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Good and bad stress in dogs

Not all stress is bad. A little excitement is actually good for your dog. What matters is that they can settle down again afterwards.

Stress sounds like a bad thing at first. But there's good stress too: the excitement that motivates and brings joy. Your dog actually needs a little of it to grow confident. Stress only becomes bad when it gets too strong or never stops.

When excitement does good

An exciting search game, a tricky task, the happy reunion with you: all of this gets your dog worked up – but in a good way. They're focused, give their best and feel content afterwards. Successes like these build their confidence and help them cope with challenges.

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Frequently asked questions

What is “Good and bad stress in dogs” about?

Not all stress is bad. A little excitement is actually good for your dog. What matters is that they can settle down again afterwards. Stress sounds like a bad thing at first. But there's good stress too: the excitement that motivates and brings joy. Your dog actually needs a little of it to grow confident. Stress only becomes bad when it gets too strong or never stops.

What else is part of “Good and bad stress in dogs”?

An exciting search game, a tricky task, the happy reunion with you: all of this gets your dog worked up – but in a good way. They're focused, give their best and feel content afterwards. Successes like these build their confidence and help them cope with challenges.

Does the article “Good and bad stress in dogs” replace veterinary advice?

This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.

Who wrote “Good and bad stress in dogs”, and how up to date is the article?

The article comes from the DOGSY knowledge team and is written in plain language. Last updated: 9 July 2026.

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This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.