Mastering Emotional Regulation: Signs of Stress in Your Dog and How You Can Help
By: Hannah Barnes
Ever wonder what's going on in your dog's head? Dogs, just like us, experience a kaleidoscope of emotions – joy, fear, anxiety, and everything in between. And just like us, they need healthy ways to manage those emotions. That's where emotional regulation comes in!
Emotional regulation, simply put, is the ability to handle those big feelings effectively. It's not about suppressing emotions, but rather about experiencing them fully and having the tools to navigate them in a healthy way.
In this post, we’re diving into signs of stress in dogs and ways that you can easily support their ability to self-regulate.
Summit Dog Training offers positive reinforcement-based training classes to address a wide range of behavioral challenges. Our certified, professional dog trainers utilize known outlets for emotional regulation to help dogs work through their emotions and expand their world into the classroom and beyond. Get started today!
Why is emotional regulation important for dogs?
Think of it like this: good emotional regulation is like having a superpower for your dog. It helps them:
Conquer stress & anxiety: Life can be stressful! Emotional regulation helps dogs manage stress and anxiety, leading to a calmer, happier pup.
Build healthy, respectful relationships: It helps them communicate better with you and other furry friends, reducing conflict and strengthening bonds.
Make smart choices: A well-regulated dog is better equipped to make good decisions, even in challenging situations.
Boost overall well-being: Emotional regulation leads to a more balanced and content canine companion.
Spotting signs of stress:
Your dog might already be a master of emotional regulation, using these techniques:
Licking: Licking naturally releases endorphins in your dog’s system, promoting relaxation.
Yawning: Not always a sign of tiredness, yawning can help regulate breathing and heart rate, reducing your dog’s stress.
Shaking off: Literally shaking off the stress!
Chewing: A classic stress reliever, chewing provides a positive outlet for anxious energy.
Sniffing: Deep sniffing for 10 or more seconds can lower heart rate and boost dopamine, helping your dog chill out.
Is your dog stressed?
Knowing the signs that your dog is dealing with stress is crucial to your ability to help them cope. In addition to the above signs of stress, keep an eye out for:
Lip licking (also called tongue flicking)
Whale eye (seeing the whites of their eyes)
Sudden stiffness in the body or individual body parts
Prolonged staring
Drooling
How you can help:
Become the expert on your dog’s body language: Learn to read your dog's subtle cues. They're talking to you, even without words!
Provide outlets: Giving your dog something to chew on, lick, or sniff provides them with an appropriate outlet for emotional regulation. Lick mats, snuffle boxes, and chewies from your local pet store are all wonderful options.
Create a safe space: Provide a designated safe space where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. This could be a crate, bed, or quiet corner in your home. This space should be accessible to your dog at any time.
Minimize stressors: Loud noises, unfamiliar people, or chaotic environments can trigger anxiety. Do your best to keep things calm and predictable.
Physical contact: Sometimes, a gentle touch can work wonders, but pay attention to your dog's response. Not all dogs find touch comforting in stressful situations. If they move away or lick your hand until you stop touching them, they may not find touch helpful in their current state.
Stay calm: Your dog is highly attuned to your emotions. If you're stressed, they'll feel it too. Practice your own emotional regulation techniques! Provide yourself with ways to manage your own stress, like fidget devices or breathing exercises.
Seek professional help when needed: When in doubt, it may be a good idea to consult a vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your dog's emotional challenges. If your dog's emotional issues are severe or persistent, seek professional help from a certified dog behaviorist and/or training professional.
By understanding and supporting your dog's emotional well-being, you're not just training a dog, you're nurturing a happy, healthy, and resilient member of your family.
Is your dog struggling with big feelings? Summit Dog Training offers positive, solutions-oriented classes led by certified professionals. We help dogs learn to regulate their emotions, build confidence and unlock their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. Contact us today!