A Calming Massage Before You Leave
A few minutes of specific, calming touch before you leave.
Is this right for your dog?
Good for dogs comfortable being handled. Skip it for touch-sensitive dogs or dogs with a known pain condition.
What you'll need
Nothing but your hands and a few quiet minutes together.
How to do it
- Sit with your dog somewhere calm and quiet.
- Use slow, circular strokes along the back and shoulders.
- Keep your dog free to move away at any point — never hold them in place.
Why it works
This is touch-based sensory enrichment that lowers arousal before a departure — a simple, no-cost way to help a dog start the absence calmer than they otherwise would.
Safety & precautions
Stop immediately at any sign of discomfort, stiffening, or trying to move away. Never restrain a dog to continue.
When this isn't enough
If your dog won't tolerate calm touch at all, that's worth addressing as its own issue — with a trainer if needed — before using this as a pre-departure routine.
See what's actually helping
Track which activities you try and how your dog responds — Qualma turns it into a pattern you can see.
Try it in Qualma