Not all prompts will be suitable for all dog-human relationships. For example, some dogs may not feel safe playing, or they might have health issues limiting play. In addition, your surroundings need to be considered—play may not be safe on all surfaces (e.g., slippery surfaces, around other dogs who may get over-excited, etc.). Older dogs, dogs with health issues, and dogs who are uncomfortable with human touch or play may not enjoy some of these prompts. It is up to the participants to use their knowledge and understanding of their dogs to ensure safety.
Before beginning, please review these two websites, which outline common behaviours and expressions that dogs’ use when nervous and/or fearful:
https://ontariospca.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Canine-ladder-of-aggression.pdf
https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-and-how-to-relieve-it
If, at any point during the study, you or your dog are not enjoying the proposition, please do not continue.
[August 19th to October 13th]
Get down on the ground and follow your dog’s movements when they seem particularly happy. Feel how they move in your own body. Use adaptations where necessary.
Collaboration request: : Pay attention to your bodily movements, and come up with a lingering question that you have for your dog.
Collaboration Request Week Seven
When he’s happy, I would say that my eight year old dog would just lay down near me, put his head on my lap and just let out a sigh of contentment before he closes his eyes.