Why Do Dogs Shake?

"Recognise the Shake: A Simple Way to Help Your Dog To Release The Stress"

Have you ever noticed your dog shaking off after a walk, a social interaction, or even during a stressful moment? Maybe you've brushed it off as just a quirky habit, but in reality, dogs use it as a powerful tool to calm themselves, just like us taking a deep breath after something intense. Let me share why this behaviour is something you’ll want to pay attention to and how you can turn it into a valuable skill for your dog!

When to Look for It

You’ll often see your dog shake off after an exciting, tense, or even slightly stressful moment like meeting a new dog, hearing a loud noise, or playing. These shake-offs aren’t random; they help dogs release built-up nervous energy. Think of it as their way of "resetting" and calming their nerves. Every time your dog shakes off, especially during or after a social interaction with another dog or person, it's a sign they are trying to regulate their emotions.

Why It Matters

Shaking off, along with other calming signals like yawning or stretching, is your dog’s natural way of managing stress. Without these built-in mechanisms, your dog’s arousal levels could spike, making it harder for them to think clearly, navigate social situations, or calm down after a stressful event. By recognising and reinforcing this behaviour, you can help your dog build resilience and cope with life’s daily challenges.

How to Use It

Here is the fun part- you can shape this natural behaviour and make it even more effective for your dog:

• Observe and Acknowledge: Start paying attention to when your dog shakes off. It will likely happen after something stimulating, like meeting new people or hearing a loud noise.

• Capture the Moment: When you see the shake-off, use a simple “yes!" to capture the behaviour.

• Reward: Follow up with a reward! A small treat or gentle pet works great. This reinforces that the shake-off is a good way to deal with stress.

• Practice with Other Calming Signals: You can also do this with calming behaviours like yawning, stretching, or looking away when your dog is in a social or arousing situation.

By marking and reinforcing these behaviours, you're helping your dog use their natural instincts to stay calm and cope with whatever life throws their way. It’s a small action that makes a big difference in your dog’s well-being!

Struggling with other behaviours? Contact Us to find out how we can help you.