owner can do it. You are welcome to contact me and if I can’t help will put you in touch with a practitioner near you - [email protected]
Basic TTouches to relax your dog. It is my belief that if each and every owner learned the basics of TTouch our animals world would be a much better place!
Until you learn how to do TTouch (and Scotty does offer lessons), here is an Ear Touch you can use as well as some basic Acupressure stroking techniques - both of which, especially when done daily, will help to reduce your dogs stress levels. Although you are not doing actual Acupressure, just stroking in these areas with your fingers - using a gentle pressure, will help to reduce anxiety.
Until you learn how to do TTouch (and Scotty does offer lessons), here is an Ear Touch you can use as well as some basic Acupressure stroking techniques - both of which, especially when done daily, will help to reduce your dogs stress levels. Although you are not doing actual Acupressure, just stroking in these areas with your fingers - using a gentle pressure, will help to reduce anxiety.
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EAR TTOUCH
Stroking the ear as described, is one of the most important things you can do for your pet. Even a few minutes working on the ears can be beneficial. The ears (and base) contain over 200 acupressure points which will help a pet (or human) relax and stroking the tips of the ears can actually prevent shock. The Ear TTouch is also great for all stress, digestion, fatigue, circulation and car sickness. |
HOW TO
Gently stroke from the base of the ear to the tip. Supporting the head with one hand hold your thumb on the outside and bent fingers on the underside and stroke outwards towards and over the tip of the ear. |
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HERE ARE A FEW ACUPRESSURE STROKING TECHNIQUES THAT WILL ALSO LOWER STRESS
Yin Tang. This is found in the midline of the head just above the eyes. Stroke gently from the middle of the muzzle area and between the eyes and will feel a slight indent. This helps dogs with mental focus and clarity.
Yang Tang – This is found about one fingers width on the outside of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. Helps with fears and anxiety and anxiety related behaviour such as excessive barking to mention just one. Just stroke gently in this area.
GV20 – Found in the middle of the top of a dogs head about halfway between front edges of the ears. If your dog has a prominent occipital bump, it will be just in front of this. This is one of the main calming points on a dog and helps to calm the mind. Great for fear, anxiety, reactive behaviour. After stroking over the Yin Tang area, you can just continue stroking between the eyes and over the top of the head.
Behind the ears - the above diagram does not show this position, however just run your fingers gently behind the ears, from top to bottom. As you go to the bottom of the ear at the base of the neck, following the line of the ear, you will feel a bit of a dent - stroke back and forwards over this area. This is GB20 and very good for stress.
Bai Hui – dogs love having a good scratch in this area – they know better than us! It helps to generate energy along the spine and hind legs so great for helping older dogs. Also a very good calming point. You will find this in the middle of the back, between the hips (sacrum area) and the area feels flat to the touch and you can’t feel the spinous process underneath.
Yang Tang – This is found about one fingers width on the outside of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. Helps with fears and anxiety and anxiety related behaviour such as excessive barking to mention just one. Just stroke gently in this area.
GV20 – Found in the middle of the top of a dogs head about halfway between front edges of the ears. If your dog has a prominent occipital bump, it will be just in front of this. This is one of the main calming points on a dog and helps to calm the mind. Great for fear, anxiety, reactive behaviour. After stroking over the Yin Tang area, you can just continue stroking between the eyes and over the top of the head.
Behind the ears - the above diagram does not show this position, however just run your fingers gently behind the ears, from top to bottom. As you go to the bottom of the ear at the base of the neck, following the line of the ear, you will feel a bit of a dent - stroke back and forwards over this area. This is GB20 and very good for stress.
Bai Hui – dogs love having a good scratch in this area – they know better than us! It helps to generate energy along the spine and hind legs so great for helping older dogs. Also a very good calming point. You will find this in the middle of the back, between the hips (sacrum area) and the area feels flat to the touch and you can’t feel the spinous process underneath.