Lessons from My Highly Sensitive Dog
Being Highly Sensitive is not unique to humans. In fact, it is estimated that over 100 different species show this trait. Having part of a population that is more aware of subtleties is beneficial for the species as a whole. After all, if no one notices the grass is swaying but there is no breeze in the air, the snake that is hiding out of sight may end up biting someone! If there is a Highly Sensitive individual around they are likely to pick up on danger and alert the others to avoid the hidden snake.
I learned of my own Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) trait a couple of years ago. (Head here for a bit more on HSPs.) The knowledge has helped me better understand myself and care for my needs. During that time I also adopted a puppy that turned out to be highly sensitive as well. Getting to know my Highly Sensitive Dog and understanding how her sensitivity shows up has also helped me better understand my own HSP traits. Here are a few lessons that I have learned from my Highly Sensitive Dog (HSD).
Noticing Things Can Be Scary
Just like HSPs, HSDs are sensitive to subtleties. They notice little things that may go unnoticed by others, and since dogs have a stronger sense of smell and hearing and a wider field of vision than humans do, they can take in much more than even a Highly Sensitive Person ever could. All dogs are able to see, smell, and taste things that we can’t, and for Highly Sensitive Dogs this amount is even higher. Having grown up with many dogs over the years, I can attest that not all dogs notice the same level of detail in their environment. Owning a Highly Sensitive Dog means I am alerted to anything that changes slightly or seems a bit different or out of place. This includes whenever a delivery person approaches the front door, when a strange-looking piece of trash is left on the sidewalk, and even when someone is walking with a slight limp.
My HSD notices it all, and seeing the way she notices gives me compassion for myself and other HSPs. Taking in so much information can be exhausting. Add on top of that not always knowing what is safe and what is not and a normal day becomes quite scary. No wonder we need to just take it easy sometimes! My Highly Sensitve Dog is much more in tune with how she is doing. When she does not feel up for venturing out she finds a way to communicate that to me and we stay inside. And when she gets scared she communicates that as well and I do my best to help her feel safe again.
It’s OK to Need Support
Being a dog means potty walks throughout the day. Being a Highly Sensitive Dog means these potty walks can be particularly difficult. My dog needs to go outside to take care of her business, and usually, she enjoys being outside and smelling everything in sight. But going outside also means being exposed to more things, many of them unexpected. There is the bus that drives by and pumps its brakes loudly, the dog that suddenly appears from around the corner, the kids racing by on their bikes, a plastic bag blowing across the street, and the list goes on.
All of these things can quickly overwhelm my Highly Sensitive Dog and a potty walk can go from fun and exciting to terrifyingly scary. She is noticing so many things all at once and it can easily reach the point of overwhelming her ability to process it all and still feel happy and safe. One thing that can help keep a walk from becoming overwhelming and scary is my response to my HSD. When I am able to stay calm and take steps to help her feel safe, together we can face the world outside without becoming overwhelmed. If she begins to struggle I can use the strategies that she and I have learned in training classes to support her. She is much more likely to enjoy a walk outside when I am able to reassure her confidently that everything is ok. Sometimes Highly Sensitive People need the same kind of support. We need our coping skills and the loving care of others to help us get through life at times, and that is alright.
Maybe you also own a Highly Sensitive Dog, or maybe you don’t. Either way, I hope you found this post helpful in your journey. If you are a Highly Sensitive Person needing more support with life’s craziness I would love to work with you! Click here to get started.
