How to Recognize the Signs of Stress in Your Dog

Just like humans, dogs experience stress. Whether it’s from being in a new place, feeling unsafe, or something else, knowing when your dog is feeling stressed can be important for ensuring that they get the attention they need and that stress is alleviated in a healthy and safe way. Read on to learn more about the signs of stress in your dog, and reach out to Happy Pup Manor directly today to learn more about what you can do to alleviate stress in your pup.

Signs of Stress in Dogs

Dogs display stress in a variety of different ways. Because no two dogs are alike, it’s important that you take time to get to know your dog and what behaviors may indicate that they are feeling stressed out. Some of the common signs of stress in dogs include—

Growling. Growling is one of the most obvious signs of stress in a dog. Usually, dogs growl when they feel threatened or scared. This could be because someone is in their space, their food or bed is being threatened, they’re protecting someone/something they care about, or something else. Don’t punish your pup for growling, as this is how they give a warning.
Barking. Barking, like growling, is an obvious sign of stress. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, including to give a warning that a bite is about to come or because they are distressed.
Whining. Like barking, whining is a vocal indication that a dog is feeling stressed. Whining can be hard for dogs to control, so rather than scolding your dog for whining, it’s best to find ways to alleviate their stress.
Body language. Dogs will definitely use body language to show when they’re stressed. Common signs of stress include ears pinned back, tail tucked between the legs, raised hackles, and panting.
Pacing. If a dog is pacing back and forth, this is a sign that something is causing them stress and they can’t settle down as such. Try to look for clues as to what’s causing this behavior.
Hiding. If a dog is stressed or afraid, it may cope with this by trying to hide. Providing your dog with a safe space, such as a crate, can help them to feel secure.

How Training Can Help Your Dog Feel Less Stressed

Dogs thrive when provided structure and are looking to their humans to help them know what to do. If you’re scolding your dog when they’re exhibiting less-than-ideal behaviors, they may be confused, which will only contribute to stress. Investing in dog training can be a great way to bond with your dog and help them to understand expectations, reducing stress.

At Happy Pup Manor, we offer various dog training programs. To learn more, contact our team today.