Helping Dogs Be Dogs in Today’s Busy World

Many dogs today are quietly struggling.

Some find walks overwhelming — the traffic, the noise, the crowds.

Others feel stressed when left alone, or have anxiety being in a home after adoption, or live in a state of constant high arousal.

Some battle medical challenges while still trying to cope with the demands of our busy, human-centered environments.

For many, this brings stress, frustration, and anxiety — and that’s often when we see so-called “problem behaviours"

But in truth, these behaviours aren’t the problem at all. They’re signals of unmet needs.

That’s why decompression and enrichment are so important. Dogs need safe spaces and opportunities to step away from the chaos of the outside world.

A chance to slow down, reset, and just be dogs.

And what does that look like?

🌿 Sniffing and foraging at their own pace

🐾 Digging, chewing, and rolling for sensory release

🦴 Caching toys or carrying treasures proudly

🐕 Play, chase, and wrestle with other dogs or people

💤 Resting deeply after all the fun

At Hounds Retreat, our aim is to create this balance — giving dogs the space to decompress, express natural behaviours, de-stress, build confidence and resilience through Enrichment & Support

Because true support isn’t about asking dogs to constantly cope.

It’s about giving them room to thrive, enjoy life, and feel like dogs again.

Every dog is unique — their age, health, neurobiology, sensory sensitivities, and personality all affect how they behave. Seeing the dog as an individual ensures we meet their specific needs, not just general “rules.”

By considering all four L.E.G.S.® areas — Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self — we can understand behaviour as communication, not disobedience, and support dogs in ways that build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.

Want to Learn More?

👉  Check out Meet Your Dog , book by Kim Brophey – a brilliant introduction to L.E.G.S.® and dog behaviour.

 👉  Visit www.familydogmediation.com for more information.

  👉 We also have free L.E.G.S.® resources available in our shop to help you get started!

  👉 Get in touch to see what we do at Hounds Retreat