Looking for the Little Signs of Frustration in Dog Behaviour

We often miss the subtle warning signs our dogs give us. These small actions tell us exactly how they are feeling, but we often overlook or misunderstand them. When discussing signs of frustration or aggression, most people think of growling, snapping, or biting. Sadly, these are signs that a dog has already reached a high level of stress and is reacting out of fear or frustration.

Most dogs show earlier, softer signals before things escalate. These are the signs we need to notice and respond to. Dogs use them to communicate discomfort or to try to calm a situation down. If the person, dog, or situation does not respond as they hope, this can lead to more intense frustration or even aggression.

So, what should you look out for? Common early signs include yawning, licking lips, blinking, turning away, raised hackles, stiffening, lying down, avoiding eye contact, showing the whites of their eyes (known as “whale eye”), crouching with the tail tucked, creeping, or walking away.

These cues can be very easy to miss, especially if you are distracted or new to reading dog body language. They can also escalate quickly, so if you notice your dog displaying any of these behaviours, calmly remove them from the situation. Do not tell them off. Your dog is trying to communicate that they feel uncomfortable or threatened. They are asking for space and trying to calm themselves down.

Shouting or punishing a dog for these behaviours can make things worse, sometimes significantly. Instead, work on understanding your dog’s communication and, if needed, contact a qualified trainer or behaviourist who can help you address the issue safely and effectively.

Next time your dog is in a new or stressful situation, keep an eye out for these small signs. Recognising and responding early can help you prevent bigger problems and reduce stress for both of you.