When we have dogs, we often want to be with them and care for them at all times. But did you know that sometimes "ignoring" your dog can actually be better for them? By giving your dog appropriate space, you not only help them establish healthy living habits but also strengthen the trust between you.
Here are four situations where you should choose to "temporarily ignore" your dog, allowing us to care for our pets in a wiser way.
When Your Dog is Eating
When watching their dogs eat, many pet owners can't resist talking to them: "Is it delicious?" or "Eat slowly!" Some even watch them throughout the meal. However, this behavior might make dogs feel anxious and create pressure, such as the fear that their food might be taken away if they don't finish quickly.
The correct approach is to place the food and then leave the area, allowing your dog to focus on eating. If you're still concerned, you can observe from a distance quietly.
When Chewing Dental Chews
When dogs are chewing on dental chews or treats, it is essential for owners to maintain an appropriate distance. Especially when they are eating dental chews, if you constantly watch them, it may make them feel like you want to take their food away, triggering their protective instincts and causing them to swallow quickly. This can increase the risk of choking or suffocation.
Dental chews are primarily designed to help clean teeth and are not a source of nutrition. They should not completely replace regular brushing. If you are concerned about needing to supervise your dog at all times, you might want to consider not giving them these types of treats.
When Playing Alone
When your dog is happily playing with toys by themselves, it could be because they want to keep the toys all to themselves or need to release stress through play. If we frequently interrupt or intervene at such times, we might reinforce their possessiveness or increase their stress levels. If your dog truly wants you to join in, they will likely bring the toy over to you as an invitation. It's best to interact with them at this point. Otherwise, allowing them to enjoy their alone time is the most natural approach.
When Jumping Up
When dogs jump up excitedly towards people, it's important to firmly ignore this behavior. Not only can jumping lead to the dog slipping, twisting, or breaking bones, but it can also cause harm to young children or elderly individuals. When a dog is jumping around due to excitement, we should guide it to "sit" or "stay", helping it calm down.
Conclusion
Ignoring your pet dog is not about neglecting it, but rather about allowing it to live comfortably and happily. Understanding when to maintain distance not only reduces stress for the dog but also helps it develop good behavioral habits.
