For Anxious Dogs And Their Owners

[greysmom]

Here's a link to a great article to read for those of us with shy, timid, anxious dogs. The "Spoon Theory" was originally for people with chronic illnesses, but it transfers beautifully to dealing with canine anxiety.

 

Unfortunately, the link to the original article in this is broken, but this piece is still very informative.

 

It's Only Funny Until Your Dog Runs Out Of Spoons

http://yourdogsfriend.org/spoon-theory-and-funny-dog-gifs/

[NeedlenoseJake]

Honestly I think this is good for pretty much any dog (or person). Jake is very calm, loves people, and would usually not be considered a "nervous" dog. However, I learned that he has limits like everyone. When we have parties at the house, such as a pool party that lasts all day, he will eventually seek quiet and has even growled at people petting him, which is so out of character. It's his way of saying that he's done for the day and we respect that. Great reminder!

[robinw]

Great article. It mentions somebody named Debbie Jacobs. She is wonderful, and helped me understand and accept Iker for the shy, fearful, loving guy that he is.

[phall]

Yes - Debbie is great. She has helped me a lot in the past too.

[Feisty49]

I've seen this article before, but it's always good to re-read something like this. Annie is so accepting and laid back she probably has 500 spoons on most days, but I am so in tune with her, how and where she sleeps, what her body language is, how her eyes look at the world, etc., that I know there are days where she has only 50 spoons.