It’s tempting to pack your vacation itinerary. When you travel, there are so many things you want to do and see! However, new experiences can overwhelm dogs and cause excessive behavior. Learn how to recognize overstimulation and how to help your puppy if it happens.
think about vacation like a dog
Dogs are more susceptible to overstimulation when they are away from home, their schedules, and the places they usually go.
This is not rocket science. Imagine for a moment that you are driven by your sense of smell and that your nose is a thousand times more sensitive to the scents around you. You’ve grown accustomed to the scents of your home and (to some extent) your neighborhood. But then your family drives you to a new city, you stay in a hotel with other pets, and you walk a road you’ve never walked before. This experience will surprise you with new smells that will blow your mind.
Remember, scientists estimate that dogs are as intelligent as a two-year-old. Experiencing sensory overload can make even the most mature puppy look like an overwhelmed human baby or toddler.
find your dog’s balance
Don’t get me wrong. Most dogs love to explore new places. The key is finding the right balance. Getting to know your dog will help you determine how comfortable it is to be exposed to new things.
Some dogs are more sensitive than others. Also, puppies and very old dogs can be overstimulated more easily than resilient middle-aged dogs.
Depending on how often you travel with your pet, your pet’s personality, and the intensity level of the places you visit, your pet may be overstimulated while traveling. So it’s important to know what it looks like. And to plan before it happens.
read more ⇒ training a dog for travel
signs of overstimulation
Each dog is different. And what one person thinks is a hyper bulldog may seem downright cold to someone who lives with a working Border Collie. No one knows your dog better than you, so you have to decide. However, there are some signs of overexcitement to look out for.
1. Bad manners
If a well-trained dog suddenly forgets how to sit, puts all four paws on the floor, or comes over when called, it may be overstimulated. Note that the dog cannot be expected to remember the training until it has recovered from sensory overload. So don’t put them in a situation that could have bad consequences.
2. Pull the lead
If your normally docile dog begins to pull on the leash with determination, it may be over the threshold. Be careful when walking hyper dogs. Dogs who are overly preoccupied with new scents and experiences can get hurt if they decide to sniff something on the other side of the road without warning.
read more ⇒ Teach your traveling dog to stop pulling on the leash
3. Increased prey drive
Your dog may be having a blast with deer and squirrels in your backyard, but an overstimulated dog may have a different reaction. Remember, his circuit is overloaded. The sudden appearance of an armadillo or lizard can unleash a dog’s inner hunter instincts. So be prepared when hiking in new places.
4. barking or wailing
Overstimulation can also cause your dog to vocalize more than normal. Being overwhelmed is uncomfortable, so your dog may bark or whine to relieve tension.
5. Refusal of food
Do you rely on treats to keep your dog focused at home? Well, it may not work if the dog is overstimulated. At the very least, you’ll need far more valuable treats to break the static. Consider rare steak or chicken liver scraps instead of traditional kibble and peanut butter treats.
Don’t get annoyed when your dog exhibits this kind of behavior. Yes, it can be frustrating, but they can’t control themselves. With a little care, you’ll be back to being a familiar travel companion in no time.
Hyperdogs: what they look like in real life
The first time I witnessed a dog experiencing hypervigilance was while traveling with Ty and Buster.
We drove to San Antonio for the weekend. After a long journey with a few stops along the way, we arrived at the hotel just in time for dinner.
We expected the boys to be tired. But Buster was totally keying up!
He smelled the whole room. Several times.
I checked the sofa.
I inspected the bed.
I ran up and down the hallway from the bathroom to the living room to recharge.
We enjoyed the view from the balcony.
And I got a drink from the toilet. *I didn’t make it in time to stop him!*
It took about an hour for Buster to relax enough to lie down, but every time Rod or I moved, Buster would get up again to see what we were doing.
