CALM YOUR DOG BEFORE BEDTIME

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CALM YOUR DOG BEFORE BEDTIME

Dog, like children, need t be calmed down before bedtime. An Active dog will be restless at night, causing him or her to over think. This will lead to your dog getting involved in naughty activities that could land him or her in deep trouble.

Activity before bedtime we need to use calming techniques to move from energetic play to bed time. Making Pre-Bed Calming a part of a regular routine can help your dog learn that it's time to settle down.

Here are three great ways to massage and relax your dog to help calm him down if you have an active evening.

BEFORE YOU START

Your dog must not think this is another play activity. Calm yourself. Give your dog a few minutes to catch his reath before you start the routine. Choose a calm, quiet location and put the toys away before you get started! Think about your voice and body language: it also can help to use a very calm tone of voice to soothe your companion before bedtime.

While you practice these calming techniques, closely watch your dogs' body language and behavior. Note and adjust to what he seems to like or feel uncomfortable and adjust accordingly. No two dogs are completely alike, you know your dog best.

1.            MASSAGE THE EARS

An ear massage is a great, natural way to promote relaxation. The ears contain many nerve endings, and can release endorphins into your dog's body when massaged.

Slowly stroke the ears using a circular movement with your finger, moving from the base of the ear outwards. Use very soft pressure, watching your dog carefully to see what he enjoys the most.

2.            LONG STROKES DOWN THE SIDE OF THE FACE AND BODY

Dogs relax while being calmly stroked. Focus on the side of the face with gentle, slow strokes, or small circular motions.

When you massage the length of the body, place your palm at the base of your dog's neck, and run it along the spine towards the base of the tail. Do not press too hard, just sweep gently down the back in a calming, repetitive, slow motion. You can end the session by pressing lightly at the base of the head and tail.

3.            RUB THE CHEST

Gently stroke your dog's chest in a circular motion. Take cues from your dog for how much pressure to apply, as too much or too fast may cause excitement. Try combining this with stroking the cheeks (Point 2, above), applying pressure in a vertical motion between the snout and forehead using your thumb.

If your dog is very active in regular sport activities that use specific muscle groups, you may also want to take this time to focus on a deeper muscle massage.

It's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or canine massage therapist for the proper technique for working with sore muscles, in the way that is most appropriate for the sports you take part in. The professional can also teach you the signs of injury or overuse and develop warm up exercises that will help reduce the chances of encountering them.

You will become aware of any subtle changes in your dog's body or health. Additional bonding time with your dog is an added benefit of any calming technique or massage.

Do you have any calming techniques you love to use with your dogs? Share them in the comments!

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