This quick 10-minute trick could help ease your dog’s anxiety
A simple bedtime story could make all the difference if your dog is prone to anxiety or boundless energy.
According to dog trainer Terry Cuyler, reading aloud to your pet can have a powerful calming effect, helping them feel more relaxed and secure.
Veterinary specialist at YuMove, Terry, explained: “When you read aloud to a dog, your voice can signal them to relax. Dogs are very good at sensing our tone, and when we talk calmly and soothingly, it helps them feel peaceful.”
A TikTok video from Dogs Trust recently showed volunteers reading to dogs at the shelter, helping them settle before sleep. The charity noted that some dogs “love the comforting voice of a human,” while others simply enjoy the “safe feeling of someone being there.”
Terry suggests opting for simple books with clear, distinct words, as dogs can understand between 15 and 89 words on average. “I’d suggest focusing on simplistic books with words that are clearly different from each other, with no more than three or four syllables, so they sound distinct. They should be read in a calm, soothing tone,” he advises.
Beyond relaxation, a regular reading routine can provide a sense of consistency for your dog, which is especially beneficial for those prone to nervousness or hyperactivity.
“I have seen many times that dogs who are a bit too energetic or nervous can relax when their owners read to them in a gentle, calm voice,” Terry adds. “It seems like it helps build trust and supports good behaviour.”
How to tell if a dog is stressed
But how can you tell if your pet is stressed in the first place? Dr Charlotte Rice, Senior Veterinary Technical Manager at YuMove, recommends the “P.E.E.P test” to spot signs of anxiety:
P = Posture: Is your pet hunched over or cowering? Are they tense or defensive?
E = Eyes: Are their eyes wide, or are their pupils dilated?
E = Ears: Are their ears flat or pinned back?
P = Position: Are they turning away, hiding, or trying to flee?
“If your dog or cat is showing any of these behaviours, they may well be experiencing stress,” Dr Rice continues.
So, if your pet could use a little extra reassurance, a few minutes of reading each evening might just be the soothing ritual they need.
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