Look at your dog’s mental state Stress

Stress is… Your dog’s body response to any physical and mental demand Positive stress – Dog park Negative stress – Veterinary visit How a dog handles stress depends on Experience Upbringing Genetics

Possible stress factors Unusual People Unfamiliar Sights Physically Uncomfortable Environment

Unusual people Visual: disability populations, crawling kids, walking funny Auditory: sound funny, loud, abrupt Other: different smell, unusual behaviors, rough handling

Unusual sights Equipment: rolling carts or beds, IV poles, wheelchairs Things: big hats, exercise ball, statues,

Physically uncomfortable Pain Hungry or thirsty Need to potty Not enough sleep

Environment Hectic: Too many people Noisy Over exposure (too long) New unknown sites Different surfaces Dog Metal boat ramp

Environment New smells & sounds Distracting: Cat, bird, other dog Known person Scary things

Stress Levels Low stress High stress Shutdown Dog tries to calm himself down Look for calming signals High stress Starting to lose the capability of coping Shows obvious outward signs of stress Shutdown Fight or flight

Low stress Environment starts to feel intimidating Dog tries to calm himself down Look for calming signals (Avoidance and Displacement Behaviors) Behaviors that are normal but occur out of context Helps calm your dog’s nervous system Lowers stress

Calming signals Avoiding interaction Turning away Avoiding eye contact Avoidance behavior Avoiding interaction Turning away Avoiding eye contact

Calming signals Decreased activity Increased activity Backing away Avoidance behavior Decreased activity Increased activity Backing away Sniffing

Calming signals Displacement behavior Yawning Stretching Licking body parts Lip licking

Calming signals Displacement behavior Lifting paw Shaking off Scratching Drooling

Calming signal - Stress Panting “Off Leash Play” Pic.

High Stress Dog is starting to lose the capability of coping Shows obvious outward signs of stress Your dog needs your guidance immediately Use stress reduction techniques

Signs of high stress Loss of concentration - Not responding Sound and touch sensitive Not interested treats

Signs of high stress Tucked tail Freezing in place Slinking posture Crouching Can also be low stress signs depending on severity

Signs of high stress Dandruff! Vomiting Diarrhea Sweaty paws Dandruff

Stress Reduction Tools Let the dog investigate Guide the dog through situation Calmly move away from situation

Let dog investigate Loose leash – freedom of movement is calming Tight leash - causes stress Socialize dog into new experiences slowly only then Let dog observe from a distance go closer

Stress Reduction Tools Let the dog investigate Guide the dog through the situation Calmly move away from situation

Guide dog through situation Go around situation in a half circle Don’t rush, pull or push the dog ✓ X

Guide dog through the situation Be a leader so your dog looks to you for guidance Give your dog confidence – encourage, don’t coddle

Stress Reduction Tools Let dog investigate Guide dog through situation Calmly move away from situation

Calmly move away from situation X Calmly move away from situation Don’t let dog pull you away Reward any sign of conquering fear – even a glance Leave on a positive note

Calmly move away from situation Redirect dog to a fun activity or toy Massage Let dog have “down time” in a safe and quiet place

Your Dog’s stress level Stress signs are often very subtle! Learn what your dog can handle! Be your dog’s Advocate!