Whether or not you are curious about the personalities you see on social media, here at Behavior United, we want you to be your pet’s top influencer. How do you make it to the top of the rankings? Start with a safe haven, find the midas touch, talk less, and play more! 

A Safe Haven

Start by creating a pet-only space called a safe haven zone. A safe haven zone is a space in your home where your pet can be left alone. You don’t call your pet out of this space. You don’t approach your pet when they’re in this space. If it’s time for walkies, you pick up the leash and walk to where they can see you. Your dog can choose to leave the space for the walk or stay tucked in. 

How do you create a safe haven zone? This might be a covered crate in a quiet space. This might be a sofa in the basement or a specific chair in the living room. This might be a pet bed tucked away — or even your own bed. 

Once you’ve created it, how will your pet know this is their safe haven zone? Whenever they’re not looking, add novelty to this space. This encourages your pet to explore the space on their own. Add novelty by dropping a few treats or new toys, spreading some packing paper around, adding a pheromone diffuser, or playing sounds your pet would find interesting in the safe haven zone. 

Remember, don’t call them into their space! Your pet should explore this space on their own. 

Once your pet is in their safe haven zone, leave them alone. You might be surprised by how much influence something as simple as a safe haven zone has over your pet’s interactions with you. 

The Midas Touch

Now that you’ve created a space where your dog can rest without interruption, what’s next? Finding another favorite spot, but this one is that hard to reach spot on their body where your pet can just never quite scratch on their own. On the neck, under the collar, or under the chin — wherever you find that particularly “ahhh” inducing moment where your pet melts into you. 

Gently massaging your pet’s shoulders, back legs, or paws may have them coming back for more whenever they’re sore. 

Placing your thumb on the inside of your dog’s ear and your index finger on the outside of your dog’s ear and sliding towards the ear tip with gentle constant pressure may have some dogs placing their head in your lap asking for more. 

Not all pets enjoy the midas touch and some dogs have handling issues, so please be mindful and respectful. Be sure to brush up on body language so you’re correctly reading your pet’s response. 

Talk Less

Being humans, we communicate through words. Dogs and cats don’t communicate through words — they communicate through actions via body language. Your pet likely knows some words as cues you’ve taught them. Imagine how exhausting it must be to constantly be scanning the sounds you're making for that one word or phrase that gets them a reward! When your pets listen to your running stream-of-consciousness description of your daily lives, they’re very likely to tune you out.

Play More

Does your pet’s toy box sit mostly untouched? Sure, your pet may grab a toy and play by themselves on occasion, but your pet is more likely to get that best day ever vibe from playing with you! Don’t just let the tug toy hang lifelessly from your hand. Make it slink across the floor like a snake, or move erratically like that squirrel trying to cross the street. 

Dribble the ball, turn, and run before tossing it for your dog. Watch how movement really grabs your pet’s attention and interest. 

Since pets mostly have unfettered access to us all the time, we need to be especially mindful of our interactions with them. Our pets spark joy for us, and we need to return the favor. By using these tips, you can be your pet's influencer for living a joyful life with you.