Science has identified that the relationship between a pet and their family is mutually beneficial. Controlled research in anthrozoology has proved that pets can buffer stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure, give social support, help you stay in shape, and prevent certain types of sickness.
Studies have also shown that pets are equally beneficial to children. A good relationship between a child and a pet will encourage cognitive stimulation, improve behavior, create a heightened understanding of others, increase immunity, and lower anxiety levels.
It is also very beneficial, and in my opinion, imperative for children to be involved in the training process of puppies and new dogs. With guidance, children of any age can learn and administer the following methods and techniques. *Be sure to consider the temperament, age, and physical condition of the pet when utilizing these modalities.
Purposeful Play— Take the time to be fully engaged with your pet during play (it can be fun for you too!). Use caution when playing with puppies under a year old. Excessive running, jumping, pulling or tugging can be harmful to the joints that are not fully developed. Be sure to monitor the intensity and duration of play with any pet of any age. Some breeds will continue to exert themselves as long as there is an arm available to throw a ball or a hand willing to tug a toy.
Senior pets can still engage in modified play. In fact, this interaction can stimulate their mental state, improve their mood and support their quality of life. Experiment with modifications to your pet’s favorite form of play and get creative!
My 14-year-old German shepherd and 16-year-old labrador enjoyed laying on their beds and rolling a ball back and forth with me using their noses. Both dogs had corrective orthopedic procedures at younger ages, and like most senior pets, developed arthritis. So, going for walks was no longer an appropriate form of exercise for them. This engagement and mental stimulation kept them young at heart.
A quick search for “mental exercise for dogs” will provide ideas and activities. Some benefits include improving behavior with other people, as well as with other dogs or cats. Preventing boredom, which can help eliminate undesired behaviors like excessive barking, chewing on household items, scratching doors or furniture, and digging. Not to mention that mental exercise makes them happy.
Examples of mental exercise include:
Puzzle toys, many of which can be DIY. Continue to challenge your pet by rotating these toys or providing a variety.
Thinking games like hide and seek or teach your dog the name of their toys for an advanced form of fetch.
New tricks and training. By the way, old dogs can learn new tricks…and they should! Teach new tricks yourself or enroll them in a training or obedience class (regardless of their age or existing abilities).
Quick outings allow your dog to experience new things. Find a new place to walk, take them for a car ride when you run errands, or find stores which welcome pets, so they can shop with you.
Quality Time. Nothing comes close to the effect of just spending time with your pet and letting them spend quality time with others. Simply talking and interacting with your dog while at home will greatly benefit both of you.
Purposeful Petting— This intentional form of touch can soothe, calm, comfort, relax, and provide relief to your dog or cat. Sit quietly with your pet. Avoid the television, computer, or phone. Give them your full attention and allow yourself to be in the moment with them. Observe how your pet responds to different strokes, pressure, and/or the parts of your hand used. Be mindful and considerate with areas of known sensitivity and be sure to observe your pet’s responses along the way. Also, make note of lumps, bumps or new areas of sensitivity and inform your veterinarian.
Techniques or strokes include:
Slow, smooth, and long
Soft and sweeping- either short or long
Circular- in either a small or large circumference
Soft and gentle patting
Kneading or rocking
Areas to target include:
center of the forehead, between the brow
length of ear flaps or edges of cropped ears
base of ears and jaw
length of back- use caution along the spine
chest and forelimbs
quads and hamstrings
feet and toes- *if your pet allows
Engage with your pets. Play with your pets. Relax with your pets. It’s mutually beneficial!
Renette Drozdov, CVT, CCFT, CHTAP is certified as a Veterinary Technician, Canine Fitness Trainer, and Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner. She lives in Port Huron.
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Dogs have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Their unconditional love has provided a lifeline of emotional support during some very dark times. In the aftermath of a failed relationship and a thoroughly broken heart, being accountable to my dogs, and needing to care for them, literally gave me a reason to get up and carry on living. I was struggling with a very bad episode of depression—the kind that comes with such crushing, completely debilitating fatigue that it’s nearly impossible to get out of bed.