Humans’ face masks freaking out dogs used to reading facial cues
Humans aren’t the only ones finding it hard to get used to masks, with many dog owners reporting their pet “freaks out” when they don the mandatory face protection.
Geelong
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Humans aren’t the only ones finding it hard to get used to masks, with many dog owners reporting their pet “freaks out” when they don the mandatory face protection.
Animal behaviourists say recent rules making masks compulsory in public have sparked a surge in calls from worried fur-parents.
Animal behaviour team leader at the Lost Dogs’ Home Jade Curry said many people had reported their pooches appeared to be afraid of their owners’ masked faces, but that there were ways to help pets feel more at ease.
There have also been reports of dogs being frightened of masked strangers while out on their walks.
“Pooches are used to seeing their owners’ mouth and nose and reading our facial expressions is one of the ways dogs communicate with us,” Ms Curry said.
“Dogs are creatures of habit, so instantly changing routine without a rational explanation can cause anxiety in dogs.”
Ms Curry said if your dog appeared to be anxious or frightened when you put your mask on, give them space and don’t force them to approach.
“Instead, begin counter-conditioning (when you walk past a person on the street, offer your dog a treat, regardless of their behaviour),” she said.
“They will begin to associate ‘scary’ people wearing masks with treats.”.
Jan Juc’s Maz Clark, pictured with dog Franklin, is putting a Surf Coast theme into her handmade masks by using wetsuit material for the ear straps and nose piece.
The seamstress has made about 300 masks in the last fortnight.
“It’s been flat chat, I’ve been working 12 to 14 hour days making these,” she said.
Having previously used wetsuit fabric for the nose piece of the mask, Ms Clark said she decided to turn to the material to also create the ear straps after running out of elastic.
“I thought to give it a try and it just works so well – it’s the best thing since slice bread,” she said.
“The straps are so comfortable you can’t even feel them.”
To inquire about Maz’s masks, message Marilyn Clark on Facebook.
Originally published as Humans’ face masks freaking out dogs used to reading facial cues