CANINE BEHAVIOUR
Parlez Vous POOCH?! Blogger and qualified ‘Dog Listener’ Julia Collins reveals how touch can help us to bond and communicate better with our furry pals
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f the five senses we possess, touch is probably the one we are most able to share closely with our dogs. Few of us have failed to appreciate the soothing, heart-warming effect of ruffling or stroking the coat of a friendly dog. It has been proven many a time just how therapeutic this contact is for us. I wonder if tapping into the clear, uncomplicated energy of an animal, powerfully (if sometimes temporarily due to our temperaments and priorities) feeds us something we lack in our human, driven way of life? As well as appreciating this beautiful source of comfort, we
can also use the art of touch to communicate with our dogs in many other ways. Reassurance While it’s unwise to ‘sympathise’ with a frightened dog, endorsing and joining with their fear with ‘there, there, baby’ cuddling – it is hugely helpful to demonstrate calm, dependable leadership. A confident, reassuring touch and attitude invites a nervous dog to join your stronger, unaffected approach. Instruction Dogs very easily become fixated on things. I have often found it very effective to flick my dog on the shoulder or chestt with the back of my hand to o bring their attention back to me and away from the distraction – be it someth hing running on the ho orizon, the postman n or bin men’s arrival, or obsessiion with a toy. This action can snap your furry friend out of an ob bsessive ‘I want it, I waant it’ mode by interrup pting with ‘Hey! Pay attention!’ Praise Nearly alll our dogs enjoy an nd appreciate an edible trreat when th hey have su uccessfully co ompleted a taask. Don’t
we nearly always accompany this with a stroke or pat? We want to convey our pride, admiration, affection and pleasure and do so instinctively! If we bump into our dog or accidentally step on a paw or tail, we automatically say sorry and caress the dog, stroking the head, gently cradling the offended area? I’m sure most dog owners recognise the comfort a dog can give, leaning against us when we’re relaxing, or even upset. To convey the deep love we feel for our dogs, we smile at and touch them many times a day. In fact, I bet you do so as frequently as you interact with the humans sharing your home! Every time we look into our pet’s eyes and stroke their soft, warm coat, aren’t we so, so lucky to experience the trust and love they beam back at us?! Parlez Vous POOCH?! articles are also available on the Oracle, an audio information magazine for visually impaired listeners, which is part of Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspapers. To access all the Talking Newspaper recordings, go to www.watn.org.uk
Julia Collins @walksoflifessuffolk www.walksoflife.co.uk 27
