Articulate Animals Blog, Kelly Krueger, Animal Communicator

Animal Communicator Kelly Krueger puts voice to your pet's thoughts, needs, and emotions.

Posts Tagged anxiety

Preparing for a Family Move With Our Pets

Apr 28

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

Are you planning to move to a new home in the next few months? There is so much planning and activity associated with moving homes and sometimes our animals have a hard time with the changes that are taking place. Animal communication can help ease any worry or anxiety that your pet’s may have.

There are many animals who adjust to their new home relatively quickly, and some have a harder time. For every animal who moves with their family, their individual experience is different. If you have a move scheduled, or are thinking about a move in the future, here are some examples to learn from:

  • The best example is to recognize that a move is stressful for our pets. There will be changes and upset routines and stress on our animals. It may be valuable to schedule a few minutes to communicate with your pets as the preparations for the move begins. This certainly doesn’t guarantee that the beloved pet will not have some worry or anxiety during and after the move, but it does help to reassure them that things *will* settle down and that they *are* making the move with the family too!
  • A multi-kitty family moved from one home to a smaller home. One of the felines adjusted easily and quickly and was looking forward to exploring his new surroundings; the other was mad that he had less real estate to patrol and that the access to outside had changed, which resulted in litter box issues. We were able to reassure him that he still had all his outside privileges and that there were still plenty of litter boxes available to choose from, even though they were in a little closer proximity to each other.
  • A dog was very concerned and acting out to get his guardian’s attention. He believed that they had left behind the spirit of his companion who had passed some time ago. We assured him that his companion now has the ability to be with him anywhere and everywhere, including the new home.
  • A cat was working through his grief of leaving his former home and the loss of a human companion at the same time. He was having a difficult time letting go of the former home and therefore was not ready to accept the new home as his. We reassured him that he can retain all the wonderful memories from his previous home and still have room to accumulate memories from his new home too.

Ultimately you know your pets best. If a little anxiety is normal for them then talking with them to help them prepare for the changes as a move takes place may eliminate a difficult move and adjustment period for them and for you!

 

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Vacation Preparation for our Pets

Jun 24

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Frequently Asked Animal Questions, Health & Well Being for Pets | 4 Comments

During this season of family vacations, following is a reminder partially taken from a post last summer on how to prepare our pets for our time away:

Generally speaking, a vacation is an exciting time for humans. This is not always the case for the animals of the family, however. For some pets, their human being away for any length of time is a sad, lonely, perhaps anxiety-ridden experience.

Each animal reacts differently to time away from their primary human guardians, and their reaction can vary depending on the arrangements made for their care. Preparing for a vacation means preparing our animals as well.

For some, the “you have fun, but behave yourself” talk is appropriate, along with your reassurance that you will return soon.

Some animals will benefit from a gentle explanation that you’ll be gone for a few days, then a detailed explanation of how they will be cared for.

Some animals are not concerned with their own arrangements as much as knowing that YOU will be safe and that you will return happily and refreshed, and they will likely want to know all about your adventure when you return.

For all animals, I believe it is helpful to explain that we love being home with them, but that it is important for humans to get away from home occasionally.

No matter which of the above scenarios best fits your animal companions, always finish your conversation with your beloved pets by envisioning a wonderful, joy-filled homecoming with snuggles, praise, and perhaps a small treat.

When the suitcases come out, your animals know that something is about to change in their world. Most will respond more positively when they are brought into the experience so take the time to communicate with them and do so positively and with joy. And most of all, remember that your pets pick up on your energy so remain calm and confident that your time away from them will be pleasant for all concerned.

Vacations are exciting, and don’t have to be feared by our animals. Help them by communicating your intentions, and they will be joyfully waiting for you when you return!

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Toys to Keep Pets Challenged

Jun 18

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Products & Animal Resources | No Comments

When I work with animal communication clients regarding certain behavioral issues with their dog or cat, it is not uncommon for a part of the cause to be related to

  • anxiety or boredom,
  • prey drive/hunting instinct, or
  • territorialism.

