Have you ever been doing training with your dog and all of a sudden they stop and have a scratch? Or maybe they went to get a drink? Randomly had a shake?
This is called a ‘displacement behaviour’, which is a normal behaviour shown out of context. Some examples include;
1. Yawning: While yawning can indicate tiredness, in stressful situations, it can also be a sign of anxiety or discomfort. A dog might yawn when it’s nervous or trying to calm itself.
2. Licking Lips: Dogs often lick their lips when they are anxious or uncertain. This behavior can be a subtle sign of stress, especially if there is no food around.
3. Scratching, stretching, or grooming. Just like humans might scratch their heads when confused, dogs might scratch or groom themselves when they feel conflicted or stressed, even if they don't have an itch.
4. Shaking Off. After a stressful encounter or when feeling uneasy, a dog might shake off as if it's trying to get water off its body. This behavior can signal a dog's attempt to release tension.
5. Panting. While panting is normal after exercise or in hot weather, excessive panting in cool conditions or without physical exertion can indicate stress.
6. Sniffing the Ground: Dogs might suddenly start sniffing the ground or air when they are anxious or uncertain. This behavior is a way for them to distract themselves from a stressful situation.
7. Pacing: Repeated pacing back and forth can be a sign that a dog is trying to cope with anxiety or excitement.
8. Drinking or Eating: These are normal, but not so much in the middle of a training session, for example. It may be that your dog isnt quite understanding what you are trying to teach them.
9. Getting a toy or having zoomies: Another normal behaviour, but when shown out of context, looks really odd, and could be a sign your dog doesn't know what else to do.
Why do dogs show these behaviours?
Showing a displacement behaviour is a sign that a dog is frustrated, anxious, confused, uncertain, or uncomfortable. These behaviours act as a coping / self-soothing mechanism for the dog, allowing it to relieve their conflicting emotions.
Think about humans: sometimes we pick or bite our nails, we fiddle with our hair, or fidget with something like a pen. What we are doing is finding something to fill our time when we are uncertain.
What your dog is doing is normal, as we all do these things, but if we can reduce our dog’s stress as much as possible, it will help them in so many ways. Recognizing and understanding these behaviors can help you address your dog’s underlying emotional state and improve their well-being.
When do dogs show these behaviours?
- Social Conflicts: When a dog is unsure how to respond to another dog or person, it might display displacement behaviours to diffuse tension.
- Fearful Situations: During thunderstorms, fireworks, or visits to the vet, dogs might show these behaviours as a way to cope with their fear.
- Training Sessions: If a dog feels overwhelmed or confused during training, it might exhibit displacement behaviours.
How to Help Your Dog
1. Identify Triggers: Pay attention to when and where your dog displays displacement behaviours. Identifying the triggers can help you understand what's causing the stress or anxiety.
2. Create a Calm Environment: Provide a safe, quiet space for your dog to retreat to when it feels overwhelmed. Reducing environmental stressors can help your dog feel more secure.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to build your dog’s confidence. Reward calm behaviour and avoid punishment, which can increase anxiety.
4. Regular Exercise: Ensure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation. Regular exercise can reduce overall stress levels and prevent anxiety-related behaviours.
5. Professional Help: If your dog’s anxiety or stress is severe, consider consulting a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer. They can provide guidance and potentially recommend therapies or medications to help your dog.
Now you’re aware of these behaviours, start to look out for them! Of course, it doesn’t mean that every time your dog gets a drink they are stressed - they will sometimes just simply be thirsty. But this is why it’s important to note these behaviours so you can start to see when your dog is uncomfortable with certain things.
If you would like assistance with your dog's behaviour on lead, get in contact!
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