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Stress in different degrees

Stress signals from small to large - The escalation ladder

Take the test

In the media

Get to know your dog's body language

A dog may feel uncomfortable and insecure in certain situations which brings a little stress. The stress can build up incrementally and escalate if you don't intervene in time. The dog will then feel compelled to literally bite off.

 

Positive stress

By the way, a dog can also show stress signals because something fun awaits him. As soon as you grab the leash to go for a walk, the dog may respond by tonguing. "Fun! We're going for a walk!"

 

Stress signals from small to large - The escalation ladder

Turid Rugaas, international dog trainer from Norway, has become known for her research on calming signals in dogs. She has mapped stress signals in dogs. The overview below is based on this. - Learn to recognize these signals in your dog, so you can prevent a situation from getting out of hand. See also the videos at the bottom of this page.

 

Stress level 1 Overshooting behavior

Sniffing on the ground

Scratching

Stress level 2 Calming signals

Yawning

Tonguing (licking lips)

Looking away

Close eyes

Turn away, turn back

Moving slowly

Wandering

Stress level 3 Stress reactions

Panting

Dilated pupils

Shaking off adrenaline

Sweaty legs

Trembling

Eyes turn away, whites of eyes can be seen

Barking

Stress level 4 Focus

Calming signals are no longer shown

Mouth closes, lips tighten

Freezing

Stress level 5 Ready to attack

Showing teeth

Growl

Stress level 6

Snapping

Lunge

Stress level 7Biting

Biting

Repeated biting

Take the test

No, we're not going to do anything dangerous. This is a harmless little test.

 

Most dogs don't like to have their picture taken; it often makes them feel uncomfortable. Take your camera in hand and ask your dog to sit in a certain spot. Pay close attention to your dog's behavior as you take the pictures. Chances are he will yawn, tongue, or turn his head away.

dog stress