Ask anyone for a list of things that make them feel better, happier, more connected with themselves and you’re likely to have included in that list something about being outside, basking in the sunshine, spending time in nature, or an equivalent activity that goes hand-in-hand with being outdoors, such as hiking, camping, going for a walk, or “getting some fresh air.”

Generally described as nature therapy, there are a wide variety of techniques or treatments with the intention of improving health and well-being by being in natural settings. One example of such a nature therapy technique is called forest bathing or shinrin-yoku, a practice that uses all five senses to connect with the environment.

What is Forrest Bathing?

Shinrin-yoku (which literally means “forest bathing”), originated in Japan in the early 1980s.  Forest baths are gentle walks that support well-being through sensory immersion in forests and other naturally healing environments. The idea is simply to visit a natural area and walk in a relaxed way. Rather than rushing towards a destination or pushing towards some exercise goal, shinrin-yoku is more about mindful time spend under the canopy of trees (or other natural area).

It has been receiving attention in recent years as a preventive health measure in Japanese medicine for its relaxation and de-stressing effects. It is believed this may have something to do with the human evolutionary process—a deep-seated connection we have with the natural world.

Benefits of this practice are said to include:

–       boosted immune system functioning

–       reduced blood pressure

–       reduced stress

–       increased ability to focus

–       improved sleep

Why should dogs practice Shinrin-yoku?

The evolution of dogs alongside humans means their lifestyles have changed along with ours, spending more time in the home, more time sedentary, and more time in urban spaces. It’s a well-known adage that “dogs would be happier living on a farm”. If we humans find comfort and other benefits in spending time outdoors and particularly in more natural spaces, it’s not a stretch to think the well-being of our dogs would also be greatly improved by spending more time out in the natural world. 

What are the benefits?

Limited studies have suggested that canine cortisol levels of working and shelter dogs (i.e., two groups that might be under greater stresses on a regular basis than your average canine pet) were reduced under a shinrin-yoku protocol. While quite a bit more research would be required to have more definitive results, we can all agree we enjoy being outdoors and feel the benefits regardless of whether they can be measured by science.

We love hearing about and meeting people that make a point of spending time in nature with their dogs. We know you’re too busy with work and everyday live during the week to spend time outside. More so in those months when the days shorten and holidays absorb much of our time and attention. Expawers are happy to help get your best friend all the benefits of soaking up the natural world on one of our hikes.

You have seen this type before. A little dog that barks loudly and growls at everyone acting more like a Rottweiler than a Yorkie. Small dogs are loved for their big personalities, but sometimes those big personalities can be a big problem. It may seem cute when a small dog growls or barks, but aggression in any dog is unacceptable. This behavior is often referred to as Napoleon Syndrome or small dog syndrome.

What is the Small Dog Syndrome?

What would you do if your Doberman growled when your neighbor visited? You would correct him, put him away, call a trainer, or at least become very worried. You would see it for what it really is – a dominant guarding behavior that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Now what would you do if your cute little Teacup Yorkie growled at the same neighbor? Oftentimes, this aggressive behavior is laughed at, ignored, or excused, and the owner thinks it’s cute. The owner will use the rational that because the dog is little, they are scared, that he thinks he a big dog, or he is all bark and no bite.

Small dog syndrome is when a small dog decides they are taking the lead role in a household. This might include jumping up on you or your guests, not obeying commands, marking territory inside and outside, barking constantly, chewing, and any other bad dog behavior they can get away with. And this is where the problem of small dog syndrome originates – whatever they can get away with, which is usually a lot. Small dogs compensate for their size by acting big and tough when they feel intimidated, nervous, upset, threatened or afraid.

How does this behavior start?

The biggest cause of the Napoleon Syndrome in small dogs is their owners not treating them seriously. Small dogs don’t have the understanding of their own size but have the same instincts as large dogs. When a dog isn’t corrected for their inappropriate behavior, it reinforces that behavior. This creates a continued pattern of unwanted behavior, that will ultimately result in unruly and ill-behaved dog. Anytime a dog is not getting direction from their owner, it will take charge of the situation and feel compelled to protect itself by any means necessary.

How to eliminate this behavior?

The first thing you need to do is to treat your small dog like a dog and impose the same rules as you would on a large dog. That means no jumping on you or others, no growling and certainly no biting is allowed. Your dog should be trained to obey basic commands like “sit” and “stay” and should understand that you are the boss, not them. It’s okay to spoil your dog, but you need to do it in a way that shows you are the one in control and they are getting rewarded for doing something right, and not just for being cute. We, the humans need to learn that we are both the cause and the solution to “Small Dog Syndrome” and eliminating the unwanted behavior is in our hands.