‘I’M A DOG TRAINER – THESE 4 SIGNS SHOW WHETHER YOUR PET IS STRESSED OR UNHAPPY’

Dogs have a happy-go-lucky reputation but they’re not immune to feeling stressed or unhappy. Thankfully, professionals are on hand to share their expertise.

Bringing a dog into your home can be one of the most fulfilling, rewarding, and exciting decisions you’ll ever make. However, dogs require a great deal of care and attention, and they are a long-term commitment. Therefore, choosing to get a dog is not a decision to be made lightly or rushed.

Dogs are famous for their unwavering loyalty and their apparent ability to show their happiness and stress through clear signs. But how well do we truly understand what our dogs are feeling? Many people turn to social media for answers, with countless TikTok videos offering insights into their pets’ behaviours and signs of stress.

Fortunately, experts have provided valuable guidance, identifying several behaviours that can clearly indicate whether a dog is feeling stressed or unhappy.

Is your dog happy?

Natural dog food company Green Pantry collaborated with dog psychologist and trainer Philip Legood to explore the best ways to communicate with our dogs and show them how much we care.

While many people express their affection by hugging their dogs, it turns out not all dogs enjoy this gesture.

Philip explained, “While cuddling can bring us comfort, it doesn’t always have the same effect on dogs. For some, being hugged can actually be stressful. The feeling of being tightly wrapped in our arms can be overwhelming and even threatening to certain dogs, which is an important lesson to teach young children.”

He added that signs your dog may not be enjoying a hug include stiff body posture, ears flat and pulled back, lip licking, a “grin” (lips pulled back), and a raised paw.

To tell if your dog is happy, Philip shared, “Clear signs of a happy dog include a relaxed, floppy body posture, a wagging or loose tail, ears hanging down or slightly forward, and a soft face with an open mouth.”

Is your dog feeling stressed?

It’s just as important to be mindful of a dog’s stress levels. Dr. Charlotte Rice, senior veterinary technical manager at YuMOVE, recommends using the P.E.E.P. test to spot signs of stress in your pet.

Dr. Rice explained, “Although dogs are often seen as carefree, they can experience stress just like we do. If you notice your dog acting out and suspect it’s due to stress, avoid disciplining them – instead, consult your vet.”

She continued, “If your dog is stressed, they may not show it overtly. Don’t expect them to storm off to the shed, slam doors, or crank up loud music in their room. Instead, look out for more subtle signs to understand what’s happening.”

The PEEP test:

P = Posture – Is your pet hunched, tense, cowering or defensive?

E = Eyes – Are their eyes wide, strained or pupils dilated?

E = Ears – Does it look like their ears are flattened or pinned back?

P = Position – Is your pet turning away, hiding or fleeing/freezing?

Dr Rice added: “If your dog or cat is showing any of these behaviours, they may well be experiencing stress.”

If you’re worried about your dog’s behaviour, seek professional advice from a qualified vet as soon as possible.