Holiday Stress

Holiday stress. We all feel it during this season whether you are like me and get your shopping completed before Thanksgiving or like Meg who won't finish until Christmas Eve. We all know the adverse effects of stress but often do little to combat it.

What about your canine companion? Do you ever think of their stress? As a dog daycare owner we often see signs of stress before the human family. Why you ask? Well, think of it, we spend as much as 10 awake hours with your canine on a regular basis. During the work week you can't spend that many awake hours with them (unless you have sleep issues). So, the staff and I are aware of doggie stressors.

Weekend visitor(s) = stress (even if the human(s) are a favorite with the canine)

Pregnancy = stress. The dog probably knew you were pregnant before you did because you SMELL different!

New home/apartment/hovel = stress.

Home life difficulties = stress.

Too few/too many/changing rules = stress.

Poor human leadership & human boundaries = stress.

New job/schedule/activities = stress.

New cat/dog in the home = stress.

Holidays = stress.

Unhappy, emotional, overwhelmed, hate job, etc. = stress.

Dogs prefer a regular schedule. Notice I didn't say rigid - just regular. They don't necessarily like surprises. They enjoy a variety of walks around the neighborhood not the same old one all the time. Regularity not rigidity.

Here at YLD we stick to a schedule. Wake up. Go potty. Eat breakfast. Rest. Welcome daycare dogs. Go outside. Play. Have nap. Go outside. Play. Eat dinner or go home. Rest. Go potty. Go to sleep. Do it all again tomorrow. The venue may stay the same but the pack of dogs varies from one day to the next. Regularity prevents or may curb stress in your canine companion.

Think about your dog's stress. It's important.

Peace,
Wendy

PS. More on stress later so we all have time to contemplate.