The Environmentally Sensitive Dog

As an environmentally sensitive person, I can easily become overwhelmed by too much noise, flashing lights, crowds, and more. (Vegas is not my happy place, and don’t get me started on chaotically patterned hotel carpets.) As a dog trainer, I’ve gone into many homes that were also overstimulating, to the point that not only did I want to leave, but I wanted to take the poor dog with me. In some homes, kids were screaming, running, fighting, and not listening to their parents, who were clearly tense and frustrated. Televisions or music were blaring, to be turned off only when I pointed out that the session would be much easier if it were quieter. I could go on, but you get the picture.

Environmental sensitivity is a spectrum, for both dogs and people. Just as I have friends who thrive on the noise and energy of a casino, there are dogs who seem to be right at home in the midst of constant chaotic energy. Unfortunately, there are also many dogs who, if they are unable to habituate to it, are constantly stressed, or even truly suffer. That piece of the dog behavior puzzle is not considered nearly often enough. When a trainer goes into a home, there is normally a list of things the owner wants their dog to stop doing: pulling on leash; stealing food from the counter; nipping. Or, there’s the common refrain, I just want him to listen! Fair enough. But what about how the dog is feeling? What about the underlying reasons for the behavior? Just as a dog who is bored being left in a back yard alone all day may chew the garden hose or destroy flower beds out of understimulation and boredom, the behavior of a dog who is constantly stressed out by his environment is not going to be the same as that of one who is calm and relaxed.

While it’s optimistic to believe that an entire household will change to accommodate their dog, there are things that can be done. One thing I often suggest is to give the dog a safe place he can escape to at any time, a sort of canine Zen den. Ideally, this would be a specific room such as a den or office, but if space doesn’t allow, it could even be a small area of the house that has less foot traffic than others. Screening out noise is a must. If the daily decibel level is truly high, a white noise machine could be used. If a total noise screen is not needed, sparse classical music is best, as it has been proven to be relaxing to dogs. Music streaming services offer a variety of calming music, including one of my favorites, Through a Dog’s Ear. Another good option is iCalmPet, which offers a variety of ways to provide your dog with relaxing music, including a portable Bluetooth speaker.

In addition to sound, other senses should be considered. It wouldn’t make much sense to place a dog behind a baby gate where he could still see kids running around playing or another pet cruising by. If a baby gate is the only option due to space, placing a towel or blanket over it can block the dog’s view. Shade cloth (also called garden cloth) could work as well, although it needs to be attached. Of course, a room where a door can be closed is easiest. If there is a window in the area, privacy film (also called window cling) can be placed over it to block out visual stimuli. And, of course, providing the dog with a stuffed Kong or long-lasting chew will help, not only for mental stimulation, but because chewing provides stress relief.

One last thing I’d like to mention, as it affects me personally and I know it affects many dogs as well: chemicals. There are so many chemicals in our environment nowadays, from cleaning products, to odor-concealing sprays, to self-care products and more. Perfume, or even fragrance in hair products, for example, gives me an instant, severe headache. I know I’m not the only one. I also suspect, although I have not seen studies, that many dogs are chemically sensitive to the point that it gives them a headache or makes them feel otherwise unwell. That alone is a problem, but none of us, dogs included, behaves our best when we’re in pain. It’s unhealthy to be breathing chemicals in our homes anyway, so for your sake and your dog’s, consider switching to natural products that do the job without the side effects.

In short, although regular exercise, mental stimulation, attention, and training go a long way toward keeping a dog happy and relaxed, many behavior issues, from destruction to reactivity, would be at least lessened by providing dogs with an escape from everyday environmental stressors. We need to be aware that some dogs need less stimulation than others, and it’s up to us to help them to be able to feel comfortable living in our world.

THE WILDE UPDATE: Sage is still a happy girl, going out for her daily runs and sniffaris, and getting plenty of treats and love. She's really a good girl as far as leaving things alone (whereas my other dogs were furry little thieves!) and is oh so good about letting me brush her and even remove any mats from her fur. As for me, I've had an exciting time with my wildlife photography lately. I've photographed foxes, plus two firsts for me: a weasel (who knew they were so cute!) and a mountain lion. Yes, a mountain lion! Check out the Instagram link below if you'd like to see some photos. _____________________________________________________

You can find my books and streaming seminars at www.nicolewilde.com and follow me on Facebook @NicoleWildeauthor. My mentoring service can be found at Dog Trainer's Friend. And if wildlife photos are your thing, check out my Instagram at nicolewildeart.