Pet parents usually hear about hypnosis for dogs when looking for a solution for soothing their pet’s anxiety. Don’t worry; your dog won’t start quacking like a duck or clucking like a chicken after they have been hypnotized.
Instead, hypnosis for dogs helps your pet reach a relaxed state that makes them feel secure and safe. The feeling is similar to a human meditating and reaching a level of peace.
Most pet owners are surprised to learn they can hypnotize their dogs at home. It’s always wise to consult with a veterinarian to confirm it’s right for your specific dog. Some dogs might have health issues or emotional states that can benefit from hypnosis, while it could aggravate behaviors in other dogs.
Now that you know hypnosis can benefit your dog by helping them relax, reduce stress and help lower blood pressure, you are probably wondering how to hypnotize a dog.
Your mind might be clouded with images you have seen on television over the years of a doctor swinging an object back in forth in front of a patient’s face, but hypnosis for dogs has a different technique.
Keep reading to find out how to hypnotize your dog.
How to Hypnotize a Dog
1. Create a Calm Environment
Find a quiet and comfortable room or area in your home that will create a soothing environment for your dog.
Your goal is to hold your dog’s attention during the session.
This means distractions such as noises, people, toys and other pets need to be removed from the room.
Place your dog’s favorite bed or blanket in the room and have them lay down in any position they like.
2. Softly Pet Your Dog
You need to establish trust and connection with your dog. Start petting them softly by stroking their head and back then move towards the belly. Use a soft delicate touch in slow motion to calm your dog down.
3. Create Soothing Sounds
Soft classical music in the background creates a soothing experience. You can also speak to your dog in a soft whisper and say words such as “calm down” or “relax.” You can also sing softly to your dog if it helps them calm down.
Continue petting your dog until they have reached a state where they look like they will fall to sleep.
For some pet parents, reaching this stage is good enough because their dog is relaxed and that’s what they wanted to achieve. However, if you want your dog to reach a deeper hypnotic state continue with the steps below.
4. Change Your Dog’s Position
Carefully shift your dog’s position by placing them on their back and holding them under the arms with their back against your body as you remain in a sitting position.
Basically, you and your dog need to face the same direction. Softly stroke their belly until their legs become limp.
5. Release Your Dog from Hypnosis
Typically, your dog has reached a tonic state by this point, also referred to as tonic immobility. Their body will appear limp and still, so it’s safe to release them from your arms carefully and lay them down.
When you are ready to wake your dog up from the hypnotic state just call their name or clap and they will snap out of it.
What if your dog doesn’t snap out of the hypnotic state?
Dogs often enjoy being relaxed in the hypnotic state and will slowly come out of it independently.
However, you must take the action of releasing them from the state by clapping or calling their name as mentioned earlier.
If your dog doesn’t respond yet, gently rub their paws to wake them out of the hypnotic state.
Dogs paws are very sensitive to touch and it will help grab the attention of your pet quickly.
Don’t panic if your dog doesn’t come out of the hypnotic state immediately.
Common mistakes pet parents make is yelling their dog’s name loudly to startle them and wake them up abruptly which puts the dog in a nervous state.
The main purpose of hypnosis is to help your dog relax and calm down, so making them feel nervous afterward will defeat the purpose.
Bottom Line
Deciding to hypnotize your dog takes careful thought and consideration. Always consult with a veterinarian first to ensure it will be beneficial for your dog’s health.
If you feel concerned that your dog has not fully come out of the hypnotic state, visit the veterinarian’s office for further assistance.
Remember, hypnotizing your dog should only be done occasionally to help them reduce stress and reach a relaxed state.
It’s important to only allow your dog to be in the hypnotic state for less than ten minutes. The veterinarian will advise you on the ideal time frame for your dog.
Help your dog relax and reduce stress with hypnosis today!