How to Evaluate De-Escalation Activities

In this video, KPA CTP Ellen Yoakum demonstrates how small activities can make big impacts on our pets’ behavior. With the help of Griffey and Laika, Ellen demonstrates how you, too, can observe how different activities can lead to increased relaxation in their safe spaces. 

In step 1, come up with a short list of options to trial and evaluate with your pet. If you’re just starting out, something that promotes licking, sniffing, or chewing is a good starting point. 

In step 2, safely set up your pup to interact with the activity and observe what your pup does. Do you observe increased or decreased movement during the activity? Do you observe increased or decreased muscle tension? Do you observe increasing or decreasing respiration? Did the way your dog engaged with the activity meet your expectations? 

In step 3, continue to observe your pup’s behavior over the next 24 hours. Does the amount the dog moves throughout the day change? Does the dog spend more or less time in new locations? Do you observe interruptions in the dog’s patterns, like resting later into the day or more interest in further activity? 

In step 4, assess whether or not this activity, presented in this way helps you meet your goals. Is this an activity to add to your pet’s enrichment menu? If so, then increased rest, relaxation, and play are all successes toward your goals! 

Happy Training!