Understanding a Dog's Sense of Safety
Paws For Thought Canine and Equine Coach 
I talk a lot about being a safe place for your dog. In the world of our four-legged companions, safety isn't just about sturdy fences and locked doors or a well trained dog safe on the lead, it's a delicate balance between physical protection and emotional reassurance. While we may provide our canine friends with a secure environment, complete with cozy beds and nutritious meals, their sense of safety extends beyond mere physical boundaries.
Picture a dog nestled in the comfort of their home, surrounded by familiar scents and the gentle hum of human presence. On the surface, all seems well – gates are closed, hazards are removed, and every basic need is met. Yet, beneath this facade of safety, lies a deeper, more intricate realm of emotions.
Dogs can be physically safe but they may not feel safe. You can train a dog to be physically safe, but this training doesn't always make them feel emotionally safe.
Dogs, like humans, have their own unique experiences and sensitivities that shape their perception of safety. For some, past traumas or anxieties may linger, casting a shadow of unease even in the most idyllic settings. A rescue dog, for instance, may flinch at sudden movements or cower in fear at the sound of raised voices, despite the absence of any tangible threat. We create a physical environment that is safe for that dog but does it really allow them to feel safe. Think back to a situation where you have been physically safe but not felt it.
In the canine world, safety is as much about trust and emotional well-being as it is about physical shelter. A dog feels safe when they are surrounded with those who speak and understand their language through giving them agency, control and regard for their feelings. It's the warmth of a kind touch, the comfort of a reassuring voice, that truly nurtures their sense of security.
Moreover, just as humans seek solace in their social circles, most dogs also seek social safety. Sometimes that social safety can be attachment with us rather than other dogs. They seek safety from us.
But what happens when the boundaries between physical safety and emotional security blur? Consider the plight of a dog left alone for hours on end, confined within the confines of an empty house. Despite the absence of external threats, the solitude may weigh heavily on their heart, leaving them vulnerable to feelings of abandonment and isolation.
Out and about we may perceive a perfectly safe situation with other dogs and encourage our dogs to meet. How often do dogs put their brakes on but we encourage them to move on? They may need time to process, time to assess their safety. We can often miss this because we see things through our view of the world.
In a dog's life, safety isn't a static state; it's a a mix of environmental factors and emotional nuances all of which can change in an instant. As caregivers, it's our responsibility to not only provide for their physical needs but also nurture their emotional well-being and help them 'feel' safe. Through patience, empathy, giving them choice and agency can we can create a sanctuary where our canine companions feel truly safe – body, heart, and soul.
In the end, perhaps the truest measure of safety lies not in the absence of danger, but in the presence of unconditional love and regard?