Of course, every animal’s rationale for their behavior is different and it is important to understand what is driving them to react as they do. But quite often the solution involves redirecting the pet to a less destructive, more productive activity. Toys to keep your animal companion challenged, mentally and physically, can be just the ticket.

Consider your pet’s breed, which gives a clue as to their in-bred instinct. Obviously a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever dog loves to retrieve. It’s great exercise for them to chase balls, Frisbees, and sticks as thrown by their guardians, and until these dogs approach their golden years, they could partake in this activity for hours. You can add more mental challenge for them by rubbing their favorite retrieval item with a food scent and hiding the item. This is great for an retriever dog who might have a bit of anxiety or destructive behavior when you leave them alone for a few hours. Give them the “job” of finding their toy, assisted only by scent, and then guarding or protecting it while you are away.

Other dog breeds may not have a strong retrieval instinct, but may be very motivated by food. Toys that allow a special treat to be locked inside can keep these canines busy and mentally challenged for hours.

Cats have a strong prey drive, and they don’t lose that instinct just because they are indoor cats. Sometimes their frustration at not being able to stalk and hunt builds to a point of frustration and unwanted behaviors can develop, not to mention stalking and hunting is a great way for a cat to keep themselves fit. Scratching posts, catnip toys, and interactive games with their humans are all great, but consider adding some challenge for your kitty by making a simple toy to allow them to express their natural instinct, AND allowing them to reap the final reward at the end. A few bits of dried chicken or their favorite fish flakes in a recycled (empty) water bottle with small punctures for the aroma to escape will keep them redirected from yowling at the window, attacking your visitor’s feet, or scratching the furniture due to boredom. Small, light-weight bottles are all the better for skittering across the kitchen floor, just like a mouse would do. And best of all, if you don’t tighten the lid much, repeated batting and rolling around will eventually allow the lid to come off and the treats will be revealed. This kind of foraging toy, while not identical to hunting a mouse or snake in the garden, will allow your feline to honor his natural instinct for hunting, and a redirection to this game from an unwanted behavior could make your home much more harmonious for all.

If your pet is exhibiting unwanted behaviors and you suspect they are bored, find a mentally challenging game for them which is appropriate for their breed and personal preferences.

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Thunder Fear in Dogs

Apr 22

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

Thunder and lightning season is upon us. Our dogs are probably acutely aware of that fact already! A portion of my animal communication work in the spring and summer months relates to dogs with thunder fear or anxiety. My own dog, now passed, had thunder anxiety so I know first hand that it is not fun for the dog or human when storms start to roll in.

Not all dogs have a reaction to thunder and lightning, and some dogs develop anxiety over time. A good friend emailed this morning stating that their six year old lab had his first thunder storm reaction last night. He was severely panicked, yet he has never been bothered by storms in the past.

Thunder is, of course, a very loud and lasting rumbling noise. Just the noise is the culprit for some dogs. Thunder also often has accompanying lightening, and the flash of unexpected light in the sky can be a shock for some dogs. Thunder is also a vibration felt from the ground, which dogs feel but generally humans don’t. Many dogs, however, have explained to me a feeling of an electrical current, or static electricity, in the air that feels overwhelming, sometimes suffocating, and always disconcerting. Quite often I learn that it is this electrical charge in the air that is the most difficult for dogs to deal with. We might be able to muffle the sound of thunder, put them in a dark room to shield them from lightening, or hold them in our lap so the vibrations are lessened, but I have yet to come up with a way to minimize the static feeling in the air.

Thunder fear can be difficult to reverse. There are training and behavioral modification techniques which may work for some dogs. There are aids – flower essence remedies, herbal remedies, homeopathics, and pharmaceuticals – which may work for some dogs. Animal communication can work for some dogs, and a combination of all of the above may be the best solution. Every dog is different in their reasons for reacting to storms, and their type of reaction is different. Therefore, the solution needs to be individualized; your health care provider and/or animal communicator can help identify resources appropriate for your dog.

