Just like us, our hounds need their personal space. And just as we ask our fellow humans to respect our space, it’s important we do the same for our hounds. Let’s delve into what we mean by respecting their space, and why it’s so important.
Why is it important to respect your hound’s space?
You’ve probably seen it on social media – someone films as another person sits close to their dog, laughing and ignoring their dog’s yawns and gaze averting. A few months later they post that they are having issues with their dog.
Not respecting your hound’s space could be anything from sitting too close to their bed, touching them, leaning over them and more.
Continuous and unwanted attention can be stressful for a dog of any breed. When your pooch lets you know they are feeling stressed but you continue to ignore those signals, even the most gentle hound might feel the need to escalate their communication. This could start small, turn into a growl and then eventually result in a snap or a bite.
Giving your hound space means they have time out to de-stress and recharge, and feel safe and secure in their own space. They will be less likely to feel anxious and overwhelmed, a positive for their overall wellbeing.
What signs do you need to look out for?
- A growl is your hound’s way of communicating. If you are standing near their bed and they growl at you, it’s an obvious sign they want you to give them space. Respect the growl and understand that they are simply trying to tell you they need space.
- Look out for body language like stiffening, yawning, lip licking, whale eye (showing whites of the eyes), a tucked tail and flattened ears.
- Be aware of the more subtle signals dogs use to de-escalate situations, like averting gaze, licking lips, or offering a submissive posture.
How can we set our hounds up for success?
- Imagine they have their own personal safety bubble around them, and make sure you never step into it unless you’ve practised the consent test first.
- Ensure your hound has a designated bed space away from the busy areas in your house where they can relax and feel secure. They’ll know they can retreat here if they do feel stressed. It’s so important as hound guardians that we always remember not to approach them while they are on their bed. More on that here.
- Always ask for consent before petting a dog and ensure children have been taught the same. We’ve put together some great information on setting your hound and kids up for success here.
- Don’t force affection.
- Recognise their signs of fear, like those listed earlier.
Let’s all remember to respect our hound’s space, building a strong and trusting relationship and happier and healthier dogs.