Understanding and Managing Arousal in Dogs
Arousal in dogs is a term that is becoming more widely recognised in the field of dog behaviour, but it is often misunderstood. As a dog behaviourist, it’s my mission to educate guardians on what arousal means for their dogs and how it influences behaviour. By understanding arousal and learning how to manage it, you can greatly improve your dog’s well-being, reduce unwanted behaviours, and strengthen your relationship.
What Is Arousal?
Arousal essentially refers to a dog’s level of alertness and responsiveness. It’s not just about negative events like fear or stress; it also includes positive excitement, such as during playtime or when greeting a favourite person. Arousal is a natural and necessary part of a dog’s life, but if left unmanaged, it can escalate into behaviours that are difficult to handle.
When a dog encounters a stimulus—whether it’s another dog, a stranger, or even an exciting toy—their brain releases chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones help the dog respond quickly, but they also increase their arousal levels, affecting their ability to process information and make calm decisions. This can lead to heightened reactions, which may look like lunging, barking, or being overly excitable.
Why Is Understanding Arousal Important?
Arousal plays a key role in how dogs process both positive and negative events. For example, a calm dog may enjoy meeting another dog, but if that same dog is already highly aroused, the interaction could quickly turn negative. It’s not just about the situation itself but about how prepared your dog is to handle it.
Arousal also impacts a dog’s emotional state and their ability to respond appropriately. If a dog’s arousal levels are consistently high, they are more likely to reach their ‘threshold’—the point where they are unable to cope, and reactive behaviours may occur. This is why understanding your dog’s arousal levels and how they fluctuate is crucial for managing behaviour and preventing problems from escalating.
The Impact of Trigger Stacking
When a dog experiences multiple arousing events in a short period, this is called ‘trigger stacking.’ Each event, whether positive or negative, raises the dog’s arousal levels. For example, a game of fetch, followed by meeting another dog, and then seeing a loud truck could push a dog close to or over their threshold. When this happens, their ability to process commands or respond calmly decreases.
Dogs, like humans, have different tolerance levels. Some dogs have high thresholds and can manage multiple stimuli before reaching their limit, while others have lower thresholds and need more support to manage their arousal. If your dog’s arousal levels remain elevated without sufficient recovery time, they may struggle with everyday situations that they previously handled well.
How to Manage Arousal in Your Dog
Managing arousal is not about avoiding all excitement or stress—after all, these are natural parts of life. It’s about understanding your dog’s triggers, recognising signs of rising arousal, and implementing strategies to help them manage it better. Here are some key approaches:
1. Identify Triggers and Manage the Environment
The first step is to understand what triggers your dog’s arousal. Is it other dogs, visitors to your home, or specific noises? Once you know the triggers, you can manage the environment to reduce exposure. This might mean having quiet days with no walks or avoiding play sessions when your dog is already over-excited.
2. Allow Decompression Time
Giving your dog time to decompress is essential. After a stressful or exciting event, allow your dog to rest and relax in a quiet space. This may mean taking a few days off from stimulating activities, creating a calm environment, and giving your dog access to their safe space.
3. Encourage Positive Outlets for Energy
When arousal levels rise, it’s natural for dogs to exhibit behaviours like zoomies, sniffing, or even chewing. These are self-soothing strategies. Encourage activities like scent work or chewing on enrichment toys, which help lower arousal levels and provide a positive outlet for energy.
4. Work on Building Impulse Control
Training your dog to manage their arousal includes teaching impulse control. Training exercises like “wait,” “stay,” and “leave it” help your dog learn to pause and think before reacting. By pairing these exercises with rewards, you build your dog’s confidence and self-control.
5. Adjust High-Arousal Activities
Activities like fetch or playing with other dogs are fun but can quickly escalate arousal. Monitor your dog’s behaviour during these activities and intervene if they start becoming overstimulated. Teaching your dog to take breaks and respond to calm cues can help prevent an escalation.
6. Consider Your Dog’s Diet and Health
A dog’s physical health, including pain or digestive issues, can impact their arousal levels. If your dog’s behaviour seems out of the ordinary, consult a veterinarian to rule out health-related causes. A balanced diet and managing any pain or allergies can help maintain lower arousal levels.
7. Use Rest Periods Effectively
Some dogs need structured rest periods to recover from stressful events. If your dog struggles to settle, use a crate or designated safe space where they can rest undisturbed. This helps them to regulate their emotions and prevents chronic stress.
Why Arousal Management Is an Ongoing Process
Teaching a dog to manage their arousal is not a quick fix. It’s an ongoing process that involves recognising your dog’s emotional state, understanding their triggers, and creating a supportive environment. The goal is not to eliminate all arousal but to ensure your dog can navigate their world without constantly feeling overwhelmed.
By understanding and managing arousal, you’re not only improving your dog’s behaviour—you’re helping them lead a balanced, happy life. If you’re struggling with your dog’s arousal levels, reach out for professional support.
If you are needing support with your dogs behaviour Trail Sniffers can provide tailored guidance, helping you and your dog find strategies that work best for your situation.
Get intouch with us today.