Stress describes a condition in which an organism reacts to an internal or external threat. The

organism uses its energy to concentrate on coping with the dangerous situation. We differentiate

stress: diseases of the immune system, of the kidney and of the heart, effects on the blood

circulation, and diseases of the digestive system, increased aggressiveness.) If a dog is constantly

introduced to stressful situations with excessive demands, the owner endangers the physical and

psychological health of his best friend: Many behavioral problems result from stress. Just think

about the things that stress YOU and how you react after a longer lasting stress period and how

you feel. Maybe tired, irritable, and even somewhat aggressive? Good, then you will understand

that your dog cannot just bear anything either without showing any signs of stress.

Factors that cause stress are:

What happens in the body if it is exposed to stress?

As soon as the body is exposed to stress, different hormones are produced that can be

summarized as “stress hormones”. Stress causes the production of adrenalin, which enables the

body to reach an optimal stage of energy to survive. Adrenalin causes an increase of the pulse

and heart rates, an increase in blood sugar, the dilation of the bronchia, pupils, etc. Additionally,

ACTH is produced which, in return, triggers a higher l production of Cortisol. The stress

hormone Cortisol causes more energy to be available for all body cells but the immune system of

the body is affected.

Adrenaline is quickly broken down but the body needs up to 2 to 6 days until the stress hormone

Cortisol is completely dissolved and the body has entirely recovered again!

Therefore a longer recovery phase must follow every stress phase. Should that not be possible,

illnesses can result and Cortisol is the main reason. Through continuous stress the Cortisol level

decreases four times slower. This effect is intensified by the duration of the stress.

Signs of stress in dogs:

The increased amount of hormone production of Adrenalin, Cortisol, and of sexual hormones

clearly causes an increased aggressiveness.

This causes a decreased tolerance level – the dog reacts more intensely than usual in certain

situations, e.g., when meeting other dogs, children, joggers and bikers. And please keep in mind:

due to the slow break down of the Cortisol the effects can still be present after 2 to 6 days.

A practical example:

My dog was exposed to a longer period of high stress (e.g. at a loud event with many people who

probably constantly “attacked” the dogs with attempts to pet him, instead of leaving him alone).

But he is “good” and takes everything as it comes – only from his body language one may

recognize that he does not feel well. But you might not realize it all the time, as you might be

involved in conversations and the dog reacts quietly and “normally” at a first glance. Then you

drive home and take your dog for his regular walk. He meets another dog that always growls at

him during his daily walks. Usually my dog is not provoked by the growls but leaves a big space

between himself and the aggressor. But today he growls back and since the other one does not

give in, my dog reacts aggressively and it comes to a fight. My dog reacts very aggressively and

it is hard to calm him down afterwards.

The unusual aggressive behavior indicates to me that this is a reaction to the hour-long stressful

situation during the visit of the event. I give my dog a lot of rest during the next couple of days

and do not do exercise with him (training) either – after a couple of days he is quite the “normal”

dog again who leaves a lot of space between himself and the other growling dog. Please think

about this and learn to observe your dog. If he shows increased stress symptoms, please remove

him from the stressful situation and give him the necessary peace!

Also the lack of sleep over a longer time which can be caused automatically by a loud unknown

environment can cause increased stress.

Please remember: dogs should, on an average, sleep/rest 17 hours a day – every hour less

increases the stress symptoms.

There is still a lot to be said about this topic but I do not want the readers to be bored by too

many details. I simply tried to give you a little insight into this topic to make you understand

your dog better.

People who know WHY their dog might “overreact” can easier try to prevent it by observing him

well and by taking action quickly that can help their dog. A lot of biting incidents can be

prevented this way – although a lot of times the opinion prevails that “the dog may not be moody

or aggressive and that he always has to obey”. Only if you know about stress and from what it is

caused you can clearly see that the dog (as well as they human) can simply not do that due to the

chemical reactions in his organism – if you then try to force him to be obedient you will create

even more stress.

Thank you for today! Wishing you and your dog a stress free time.