Understanding canine body language is one of the most important skills a dog parent can develop — and Dog Signs of Stress helps you do exactly that. This educational guide from Courteous Canine, Inc. teaches readers how to recognize, interpret, and respond to stress signals in dogs before they escalate into fear, anxiety, or aggression.
Dogs experience stress just like humans, but they show it through subtle cues that are easy to miss. Dog Signs of Stress organizes these behaviors into three clear categories: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild signals like yawning, blinking, or turning away often mean a dog is a little uneasy but still coping. Moderate signs such as panting, pacing, or lip-licking suggest your dog needs a break to decompress. Severe signs — including lunging, drooling, trembling, or a tucked tail — indicate a serious level of distress that requires immediate action to ensure safety.
The guide also reminds readers that some behaviors may stem from medical issues rather than stress. For example, diarrhea, excessive urination, or shaking can sometimes signal illness, so pet parents are encouraged to consult a veterinarian when in doubt.
A valuable feature of Dog Signs of Stress is the included worksheet, which helps dog owners record observed stress signals, note potential triggers, and track progress as they work to turn stressful situations into positive experiences. By pairing triggers with play, food, and patience, you can help your dog feel safer and more confident over time.
This compassionate, evidence-based resource empowers dog parents to build trust, prevent behavioral issues, and keep every training session — and every day — a happier, calmer experience for their canine companions. 💜🐾
How many signs of stress can you find in the dog to the left?
Stressed dogs give off a variety of sign, but many are easy to miss because they’re as small as eye movements or just a few hairs standing up. The more we learn about these different signs and practice observing them in our dogs, the more quickly and accurately we will be able to notice them when we need to.
Read the article below to learn more about different stress signs in dogs!
Read the article here.
