Is your dog feeling stressed?
As I let the dogs out this morning for a little indoor play, getting a couple of nips, I noticed that my girl, Maze, was trying to tell me something. The majority of a dog’s communication is through body language. Nipping is out of character for Maze, a docile, giant lap dog. If she could speak, she would probably say, “Hey, mom, this puppy is driving me crazy.”
Malibu, our puppy, has an energy level through the roof. She hops on Maze and us if we don’t distract or give her something to do. By separating her from Maze, the situation was alleviated. Maze’s stress was reduced. I decided to spend one-on-one time with each dog.
While dogs benefit our mental health, how we return the favor is vital. It could have been the start of a behavior problem in Maze if I’d let the roughhousing between her and the puppy continue. It’s easier to spend time with Maze and Malibu individually. Paws in Training, Animal Training and Behavior Specialist website states, “Dogs are not born knowing which behaviors are right and which are wrong- they learn this through trial and error.” https://pawsintraining.com/how-dogs-learn-right-from-wrong/
Dogs react and show signs of stress differently. Maze rolls over sometimes and exposes her belly. Other times, like this morning, she’ll nip at my sleeves. Malibu frequently races to the water dish while playing, before crate time or bed. Her living conditions were unstable before she came to us, and most of her behavior, such as jumping, stems from that time. In working to reverse her behavior, we set up a place on our patio for her to play during the day when we are not home. It’s too cold to go outdoors right now, so everyone has to be under closer supervision while we’re limited to indoor space for running. I provide tons of chew toys and go between her and Maze. I always supervise them.
Before I go into detail about dog communication, please read the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer
I am not a veterinarian, vet tech, or medical professional. I’m sharing a personal experience and the research I’ve done. If you suspect your dog is ill or shows signs of stress, contact a veterinarian.
Body language
Body language and stance or how a dog carries himself, particularly the set of his head, neck, and shoulders, whether his hair and hackles are raised, and the appearance of his eyes and ears indicate how he feels. Like people, not all dogs communicate the same way, and it’s easy to perceive mixed messages, especially if we don’t know the dog. A dog’s body language doesn’t tell us what he’s thinking or how he will act.
For example, dogs from abusive homes avert their gazes rather than look other dogs in the eye to avoid conflict or lessen threat potential. According to the VCA Animal Hospital website, author Horwitz et al., “Dogs first exhibit passive submission signals as puppies when being groomed by their mother.” https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/canine-communication---interpreting-dog-language.
Submissive or “appeasement” behaviors may progress to cowering, assuming a recumbent position, and showing the stomach. My bully, Maze, flicks her tongue and rolls over when she’s tired of playing with Malibu, our puppy. Max, my older dog, is more assertive, which is often perceived as aggressive. He’ll stare Malibu in the eye. His behavior is intended to end the conflict or threat before it gets out of hand. He’ll stand taller, move forward, and bark when the conflict escalates until Malibu backs down. An assertive or “aggressive” looking dog’s objective isn’t to fight but to create an “illusion that he is larger than he is,” per Horowitz et al. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/canine-communication---interpreting-dog-language#
Max’s and Maze’s behaviors are both meant to head off conflict. While Malibu is playing with them, supervision is imperative. Malibu, being young, requires needs frequent redirecting. Distracting her with a toy or a ball usually works wonders. Giving her a ring or a rope that she and Maze can tug on together allows her to socialize without stirring up conflict. When conflict does happen, I lead Malibu back to the doggy room, and everyone has time to cool down.
Scent
Dogs release a chemical scent called pheromones from the glands all over their body. Pheromones act like hormones that they respond to—glands in a dog’s footpad release pheromones that stimulate communal engagement. Similarly, a mother dog releases “appeasement pheromones” that calm the pups and connect during feeding.
Dogs pick up on scents we don’t. It’s why they stop to sniff the yucky stuff on their morning walks. They’re checking out who has been there before them. Their anal glands secrete pheromones. Found at https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/canine-communication---interpreting-dog-language
This chemical release isn’t exclusive to dogs. Cats release pheromones, too. When I adopted Mimi, a calico, I picked up wall plug-ins that released calming pheromones shortly afterward. My nose didn’t pick up on the scent, and Mimi adjusted. I didn’t have to break up any fights between her and my other cat, Sophia.
Vocalization
Dogs don’t communicate with one another as much as they do with humans through barking. They may react to loud sounds or the sight of an Amazon van by barking. In my dog Max’s case, they may feel anxious and threatened by our puppy, Malibu, roughhousing. When trying to understand your dog’s bark, it is helpful to pay attention to your dog’s body language simultaneously. Max steps closer to Malibu and barks when he’s feeling overwhelmed by her.
Other familiar sounds are whining, crying, and yelping. Howling happens, especially among wild dogs trying to establish territory within a pack. In some breeds, howling may stem from their wolf ancestors. Found at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/canine-communication-deciphering-different-dog-sounds/
Puppies cry and whine to have their needs met. My bully, Maze, who’s two years old, weeps when she hears my footsteps in the kitchen early in the morning. She was used to being the puppy, getting the most attention of all the dogs, until Malibu unexpectedly moved in with us. We weren’t planning on getting another dog, but it happened. It’s not possible to have both of them out at the same time all of the time. Malibu doesn’t know boundaries yet and grates on the other dogs’ nerves.
Another common sound dogs make is yelping to signal they are withdrawing from the pack or under stress. When all four of my dogs are outside playing, and Bourbon engages in his herding behavior, Malibu will yelp her resignation from the group.
Growling has different meanings. For instance, Max growled at us out of pain and fear when he thought my husband and I might touch his injured paw. Some dogs bark when they’re playing. Looking at the subtleties in facial expressions and observing body language is crucial in understanding the meaning of a dog’s vocalizations.
Signs of Stress
Trembling and walking back and forth repeatedly
Panting
Hiding or seeking an escape from a stressful situation
Cowering or assuming a submissive position
Chewing objects
Yawning, licking, and drooling
Urinating more often. The sudden urge to go to the bathroom in inappropriate places like your house.
Found at Signs Your Dog is Stressed and How to Relieve It. Retrieved January 21, 2024, from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-and-how-to-relieve-it
Introducing a puppy to our household was not an easy step. We weren’t expecting Malibu as we weren’t expecting Maze, but my husband and I made it work. Decreasing stress is a daily task in a multi-dog and cat household.
Steps to relieve stress
Exercise. A tired dog is a happy dog in my house. Play fetch, walking, and running, if possible, are great stress relievers. Swimming and play dates with other dogs to run off their energy. Visit dog parks with your dog.
Toys, puzzles, and especially interactive games stimulate their mind. Treat dispensers or hide-and-seek with treats. You can use carrot sticks or human-grade food that is safe for pets.
Establishing a cozy spot for each of your pets if you are a multi-pet household like mine. Each dog has a place of his or her own where they can relax and calm down if they stress each other out.
If you suspect the pain is the cause of your dog’s stress, or you can’t calm your dog down, bring him or her to the vet. A dog’s internal suffering might not be outwardly visible. Other treatments could be necessary.