Regardless of the use of any remedies or behavioral modification techniques, there are some things that YOU CAN DO to set the stage for a calmer experience. First and foremost, as we know, our animals are sponges and pick up on their human’s state of mind and being. If you have anxiety or fear of electrical storms or loud noises, your pet is very likely role-modeling your own fear. If you are particularly stressed with work, family or personal issues, your pet may pick up on that stress and when the thunder begins, the stress they feel in you can lead them to believe the thunder is the cause and they react accordingly. I wish I could give you a magic tonic so that you would never be anxious or stressed, and that I could take away your own thunder anxiety. As lovely as that would be, it’s not possible. I am not saying that your dog’s fear of thunder is your fault either; however, how you respond to your dog during thunder storms may affect how quickly they recover from their anxiety.

Many of my clients say “my dog knows a thunder storm is approaching hours before I ever hear or see thunder and lightning.” So true, and that was my experience with my own dog as well. Sometimes it took me quite awhile to recognize his anxiety as related to an upcoming storm. The sooner we recognize the symptoms, however, the better.

As soon as you notice a change in behavior indicating an approaching storm, immediately begin visualizing your dog in a calm state, much like you see him or her on any normal, clear day. Really see in your mind’s eye your calm dog, roaming around in his normal routine. Feel the serenity he experiences as he explores the garden, moves from room to room to check on his humans, and takes a peaceful nap on his dog bed in the sun room. Through all of your vision, keep recognizing that your dog is 100% safe. Calm, peaceful, and safe. Those are your mantra words. The more you can envision the scene as you want it to be (and don’t let your mind focus on the panic and fear you have come to expect), the better. This exercise not only gives your dog a clue on how he can and should behave as a storm approaches, it also keeps you calm, and the focus on your beloved canine at this time will put any of your own fear and stress on the back burner.

Pay attention to the words you use with your pet during this fearful time. If your dog is in a fearful state, saying “it’s okay” or “you’re okay” is actually reinforcing his fearful way of being. Instead, use words like “stay calm” and “you are safe” to reassure him. Ultimately, we want to support our pets to cope and console themselves. Your sincere belief that they are, and will remain, safe will go a long way in convincing them!

Whether you utilize an aid or behavioral technique in addition to these calming words and visions, know that the storm will pass, and your pets will return to their happy state of mind shortly thereafter.

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Animal Communication and Body Language

Apr 16

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | 2 Comments

An animal communication client of mine has been studying up on animal body language as they get to know their new puppy. They wonder about a dog’s body language and how it relates to their feelings from an animal communication point of view. I’m so glad they asked! I’ve never thought about this before, and I’ve taken some time ponder.

More than 90% of my animal communication consultations are done via phone. I generally have a photo of the animal(s) with which I am working, but photos don’t convey the ever-changing body language present in all beings. Since I am not in the physical presence of animals during most of my communication sessions, do I notice body language? Do I utilize it while communicating with animals?

I realize, Yes I do! This is one of those things I hadn’t noticed until I actually thought about it. An animal’s body language does come though in various ways as I work with them telepathically. I tried to dissect my process of receiving information from animals as it relates to body language – is it my perception, or does literal body language come though energetically?

Turns out, there is some of both. When I chat with a cat, for example, who conveys an unwillingness to consider a change of opinion or behavior, I might receive an image or a sense of the cat sitting back with his or her arms crossed with a very stubborn attitude. Obviously cats don’t have arms, nor do they cross them in the same posture that humans use. Yet very often the emotions expressed by animals, in this case a cat stubbornly expressing her disinterest in changing her behavior, comes through in such a way that I perceive a typical human expression of body language, and this is often the best way I can convey that strong emotion to the cat’s human. When I work with extremely fearful or aggressive animals, I feel and/or “sense” their fear or aggression; similar to viewing body language of a tail tucked between the legs or a certain posture with correlating snarl or exposed teeth.

