Is Your Dog Stressing You Out? A Stress Detox Could Be What You’re Missing…

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Do you feel like screaming to the heavens “help my dog is stressing me out!” Do they pull around whilst on leash? Bark at other dogs or people? Display frantic behaviours indoors and outdoors? Struggle to settle down? Seem to struggle learning what you actually want from them?

If this sounds like your dog and it feels like everything you’re trying still isn’t working then maybe what you need is a detox. In this blog post discover more about a stress detox and why it can be very beneficial for both dog and owner to achieve your goals.

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What Is A Stress Detox?

A stress detox is a period of time where you focus on reducing/eliminating the stress from your dog (and yourself really).

This can be as little as 3 days but for some dogs who struggle with self regulation this may take longer. Dogs that have constantly been in a chronic state of stress may find that they need a detox period over 2 weeks to reach the desired results.

Whatever the time frame, the goal of this detox is to eliminate stress. This is by reducing anything that is stressful to the dog and replacing it with meaningful activities but also focusing on rest and relaxation.

The relaxation periods are critical as good quality sleep is needed to eliminate stress and unwanted toxins from the body. By getting to a point of deep REM sleep the mind and body can start to heal, release the harmful things and replace them with better feel good chemicals.

For this reason we need to make sure that our dogs are being provided with the right exercise and stimulation throughout the day so that they can start to tap into this deep sleep.

Even though this may sound easy for a lot of dogs you’ll be surprised how hard this is for some.

A lot of dogs don’t have their needs met and don’t have enough quality exercise or stimulation to help them reach that level of deep sleep.

Instead a lot of dogs run around like maniacs at dog parks, get thrown a ball without any structure, or go on really long walks where they continuously bark and pull and become overstimulated on walks.

The above isn’t good quality exercise, especially for dogs that may suffer from reactivity. These activities will keep the dog in a highly stressed level through the day until they can settle themselves down.

Why A Regular Detox Is So Important

As mentioned early, some of our dogs just don’t have their needs being met. They go on walks and perform the wrong kind of exercise which in turn does more harm than good.

I honestly think a lot of dogs could do from regular periods of stress detoxing and this doesn’t include just challenging dogs.

We’ve all been told dogs need sufficient exercise and stimulation, yet this is difficult for some of us. Some of us have obligations and other commitments and sometimes things get crazy and our dogs end up being dragged through their routine.

Dogs that struggle with regulation and those that are in a chronic state of stress all the time would benefit from regular detoxing though.

We’ve all been stressed before and we know what the effects are like on our own bodies and the risks it poses after a long period of time.

Dogs that are constantly stressed or can’t “shake it off” end up being tense, reactive, pushy, make poor decisions, struggle to think clearly and take the guidance needed. Over time these behavioural issues start becoming a norm for the dog, even habitual.

A regular detox every few months can help bring your dog down to a baseline of calm plus it’s a great way to rebuild that relationship which may be struggling due to these challenges.

The Downsides of Stress

If you find yourself complaining “my dog is stressing me out” then chances are that they are also stressed and struggling to control it.

A lot of people forget that dogs also have behaviours that are more reactions than they have no control over or that some struggle to have control over.

It may seem like your dog is acting crazy or frantic in spite of you or that they don’t listen to you when you need them to pay attention around distractions.

A key point to remember is that dogs that are chronically stressed or struggle with regulation will have a harder time processing information, taking direction and thinking clearly, especially if they stay in that situation.

Who Would Benefit From A Detox?

Dogs that suffer from reactivity, anxiety, overarousal issues, hyperactivity, inability to self regulate, OCD type behaviours and dogs that have been in a chronic state of stress.

There’s a strong chance every dog will benefit from going through a detox at some point in their lives.

If you’re trying to teach a new behaviour then wouldn’t it be easier to get your dog to a trainable baseline? A lot of reactive dogs seem to struggle with constant reactions, taking some time off to eliminate that stress will actually help your dog think clearer and follow direction in these scenarios.

If you have a dog that doesn’t seem to be able to settle no matter how much place training you do then detoxing can help. Cutting out stressful activities and adding in activities that benefit the dog along with time to rest and relax can help make settling down easier for the dog.

You know who would also benefit from this detox?
You! Yes you!

I guarantee if you’re having issues with your dog then you may be a bit frustrated, there might be some tension or even frays in the relationship currently.

One thing I love about a detox is that you cut walking out and replace it with meaningful exercise. This means a mundane and frustrating daily task that you may have struggled with doesn’t have to cause the both of you anxiety, instead you can work on better things.

A detox can help to reset the bond and relationship you have with your dog. By doing more meaningful activities, setting time to play, eat and also setting boundaries, you are not only going to mould a calmer dog.

If you follow the detox until you have the desired results, I guarantee by the time you get to the end your relationship will be so much better. From intentionally spending time with your dog, but also from understanding more about them in this time.

How To Detox…

The process of a detox is simple in theory – stop anything that stresses your dog out whilst replacing it with exercise and other useful activities.

The thing is all dogs are different, some are more stressed than others, some struggle more with regulation, some don’t get as much exercise as needed and so forth.

With this in mind the first thing to do is have a selection of activities to fill your dogs day with; sensory, physical exercise, problem solving. Having a selection allows you to see what kind of things your dog really enjoys and what they don’t.

Once you have your list, the next thing to do is craft your day. I like splitting my day into about 3 sections (morning, mid afternoon and evening).

For the first day you are just seeing what works and what doesn’t. You want to take notes if possible but mainly observe your dog. This will help when it comes to shaping your day 2. Did the dog get stressed at any activity? Would you do anything different?!

Notes are the key to victory here. Regardless of how long you take a detox, by taking notes as you go you can slowly start to create the perfect detox day and schedule for your dog since you’ll know what works and what doesn’t.

Download My FREE Detox Guide!

You can download my free detox guide here. This guide is packed with over 20 pages of information to help you create the perfect detox.

This includes an easy to follow detox challenge, an example for inspiration and also a selection of activities that you can include in your detox.

Just remember this detox is based on Jasper, but by providing you with an example 3 days and notes you should be able to go on to create your own.

Final Thoughts

If you have a dog that gets overstimulated on walks, a reactive dog, a dog that is living in chronic state of stress, a dog you are trying to teach new behaviours, or if your dog is just stressing you out then this detox is for you.

Once both you and your dog reset and detox you’ll both be ready to take on whatever the world sets at you.

Remember, the elimination of stress leads to calmer behaviours, better choices and the following of guidance. Take back the reins and become a team again with your dog!