What should handlers do when a dog shows signs of stress?

When a dog shows signs of stress, providing comfort and assessing the cause of stress is a crucial response for handlers. This approach allows the handler to create a supportive environment where the dog feels safe and secure. By comforting the dog, the handler acknowledges the dog's feelings, which can help to alleviate anxiety and promote trust.

Assessing the cause of stress is equally important; it allows the handler to identify specific triggers—such as loud noises, unfamiliar people, or certain environments—so that they can modify the training or exposure to those stimuli in the future. This proactive assessment can contribute to reducing stress in future situations and improving the overall training outcomes for the dog.

Ignoring the behavior may lead to worsening stress as the dog remains in a situation that is causing discomfort. Changing the training environment abruptly could cause confusion or additional stress for the dog. Encouraging the dog to push through stress can inadvertently reinforce the negative feelings, as the dog may not be emotionally or mentally prepared to handle the situation. Therefore, providing comfort and understanding the root of the stress is the most effective and compassionate approach.