Know the signs of stress in dogs

Stress Signals
Stress signals vary from dog to dog, and you need to learn to recognize your dog’s signals. A stressed dog can exhibit any or a combination of the following traits.

• Yawns
• Freezes in place
• Pants       
• Licks his lips
• Scratches
• Moves more slowly
• Seems inattentive/bored
• Whines
• Seems hyperactive
• Barks
• Jumps around
• Tucking tail between legs

Stress and Training
Learning something new is always stressful. Your job is to keep your dog’s stress at a manageable level and not let it overwhelm the training process. Making play part of your lesson may help relieve stress. Make sure your rewards are frequent and generous. Don’t ask for too much at a time, especially when in a new environment. Add distractions to the training process very slowly. Build on each small success to instill confidence in the dog. Using jackpots BEFORE you start seeing stress signs (at a level where the dog is not yet stressed) can help get the dog past the stressful situation. “Jackpot” is a term used by dog trainers which simply means giving a big reward to your dog, for example instead of giving just one treat give a handful. Jackpots should only be used randomly and are usually suggested as “extras for excellence”.  With more active stress signs -barking and jumping around - be calm yourself. Keep your physical movements deliberate and low-key. Play relaxing music during training sessions. Yawn, breathe and smile!

What Can You Do for Your Stressed Dog?
Some dogs by nature are more easily stressed than others due to genetics, life experiences and socialization (or lack of). You can help your stressed out dog become more relaxed. Rather then intensifying a stressful situation by focusing on it and trying to reassure your dog, be calm and relaxed and ask your dog to do a simple, fun trick for a Click and Treat (bow and spin both work great for this situation). This builds confidence in a stressful situation by giving your dog something familiar to do that gets him rewards, laughs and praise.

If your dog tends to bark or lunge on leash when he becomes stressed teach him to let you handle the stressful situation. Do this by rewarding him for calmly sitting at your side, watching you when he becomes stressed. At first you may need to help him do this by luring him to your side and into a sit. Click and Treat when he is acting in an appropriate way.

If you are concerned about your stressed dog, please ask your instructor for more information on helping your dog overcome stress.