Back to knowledge

Behaviour

Spotting & easing stress in your dog

How to tell when your dog is under pressure – and how to help them calm back down.

Dogs feel stress too. A little excitement is perfectly normal and even good: it keeps your dog awake and alert. Too much of it, though, does your dog no good. That's why it pays to know the signs.

What stress looks like

A stressed dog pants heavily, gets fidgety or suddenly freezes on the spot. Many lick their nose, yawn or scratch themselves even though nothing itches. Some stay noticeably close to you, others withdraw. Important: this is not disobedience. It's your dog asking you for help.

Register for free to read the whole article

Create your free DOGSY account and read the full article – plus the whole DOGSY app all about dogs.

Register for free

Already with us? Log in

More articles

Behaviour

Puppy licence: does it apply with people too?

The «puppy licence» is something people talk about between dogs – what the idea means for contact with people, and what it does not mean in law.

Behaviour

The first meeting: two people, two dogs

Two people, two dogs, one first meeting: with the right place and a little patience, you're off to a good start. And if in doubt, you simply stop.

Behaviour

Reading your dog's mouth

Loosely open or tightly shut? Your dog's mouth alone can tell you how they're feeling. Here's how to look properly.

Behaviour

Take warning signs seriously before things boil over

Before a dog snaps or bites, he almost always warns you, quietly at first, then more clearly. Here's how to spot the signs early enough.

Behaviour

Calming signals: your dog's quiet messages

Licking their nose, turning their head away, yawning: with quiet signals like these, your dog tells you something is getting too much. Here's how to spot them.

Behaviour

Reading your dog's ears

Pricked forward, turned to the side or pinned right back: your dog's ears show you how they're feeling. Here's how to read them.

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