On the other hand, animals can and do send me information that contains literal body language which is important in understanding how they are feeling, or what they are trying to convey. I have a number of experiences where the animal sends an image or a sensation of themselves to explain just how they are feeling. A dog once said to me “I’m a Princess” and showed me an image of her walking through the house in a very regal way. Her princess-like attitude was very clearly conveyed to me in body language to illustrate her royalty as opposed to her being diva-like.

My own girl-pug dog does NOT like to talk to me about serious issues; she says “I just want to have fun with you!” So when I broach a serious topic when communicating telepathically with her, I quite often see an image of her turning her head and becoming disengaged in our conversation. If you have teenagers, you probably know the same body language!!!

All of the subtle bits of information come together to form a picture of the animal with which I am working, and just exactly how that animal is feeling. Body language certainly plays a part, even telepathically. How does body language benefit animal communication? The solutions to a behavioral problem with a regal-princess vs. a diva-princess are slightly different; therefore how we proceed in the conversation would be slightly different as well. It is important to be in tune with energetic body language when solutions to the particular topic are delivered to the animal. An animal who hears an expectation or request and responds with the proverbial “arms crossed” will probably need some more convincing, but a dog that receives the expectation of a change in behavior by sending me an image of an enthusiastic tail-wag is good to go!

Thanks for asking this question about body language and animal communication. It has given me something to ponder, and I hope has helped explain an aspect of animal communication which will help you understand your new puppy better!

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Keeping Our Pets Safe During the Holidays

Nov 18

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

Late fall often signals a flurry of questions from clients about keeping their pets calm in the midst of all the holiday happenings. Those of us in the United States will soon be celebrating Thanksgiving, and the celebrating continues on holiday 3through early January. That’s almost two months of parties, house guests, marathon shopping, extra food in the house, the delivery drivers ringing the door bell, and then fireworks on New Year’s Eve to top it off.  That’s a lot of possible stress for our pets. Hey, who am I kidding? It’s a lot of stress for humans, too! As enjoyable as the holidays are, they can lead to some mild (or more) anxiety, less sleep, less exercise, and chaos around the home. Our pets are right in the middle of it all.

Remember, our state of mind affects our pets. When we are worried about the in-laws week-long visit, or stressed that we haven’t found that perfect gift for Aunt Sally, our pets can take on – mirror – our anxiety. When our stress is intensified because we haven’t been to the gym for a week and a half, we might begin to see our companion animals exhibiting unusual behaviors.  A stressed-out human often equates to a stressed and mis-behaved pet. It is important, for your sake as well as your animals, to stick to your normal routines during this busy time.

Sure, easier said than done! But consider strategies and opportunities to keep your routine in place and to minimize anxiety as much as you can. Try to calm yourself before walking in the door to your home or stable. It’s a cycle – if you are calm when you greet your pets, then they do their favorite thing of keeping you calm and entertained all evening long. The calmer you are, then the calmer they are, then they calm you more…. and the cycle continues.

Consider the things in the next couple of months that will be out of the ordinary in your animal’s perspective. Will your home be a revolving door of visitors, a college student returning home, or relatives taking up residence for a few days? Or perhaps your family will be vacationing for a few days and your pets will be staying in a kennel or cared for by someone else. An animal communicator can help prepare your pets for these short-term changes.

And what about the food? All that glorious food! Both dogs and cats have intolerance to certain foods that humans take for granted – onions, garlic, chocolate, raisins, and some nuts are just a few. While cooking for a party or a family gathering, be aware of tasty but possibly toxic morsels that drop on the kitchen floor. 

The rich and abundant food during the holidays is intensified with the potential side-effect of less time and attention to
exercise. Remember that even during the most hectic of times, getting out with your animals – a nice trail ride with your horse or regular walks with the pooch – will benefit your animals AND you.

