Confrontations Stress Out Your Pooch

Do you squabble with another human in front of your pup? Have you ever noticed their reaction? Being in the heat of the moment, it's easy to forget you have a witness watching the confrontation unfold, and it does have an impact in your pup. Even disciplining your kids loudly can have an adverse impact.



Veterinary behaviorists indicate that dogs normally produce cortisol in their systems to handle short-term stressful situations. However, when humans argue, your pooch doesn't understand what's happening and feels helpless. Should that kind of helplessness continues, it could result in long-term cortisol exposure.



Long-term cortisol exposure has many side effects for your precious pooch. These may include impairment of the immune system, stunted growth, hypertension and a wasting away of muscle mass. Also, you may see behavioral changes in your pooch. Things like aggressiveness, anxiousness and destructiveness have been noted. Trying to train your dog with these behavioral traits present would be more challenging.



So the best thing is not to argue in front of your pooch. However ideal, probably not reality. There are a few options you can take to lessen any adverse impact your pup internalizes to our lesser side of human actions.



If you know words are going to be exchanged, remove your dog to another area before it starts. If one just breaks out, take a minute to move your dog to another room. In either of these circumstances, take along a favorite toy to keep your pooch busy. If you don't realize your have a furry witness until the confrontation is over, then be sure to get her moving right after. Spend time playing with her or take her for a walk.



Dogs are much like human children in that they react to adult behavior. You always hear that kids see and internalize what their parents do. It's not much different with our furry best friends.



About the Author



Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You'll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, large dog beds, pet strollers and more at http://petbedsunlimited.com.