Your Dog Plays Jenga Every Day!

Picture your dog’s well-being as a Jenga tower. Each block in that tower represents their ability to handle stress. When life is calm and everything is going smoothly, the tower is solid, balanced, and strong.

But life isn’t always calm. When stressors like loud noises, a visit to the vet, or an unexpected guest come into your dog’s life, it’s like pulling blocks out of that Jenga tower. At first, removing a block here or there might not seem like a big deal. But as more and more blocks get pulled out, the tower starts to wobble. Each missing block makes the tower less stable, and eventually, if too many blocks are removed, the whole thing can come crashing down. This is when your dog might start showing signs of stress, anxiety or just more problematic behaviours. Puppies may chew on furniture more and your teenage dog may completely ignore your recall.

But here’s the good news: those blocks can be put back in.

Every time your dog engages in calming behaviours like sleeping, chewing, licking, sniffing, or shredding, it’s like adding a block back to the tower. These activities help rebuild the tower, restoring balance and stability. The more your dog can engage in these soothing activities, the stronger their Jenga tower becomes, and the better they can handle life’s ups and downs.

As a dog guardian, your goal is to help keep that Jenga tower standing tall. Pay attention to how many blocks are being pulled out during stressful times and make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities to put blocks back in. Encourage those calming behaviours—whether it’s a quiet nap in their favourite spot, a good chew session, or time spent exploring the world through their nose.

By helping your dog maintain their Jenga tower, you’re not just preventing it from falling; you’re also ensuring they have a solid, resilient foundation to face whatever life throws their way!