Stress in dogs

Dogs' bodies, like those of humans, react to threats with stress. At first glance, stress in dogs is completely natural and can even be important for survival. Stress causes the body to mobilize all its resources to be ready if the worst comes to the worst. Adrenaline and cortisol are released in the body. Just like with us humans, this leads to a higher heart and breathing rate and blood pressure and blood sugar levels rise. Our dogs get into tunnel vision and their sense of pain is often reduced. An acute reaction due to stress is usually followed by a recovery phase. This brings the body back into balance. This is why breaks are so important for our dogs. A distinction is made between internal and external stress. External stress is the reaction to external stimuli that makes our dogs feel at risk. This can be a lack of stimuli or the opposite, absolute overstimulation. Over-demanding, under-challenging or punishment can also lead to external stress. When we are under internal stress, our dogs' bodies are permanently out of balance. This can result from food, water or sleep deprivation. But fear and pain can also trigger internal stress. Dogs that are under stress react to stimuli in a more extreme way, often have a high level of aggression and are easily irritated, and their concentration and willingness to perform decrease significantly.