To be honest, before I got my miniature dachshund Texas I probably wouldn't have recognized much either. Having a reactive dog, has taught me to monitor my dogs body language a lot closer, than perhaps your average dog owner, as I have to anticipate and (hopefully) re-direct a reaction before it occurs.
As I was perusing YouTube, looking at dog training videos (my favorite activity...it inspires me. :)) I came across a video of a beagle being trained, which unfortunately gave me a lot to work with when speaking of stressed dogs. (Note: If you're dog is exhibiting behavior like this while training, you need to stop training and take a step back)
This video gives many examples of "dog stress" or how dogs attempt to communicate stress to humans.
I've debated whether or not to point out the stress signals, or just ask you guys to point them out, but realizing I have blind readers, I've decided to describe the video, from my biased point of view. The purpose of this is not to "bash" the training style but simply to observe the dogs body language.
Video Description: The video shows an older man, working a 30lbs beagle in his living room, the dog is on a 15ft leash, and being walked in a circle. There is no sound to the video (which is very suspect to me) the man cues (or gives the dog a command) the dog to sit, stay, sit, lay down and puts the dog on a mat etc.. The End.
Things I observed from the dog:
- Lip Licking
- Panting
- Flinching
- Ears Flicking, and held back against the head
- Dog pulling away slightly when jerked
- Ducking head
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Raising one paw as if bracing...
Honestly, if I were the average dog owner, this video would look like a great success. After only two days of training the dog is behaving how the man is instructing him? Amazing. Until you start reading the dog's bod language. All those things I mentioned, signal the dog is under a lot of stress, especially since he repeats them multiple times during the session.
However there are other things, that dogs do to exhibit they are stressed by a situation/person..etc..
(Note: These behaviors, by themselves does not signify a dog is stressed, but multiple behaviors offered in a short period of time, will definitely indicate your dog is feeling a bit anxious.)
However there are other things, that dogs do to exhibit they are stressed by a situation/person..etc..
(Note: These behaviors, by themselves does not signify a dog is stressed, but multiple behaviors offered in a short period of time, will definitely indicate your dog is feeling a bit anxious.)
- Shaking, yawning and scratching
- Refusing food and treats or refusal to open mouth
- Hiding and disobeying orders
- Licking lips, drooling and sneezing
- Improper bowel movements and vomiting
- Avoiding eye contact, keeping tail between legs or acting shy
- Exhibiting over activeness or under activity
- Biting, growling or snarling
If you see your dog exhibiting this behaviors, repeatedly then probably is a good time, to remove the dog away from the situation.
My miniature dachshund Texas, has an aversion to being petted, which, after working with labs, retrievers, and other very "touchy-feely" dogs, it took me a while to recognize, his constant yawning, lip licking, and avoiding of eye contact while being petted, was a signal that he was VERY uncomfortable.
Since I believe he does want to be petted, but doesn't really know how to handle it, we've been working slowly on teaching him that humans touching him is a good thing.
As dog owners it is our job to be able to read our dogs body language and learn what they are trying to tell us. Know what things will stress your dogs out and either consult with a trainer to help them become more comfortable with that situation, or simply move them back into their "safe zone.
