Why Stress Matters in Dog Behavior

Why Stress Matters in Dog Behavior

And How Behavior Modification Helps Dogs Feel Better and Behave Better

By Rachael Haddan, Behav-N-Dogs Pet Services LLC

When dogs struggle with behavior problems, it can feel confusing and frustrating. Barking, growling, lunging, hiding, freezing, or snapping can look like “bad behavior.”

But, these behaviors are not about being stubborn or naughty.

They are signs of stress.

To help dogs improve their behavior, we first need to understand how stress works in the body and brain, and then use that understanding to create a behavior modification plan that helps the dog feel safe, calm, and able to learn.

What Is Stress in Dogs?

Stress is the body’s way of responding to danger or challenges.

A little stress is normal and even helpful. It can help a dog react quickly, escape danger, or stay alert.

But too much stress for too long causes problems.

When stress becomes constant, it can change:

How a dog feels

How a dog reacts

How well a dog can learn

How a dog behaves around people, dogs, and the environment

The Body’s Stress System: The HPA Axis

Dogs have a built-in stress system called the HPA axis.

HPA stands for:

Hypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Adrenal glands

These three parts work together to help the body respond to stress.

Think of the HPA axis like an alarm system.

How the Stress Alarm Works

Step 1: The Brain Notices Stress

When a dog sees, hears, smells, or feels something scary or overwhelming, a part of the brain sends out an alarm.

This alarm tells the body:

“Something might be wrong. Get ready.”

Step 2: The Body Sends a Message

The brain sends chemical messages through the body telling it to prepare.

These messages travel through the bloodstream.

Step 3: Stress Hormones Are Released

The adrenal glands release a hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol helps the body:

Get quick energy

Increase heart rate

Breathe faster

Focus on survival

This is helpful for short moments.

When Stress Lasts Too Long

If a dog’s stress alarm keeps going off again and again, cortisol stays high.

This is called chronic stress.

Chronic stress can cause:

Anxiety

Reactivity

Aggression

Trouble calming down

Trouble learning

Poor memory

Health problems

A stressed brain is a learning-blocked brain.

The Brain Parts That Control Behavior

Three important brain areas help control stress and behavior:

Amygdala – the alarm system

(“Go! Danger!”)

Hippocampus – helps slow things down and learn from experience

(“We’ve been safe before.”)

Prefrontal Cortex – helps with thinking and self-control

(“Let’s pause and make a better choice.”)

When stress is high:

The alarm system gets louder

The thinking parts get quieter

That’s why stressed dogs often react fast and struggle to calm down.

The Stress Bucket Idea

At Behav-N-Dogs, we often use the stress bucket to explain behavior.

Every stressor adds water to the bucket:

Loud noises

Busy environments

Lack of rest

Triggers like dogs or people

Frustration

Pain or illness

When the bucket is full:

Reactions happen faster

Reactions are bigger

Recovery takes longer

Behavior modification helps empty the bucket.

Why Training Alone Isn’t Always Enough

If a dog is very stressed:

The brain can’t focus

Learning is harder

Punishment makes stress worse

The dog may shut down or explode

That’s why effective behavior modification focuses on:

1. Reducing stress

2. Helping the dog feel safe

3. Teaching new skills once the dog can learn

What Is a Behavior Modification Plan?

A behavior modification plan is a step-by-step plan designed to:

Lower stress

Improve emotional control

Teach better coping skills

Change behavior in a kind, safe way

It looks at the whole dog, not just the behavior.

Key Parts of a Behavior Modification Plan

1. Managing the Environment

We reduce stress by:

Creating predictable routines

Avoiding overwhelming situations

Keeping distance from triggers

Preventing practice of unwanted behaviors

2. Helping the Dog Calm Down

Before asking for new behavior, we help the dog’s body relax.

This may include:

Sniffing

Enrichment

Quiet activities

Choice and control

Calm training games

3. Teaching New Skills

Once the dog is calmer, we teach:

What to do instead

How to disengage

How to make better choices

How to recover after stress

This is done using positive reinforcement.

4. Going Step by Step

Progress is slow and steady.

We:

Start small

Celebrate success

Adjust when stress goes up

Never rush the dog

The Big Goal

The goal of behavior modification is not just better behavior.

The goal is:

A calmer nervous system

A dog who feels safer

A dog who can learn

A dog who can cope with life

When stress goes down, behavior improves.

Need Help With a Behavior Challenge?

If your dog is struggling with fear, anxiety, reactivity, or aggression, professional support can make a huge difference.

Behav-N-Dogs Pet Services LLC provides personalized, science-based behavior modification plans to support both the brain and behavior.

📞 Call Rachael Haddan at 719-334-8111 to get started.

References

DeLahunta, A., Glass, E., & Kent, M. (2015). Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology. Elsevier.

Overall, K. L. (1997). Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals. Mosby.

BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine (2009).

Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. Saunders Elsevier.

LeDoux, J. (1996). The Emotional Brain. Simon & Schuster.

Panksepp, J. (1998). Affective Neuroscience. Oxford University Press.

Zhang et al. (2024). Circuit Dynamics of the Olfactory Pathway during Olfactory Learning. Frontiers in Neural Circuits.

Echeverri & Govendir (2022). Fluoxetine and Canine Anxiety. Veterinary Evidence.

Chutter et al. (2019). Efficacy of Fluoxetine for Canine Behavioral Disorders. Journal of Veterinary Behavior.