IS YOUR DOG EXCITED OR STRESSED? – Dog Training Can Help
Did you know that many dogs appear hyperactively happy when they are actually feeling stressed?
You may be very surprised to learn that what you thought was them being ‘excited’ is in fact your dog feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
I’m not saying that it’s bad for dogs to get excited sometimes and express joy! Quite the opposite. However it is important to know that there is a key difference between ‘stressed’ high energy and simply ‘happy’ high energy. It basically comes down to whether their mind is relaxed or tense in a situation, regardless of what their body is doing. A dog can actually be engaged in high levels of physical energy (playing, hunting, running) but still have a calm, collected mind. Conversely, a mentally stressed or anxious dog will present as hyperactive and lacking self control. OVER excitement and OVER stimulation is not healthy or balanced and needs to be addressed for the dog to find peace. Allowing these over the top, excited responses to go unchecked can quickly lead to other behavioural issues when the dog attempts to address this excess mental energy on their own. Obsessive or excessive behaviours are usually the result of a chaotic mind trying to calm itself.
As owners, one of our responsibilities is to help our dogs achieve and maintain a calm, balanced mindset. This is the natural state they are born into, and in the natural world, this balanced mental state is vital for survival and fulfilment. In my opinion it is important to understand the difference and how to recognise when to step in and give support.
Be mindful you aren’t actively sending your dog into this heightened state, by adopting an intense energy yourself. Obvious examples are when you come home, when someone comes to visit or when you arrive at the dog park. This intense emotional lead up from us sends many dogs into overload (in extreme cases we see a flight/fight response) in an attempt to match our own energy and prepare themselves for the big event we have told them is about to happen. Thank carefully whether you are exciting your dog for their benefit, or yours.
Many owners also unknowingly put their dogs in situations which overwhelm them and they cope by putting on a ‘performance’ in an attempt to convince the outside world that they aren’t as weak or out of control as they feel. Weak, insecure or very sensitive dogs are most often in this category and often misread as overly excited or even aggressive simply because they were overwhelmed and trying to cope – basically set up to fail. I hear regularly “oh he loves the dog park, he goes nuts when we get there” – this may be true for many dogs but many (not all) on observation are really struggling introverts who would much rather go for a nice long relaxing walk with their owner and socialise with certain dogs one on one. Just like us, dogs can be extroverts or introverts. Not all dogs love the dog park scenario and not all love the rowdy romping energy and interaction that many seem to feel they “need”.
In the same way, many dogs don’t appreciate the level of intensity we bring through the door when we get home. A calm loving hello would be just fine. Again, don’t assume your dogs loves to be touched and fussed over at all times or when they’re already overwhelmed, especially by strangers. That licking or jumping up they do when someone tries to pat them may be a desperate attempt to ask for some personal space. Some dogs take this further and will growl or nip.
What many of our clients find most surprising is that addressing their own behaviour and expectations as well as managing the environment is as crucial in these situations as addressing the dog’s behaviour. It is not simply about “training” or changing the dog. Sometimes this recognition is all it takes to take the pressure off the both of you and to allow a peaceful (yet happy) situation to replace an intense one.
Of course, some behaviour can be more layered and may need a professional to observe, intervene and “reset”. You can then move forward with a solid plan to create positive new behaviours.
