You are aware of how we humans possess that one thing that drives us utterly wild.
Someone brings up a memory that makes us want to recount the whole tale again, or they mention the name of that specific restaurant that conjures up that particular dish which is the undeniable family favorite.
Well, canines experience something similar, too. If you’re a dog parent, you’ll know precisely what it is: doorbells!
Introducing Lenka
Nearly every dog parent is familiar with the utter mayhem that ensues when the doorbell rings.
Pooches will either start leaping and barking uncontrollably or will dart towards the individual at the door, attempting to shower them with affection.
Lenka, a two-year-old Czech Shepherd mix, embodies a blend of both reactions.
As soon as she perceives someone at her front entrance, she dashes towards it and greets them with barking and growling.
Consequently, the family found it challenging to invite their friends over, fearing that an incident might unfold.
But what is a household without some enjoyable company, right?!
Thus, Lenka’s owners devised a clever strategy to enable their friends to visit and instruct their dog on how to self-soothe when the doorbell rings.
Adhere to the Instructions, Please
They chose to place a sign on their door that provided their visitors guidance on how to behave appropriately when they arrived at the door.
The guidelines are straightforward: upon entering through the front door, you will most likely be greeted by Lenka. However, you must not touch her, speak to her, or establish any form of eye contact.
You ought to comply with these instructions until otherwise informed.
“Prepare your dog for success by making situations predictable. She aims to safeguard us. If we create a setting where she can anticipate behaviors, it alleviates her anxiety and need to ‘guard’ us,” stated the caption on the TikTok video posted by the owners.
And it succeeded!
After an entire year of it being displayed, the sign assisted Lenka in managing her emotions.
“She is indeed incredibly anxious so predictability plays a crucial role. She needs to be disregarded until she is calm, or she will physically confront you,” Lenka’s owner informed Newsweek.
Now, Lenka greets visitors in an extremely composed manner, sitting by the door and welcoming them inside without any complications.
Who would have guessed that such a simple technique could greatly benefit one anxious dog?
Thus, if you and your furry friend are also facing a similar challenge, consider incorporating Lenka’s strategy.
Perhaps it will prove just as effective for you as it did for her.