what is a Decompression Day?

A decompression day is dedicated time for your dog to unwind, reset, and lower its stress and excitement levels. While a 'decompression period' is often associated with newly adopted rescue dogs, decompression days are an excellent practice for all dogs. Just as humans benefit from downtime and relaxation, decompression days provide dogs with the opportunity to find their 'baseline' and regain a sense of calm. Decompression days can be especially helpful for dogs that are nervous, reactive, or have high energy levels and are always on the go. Decompression days can help teach these dogs to self-regulate after exciting or frightening incidents and generally encourage some chill time.

Decompression activities focus on allowing your dog to engage in natural behaviours. They are intended to promote relaxation and mental well-being. You can offer these activities during dog walks or while hanging out at home.

During Walks
Decompression Walk - AKA 'sniffy walk'
This is a leisurely stroll with your dog around a quiet area, free from the usual hustle and bustle, allowing your dog to truly be a dog. Make sure to provide them with plenty of freedom to explore and investigate the environment. If your dog has sketchy recall, use a long-line to allow them to explore more freely. Leave the ball at home; the goal is to encourage a peaceful, unhurried experience.

Scatter Feeding
This is an easy yet impactful way to slow your dog down, regulate their breathing, and let them enjoy rooting for snacks. Scatter a handful of food - their meal or favourite treat chopped into small pieces - onto the grass and let them use their amazing nose find it. Scatter feeding not only engages their most important sense, slowing them down and encouraging focus on a task, but it also gives them a great dopamine hit when they successfully locate their food!

At Home
Chewing
Chewing is a great outlet for a dog to release jaw tension and relieve stress. It can help them unwind after a stressful or exciting day. Choose a chew that suits your dog's size, personality, age, and chewing style, as what is safe for one dog might not be suitable for another. Fully digestible natural chews are often a good option, as they reduce the risk of your dog swallowing plastics or taking a chunk off something that might cause stomach obstructions when swallowed. Always supervise your dog when introducing a new type of chew to ensure safe chewing.

Licking
Licking can help calm most dogs, as it releases 'feel good' hormones that promote a feeling of comfort. Use a Kong® toy, lick mat, or muffin tray with soft food spread on it to give your dog a chance to relax and mlem away the stresses of the day.
Since licking is a self-soothing behaviour, it can become compulsive in highly strung or nervous dogs. Use sparingly in your dog's decompression routine if they are highly strung or have a breed predisposition towards obsessive behaviours. Giving them a yogurt pot to clean out before disposal is enough for dogs like this.

Foraging Games - Snuffle Mats, Forage Boxes
These work just as well as scatter feeding to give your dog a chance to use their nose and win at find hidden food. The best part is that you can play these games indoors on rainy days. Create foraging games using household items like scrunched towels, cardboard boxes, and toilet paper rolls. Hide treats or kibble inside these items and let your dog enjoy the challenge of discovering their rewards. Start with easy games and increase the difficulty as your dog gets proficient, to keep the “WOO HOO, SOLVED IT” factor front and centre.

Decompression days are essential for keeping your dog healthy and happy. They provide an opportunity for your dog to reset, relax, and prepare for whatever life is going to throw at them next.
For reactive and nervous dogs, engaging in activities that cater to their natural instincts can help them chill out, achieve small wins and in doing so build confidence. For high-drive dogs, implementing decompression days or decompression sessions between high-energy activities can encourage resilience and reduce over-arousal.

Since every dog is unique, tailor your dog's decompression routine to their needs and preferences. Ensuring your dog has opportunities to decompress will have a really positive impact on their overall well-being, so what are you waiting for?!

For more ideas on foraging games and other decompression day activities, check out Shay Kelly’s Canine Enrichment group on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/canineenrichment/

Or if you need some encouragement to slow down and take a decompression walk with your dog, the Slow Dog Movement is the place for you.
https://www.slowdogmovement.org/