Decompression
dog is laying in dirt after digging a hole
🐾 The Importance of Decompression for Your Dog
Just like humans, who often feel the need to fill every minute, our dogs also benefit from learning how to switch off. Constantly being "on" can lead to increased anxiety because neither we nor our dogs allow for proper decompression during the day. For a dog, even a stimulating walk or a training session can be mentally taxing. A balanced day for your dog should have physical exercise mixed with mental stimulation and lots of decompression time.
Teaching the "Off Switch" with "PLACE"
We use the "PLACE" command to teach dogs this fundamental skill of cognitive processing and resting. Using PLACE after an exciting activity, like a walk or a training session, guides your dog into the right mental state and helps them practice this crucial "down time."
You'll know your dog is mastering this when they willingly go to their PLACE and settle themselves, sometimes even closing their eyes. When they are resting there, it is vital that they are not bothered—keep children and other pets away to allow for proper, uninterrupted decompression.
Other Forms of Canine Decompression
The "PLACE" command is one form of structured rest, but there are many other natural ways dogs decompress. These often involve instinctual behaviors:
Chewing
Licking
Sniffing
Destroying
Digging
Your dog's breed and individual preferences will determine which activities they enjoy most. For instance, a terrier often thrives on sniffing and destroying things in a simulated "hunt," while puppies especially enjoy chewing, particularly during teething. Digging is a favored outlet for breeds like Border Collies, and sometimes a simple fix like a 'dig pit' (a raised bed of sand/dirt) is all they need.
Providing these decompression outlets throughout the day will reduce anxiety and help your dog rest better.
Favorite Decompression Activities & Enrichment Tools
Here are some excellent ways to integrate these activities into your dog's day:
🦴 Chewing: Offer satisfying, long-lasting chews such as frozen produce, dehydrated fish skins or trachea, or durable chew toys like BetterBone.
👅 Licking: Use enrichment toys like lickimats, West Paw Toppls, or Kongs. Spread a sugar-free paste your dog enjoys. Baby food pouches are a great way to introduce new flavors without added sugar, but always double-check that the ingredients contain absolutely no onions or grapes.
👃 Sniffing (Foraging): Turn recycling into a game! Gather small cardboard boxes or egg cartons, cardboard tubes (paper towel/toilet paper rolls), and plain brown packing paper. Create a "snuffle box" and sprinkle their kibble and/or treats into the crevices. This is an engaging foraging activity that taps into a dog's strongest sense.
🌪️ Destroying: For dogs like terriers who love the thrill of ripping things up, give them a safe outlet. Use the items from the sniffing activity above and let them tear everything to pieces. It's messy, but it’s a huge mental release!
Your dog doesn't need to be entertained every second of the day. In fact, intentionally teaching them how to decompress is what reduces anxiety and creates calmer, happier dogs.
