Sometimes, the most powerful way to help your pet feel safe doesn’t involve a single word. It’s not about what you say, it’s about the energy you bring. Our pets are incredibly sensitive beings. They read our body language, sense our emotional state, and feel the tone of our presence. If your pet tends to stick close to you when you’re upset or seems uneasy when you walk into the room rushed or stressed it’s because they’re tuned into your energy before anything else.
Routines and gentle training are important, but emotional safety starts with how you show up.
Your energy, your nervous system, your breath, even the pace of your movements tells your pet whether the space around them is calm or chaotic.
Pets often look to us as their anchor. When we’re grounded, they feel more secure. When we’re unsettled, they can become hyper-alert or withdrawn.
Your pet is always tuning into how you show up, not just what you say or do. Here are three ways your presence impacts your pet’s sense of safety:
When you're anxious or overstimulated, your pet often mirrors that. They don't know what’s wrong, they just know something feels “off.” A calm, regulated nervous system sends the signal: We're okay.
Fast, sharp, or erratic movements can feel unpredictable to sensitive animals. Slowing down—even just slightly—helps your pet feel more secure and less on edge.
Your energy doesn’t need to be loud to be felt. Sometimes, just quietly being present with your pet, without trying to fix or engage, is the most comforting thing you can offer. Slow, soothing strokes or a comforting presence can make a big difference in reducing stress.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present. When your pet senses your grounded calm, they exhale. They trust more. They feel held, even in silence.
Christine Barfield is an Intuitive Pet Healer and Guide. She helps your pets find more calm, balance, and connection through her Signature PETs Method. She specializes in supporting pets with stress, anxiety, and overall well being, creating a more peaceful life for both you and your pet.
Christine absolutely loves being part of Happy Healthy Women, Newmarket, ON, Trailblazer.
Want to learn more about Christine’s Work?
Visit TheFernAndTheFox.com or follow Her on Instagram & Facebook @thefernandthefox.
If you’ve ever noticed your pet pacing, whining, or acting restless when you’re stressed, you’re not imagining things our pets are deeply connected to our energy. They don’t just listen to our words; they pick up on our emotions, body language, and overall vibe.
Just like we can sense when a room feels tense or calm, our pets feel the energy we bring into their space. And when we’re carrying stress, anxiety, or frustration, it can easily transfer to them.
Pets are naturally in tune with the energy around them. Whether it’s excitement, sadness, or nervousness, they absorb what we project. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, your pet can mirror those emotions back to us. Showing signs of restlessness, clinginess, or even avoidance.
Check in with yourself first
Before assuming your pet’s behavior is “random,” ask yourself: What’s my energy like right now? If you’re rushing, tense, or distracted, take a deep breath and reset. A calm pet starts with a calm you.
Create a peaceful environment
Your pet’s surroundings play a huge role in their anxiety. Try soft music, a cozy space, and a predictable routine to help them feel more secure.
Use intentional touch
Pets respond to gentle, intentional touch. Simply placing a calm, relaxed hand on your pet while breathing deeply can help them settle. Slow, soothing strokes or a comforting presence can make a big difference in reducing stress.
The more we become aware of our own energy, the more we can create a peaceful, supportive space for our pets. Anxiety doesn’t have to define their world or yours.
Christine Barfield is an Intuitive Pet Healer and Guide. She helps your pets find more calm, balance and connection through her Signature PETs Method. She specializes in supporting pets with stress, anxiety, and overall well being, creating a more peaceful life for both you and your pet.
Christine absolutely loves being part of Happy Healthy Women, Newmarket, ON, Trailblazer.
Want to learn more about Christine’s Work?
Visit TheFernAndTheFox.com or follow Her on Instagram & Facebook @thefernandthefox.