HolidayFinally, keep in mind that the holidays often bring in elements which can be harmful, even toxic, to your house pets. Christmas trees with lights strung on the low branches can be snagged by dogs and cats, resulting in the animal getting tangled or stuck, and a struggling pet may have the strength to pull the tree down on themselves. The water in the tree stand is far from fresh and clean, so try to keep the well of the tree-stand covered. Broken ornaments, tinsel  and  holiday ribbon could be deadly for pets if swallowed. Extra candles, possibly scented with essential oils, can have an adverse effect on cats. And remember seasonal plants like poinsettias, azaleas, and holly are beautiful and festive, but also pose serious danger to animals if ingested.

Whether you are traveling or staying at home, enjoy the holidays and help your pets fully enjoy this time as well.

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New Class: Basic Animal Communication for Daily Living – Dec. 8, 2009

Nov 5

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Activities, Events, Classes | No Comments

You can communicate to your pets *without* being a professional animal communicator! 

Please join me for this tele-class:

Basic Animal Communication for Daily Living
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mountain Time
(5:30-6:30 Pacific; 8:30-9:30 Eastern)
Cost $20 (plus possible long distance phone charges for the teleconference)

It’s true. We can all learn basic skills for communicating to our pets without spending months or years studying formal animal communication techniques. After attending this one-hour tele-class you will be able to successfully communicate simple information to your pet. For example, you may like to: 

  • Reinforce solutions after a training class or animal communication session
  • Convey your love to your animals while you are away on vacation
  • Address simple behaviors such as: Reminding your dog to stay with you at the car rather than running through the parking lot to the hiking trail; Encourage your cat to use only the appropriate scratching posts; Help your horse understand your expectations for getting in and out of the horse trailer; Request a less-aggressive style of play from your dominant guinea pig; and more

Each participant is encouraged to bring a topic to class and receive individualized guidance from Kelly on how to structure an appropriate communication to your animal. By listening to the variety of participant topics, you will learn to structure additional communications between you and your pets in your home environment.

Please RSVP by December 1st 
For questions, please email Kelly@ArticulateAnimals.com or call 303-670-0292.
Due to the interactive nature of this tele-class, registration will be limited
to eight (8) participants.

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Halloween Safety for our Pets

Oct 15

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

As the holidays approach, it is important to keep our pets in mind. We don’t always consider Halloween as part of the holidays, but nonetheless it is a day, or series of days, which may cause some stress for our pets. Let’s consider the things during this Halloween season that will be out of the ordinary in your animals’ perspective.

Halloween graphics 2Put yourself in your animal’s paws and think about what must be going on in their mind when the door bell rings repeatedly in one evenings time, and every time the bell rings there is a ghost or monster or animated character yelling (in their heightened sensitivities) at their beloved humans. To us, this annual trick-or-treat ritual is normal. For them, it can be very threatening and scary.

Every animal’s reaction and every environment is different, so be aware of your own personal situation and take care of your pets as your circumstances dictate. If you have a skittish kitty, consider keeping him or her in an interior room (like a bathroom or laundry room) with some white noise and visit them regularly. 

For dogs, consider their individual personalities and work with them accordingly. Be compassionate if they have some fear, but don’t coddle the fear either.

Think about your horses too. Stables can be an easy target for pranksters looking for a little excitement on Halloween. Consider keeping your horses in their stalls inside, if possible, away from easy drive-by shenanigans, and check on them as you can.

Presentation1Remember also that Halloween typically brings with it a proliferation of tasty sweets that may beckon your cats and dogs. Individually wrapped candy with shiny wrappers might look like a fun toy to a playful cat. This is innocent enough, but if the wrapper is torn open, the contents may be harmful, even fatal, to your house pets. Carmel apples and popcorn balls sitting on the counter may lure your dogs for a little counter-surfing leading to, at best, an upset stomach. Keep all Halloween goodies up and out of reach.

Finally, keep in mind other Halloween elements which can be harmful to your pets. Halloween decorations such as small plastic spiders, marble eyeballs, and spray-on hair color are all accidents waiting to happen. If you have curious animals in the home, be aware of all the various decorations. Put yourself in your pets’ paws and see which out-of-the-ordinary objects would appeal to you!

With the proper precautions, your family – both human and animal – can have a safe and fun holiday. Happy Halloween!

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