Signs your dog is feeling anxious

As dogs become unsure about something, they tend to slow down as they try to learn more about it.

Dogs can find making direct eye contact intimidating, so you might see your dog turning their head away from whatever is troubling them. 

Some dogs may cower and tuck their tail under to make themselves look as small and insignificant as possible. Others might hold their tail straight upright so that people and other dogs can’t miss the fact that they’re communicating they’re unsure.

Dogs might stop and look towards something that is causing them fear or anxiety. 

A dog might want to approach a person, animal, or object to interact or investigate, but show signs they are feeling worried at the same time. They might approach and then retreat because they feel conflicted.

A dog might show an ‘appeasement grin’, also referred to as a ‘submissive grin’ or ‘smile’. This is different to an aggressive display of teeth, and they may initially show this behaviour when they are trying to diffuse social conflict.

Shaking 
You might see your dog give a full-body shake. Think about what was happening just before they did this, as it’s likely that they found it challenging and are now ‘shaking it off’.

Panting
Some dogs will start to pant – completely unrelated to temperature or exercise. Unsure dogs might also tremble or shiver even when they aren’t cold.

Pacing
Your dog might start to pace or be unable to stay still or settle down. They might also be very easily startled and jumpy.

Jumping, pawing or mouthing
Your dog might become suddenly very active and seek attention from you by jumping up, pawing at you, or even mouthing or mounting when they wouldn’t normally.

They might find it difficult to follow well-known requests, like “sit” because the stress response in their body makes it harder to stay still or concentrate.

You might find your dog grabs a treat from your hand when they would usually take it gently. They might even refuse to take it at all.

These may also be signs of frustration, as well (or instead of) anxiety – see the section at the end of this page for advice on that. 

Hiding
Your dog might move away or actively try to avoid whatever is worrying them. Bear in mind that in some situations it might be you that they are worried about, or someone you are with, such as a veterinary surgeon.

Some dogs will try to hide or withdraw from a situation. Others might bolt when frightened, which can be highly dangerous.

More signs a dog could be anxious
When dogs try to find a way to cope with situations that they are finding challenging, they might perform behaviours that would be normal in different circumstances.

For example, a dog might suddenly stop, sit down, and start scratching with intensity when something in their surroundings is worrying them. They could also start sniffing about and licking themselves repeatedly.

A dog might show an ‘appeasement roll’, also referred to as a ‘submissive roll’.

The dog rolls onto their side or back to show that they pose no threat. This is very different to a dog rolling over to have their tummy tickled.

The dog could escalate to showing more defensive behaviours (like growling or snapping) if the person or animal continues to approach or interact with them in this context.

When a dog is feeling very threatened by something, they might lunge forwards and even growl, bark, and snap at whatever it is. Dogs do this in an attempt to increase the distance between themselves and the thing that is frightening them.

A dog might freeze or move very slowly. They may 'air-snap' as a warning, or bite.

Frustration can occur when a dog is unable to access something they desire, when they’re unable to move away from a situation or interaction they find uncomfortable, or when their expectations are not met. 

Common frustration-related behaviours include jumping up, barking, mouthing or pawing at a person, another dog, or an object.

Being able to recognise when your dog is feeling frustrated means you’ll be able to respond appropriately, manage the environment for them, and avoid triggers for the behaviour. This will help them to feel more relaxed.