Read through the following behavioural signs, look at the pictures and watch the video examples. Once you have used this page, continue onto vocalisations.
The following movements are likely to indicate anxiety or fear:
Approaching and then retreating from something (e.g. object, vehicle, person) and alternating between these responses
Approaching and retreating from a hoover
Moving or leaning away from something
Running away from a situation
Lifting one paw
Lifting one paw
Reluctant to come forward or follow a command
Reluctant to come forward
Lunging forwards (unless this is a trained behaviour)
Biting or nipping
Lunging
Often seeking attention (for example: pawing or leaning on you, jumping up, mounting or mouthing at you or others)
Attention seeking
Reluctant to give something up (e.g. moving away from you with an object or toy).
Guarding; stiff posture, growling or snapping if you approach when the dog has an object or food.
Hiding, underneath furniture or behind your legs
Hiding in kennel
Destroying items, whining, howling, barking,urinating, defecating, when left alone
Following you around before you leave
Eating food quickly before you leave or leaving it until you get back
Waiting and watching by a window or exit point until you get back
Trying to go with the person leaving
Trying to go with the person leaving
Repetitive behaviour (for example: spinning in circles, chasing tail or shadows, or licking or nibbling at parts of the dogs body)