We ordered room service and decided to watch a movie so Buster could relax.
read more ⇒ Dogs barking in hotel rooms: tips for staying quiet
The next day we went out exploring. Naturally, the boys were drawn to every bush, tree, and bush. So we took the time to check the emails left by every passing dog. After all, they were on vacation too!
read more ⇒ Pet-Friendly San Antonio: Explore the Riverwalk
However, after walking around town for a few hours, I noticed that the dogs were both pulling on their leashes. Neither had even registered our request for attention. Then they both stopped exploring their surroundings. Not even a treat could interest them.
They had reached their maximum saturation point and needed a break. straight away. We took it back to our hotel and unpacked.
Help calm hyper dogs
If your My dog is extremely agitated, do you know what to do?
The good news is that overstimulation is not a fatal symptom. You can even take your pet out for a drive. Here are some tips to help your pet recover if it becomes overwhelmed.
1. Provide a comfortable retreat
Make the place you are staying your temporary “home base”. When you arrive, let your dog explore the shelter until he is satisfied. Whether it’s a pet-friendly hotel room or a guest room at your in-laws’ house, we all want it to be a relaxing sanctuary. Use body language to convey that message to your puppy.
In other words, when you arrive, you shouldn’t be in a hurry to drop your bags and run. Instead, put your feet up, read a book, or take a nap. Everything you want to see and do is waiting for you when you’re ready.
2. Let’s go home
Bring something that smells like home. A favorite blanket, toy, or dog bed will make your puppy more comfortable and help him relax in his new place.
3. Use consistent toilet spots
When you arrive at your new location, choose a spot for your pet to defecate. And use that spot for the duration of your stay.
Giving your dog a consistent place to do his work allows him to focus on his duties rather than another opportunity to explore.
4. Take a break
When you’re ready to start exploring, watch for behaviors that indicate your dog is reaching his intake limit. As soon as your puppy starts to get distracted, revert to old behavior patterns, or forget obedience skills, it’s time for a break. At that point, it’s in everyone’s best interest to find a quiet place to relax.
4. Encourage calming activities
Dogs find sniffing and licking relaxing. Think of it the same way humans take deep breaths to calm their anxiety.
You can encourage your dog to calm down by licking or sniffing something. For example, spread squeeze cheese, peanut butter, or cream cheese on a plate. lick the mat (Amazon affiliate link). Alternatively, find a quiet corner in the park and scatter a few dog grains in the grass for your dog to find. Using your tongue or nose will reduce your excitement.
5. Teach your dog to stay calm
Finally, some dogs need help finding their off switch. You have to teach your dog how to rest in different environments. (Of course, this must be done in advance.)
A great way to teach your dog to relax is to teach him the “mat” cue.
First, put a towel or mat on the floor. Give your dog a treat when you interact with it (looking at it, approaching it, stepping on it). Gradually, reward him only for lying on the mat.
Once your dog is reliably lying on the “mat” every time you put it down, start increasing the distractions he can deal with.
read more ⇒ 5 Commands Traveling Dogs Should Know and How to Teach Them
Using something light for your “mat”, such as a towel or part of an old yoga mat, allows you to take it with you when you travel. Give your dog a comfortable place to relax wherever they are. And it’s especially handy when your dog learns to use it on the patio of a pet-friendly restaurant.
(See below for more on this subject. Dr. Karen Overall’s Pet Relaxation Protocol. )
Manage Hyper Dog Behavior
To manage your dog’s unusual behavior while traveling, you need to be patient. Remember that your dog is going through new things and is doing his best to take it all in. Learning to accept all things well takes time.
You can expect to spend a significant amount of time observing your dog surveying its surroundings. Remember, your dog is not becoming cranky or stubborn. He just has to follow his nose! And he practices calming himself by sniffing it.
Hyper dog walks that are overwhelmed by their surroundings are not fun for everyone. But with care, you can build confidence in your pet and everyone will have a great time on their next pet trip.
Has your dog experienced overstimulation? What caused it?
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