My Dog Is Stressing Me Out: How a Stress Detox Can Help

Do you feel like screaming to the heavens “help my dog is stressing me out!” From pulling on the leash to barking at other dogs, frantic behaviors indoors and out, and struggling to settle down—if you’re feeling overwhelmed and nothing seems to work, a stress detox could be the solution. In this post, you’ll discover how a stress detox can benefit both you and your dog, helping you achieve a calmer, more balanced relationship.

What Is A Stress Detox?

A stress detox is a period of time where you focus on reducing or eliminating the stress from your dog (and yourself too). If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “my dog is stressing me out” day after day, a detox might be the reset both you and your dog need.

This can be as short as 3 days, but for some dogs who struggle with self-regulation, it may take longer. Dogs who are chronically stressed may require a detox period of over 2 weeks to reach the desired results.

Whatever the time frame, the goal of this detox is to eliminate stress. This involves reducing anything that stresses the dog out and replacing it with meaningful activities while also focusing on rest and relaxation. For more insight into helping your dog relax, check out my post on why your dog never relaxes.

A lot of dogs don’t have their needs met and don’t have enough quality exercise or stimulation to help them reach that level of deep sleep.

Instead a lot of dogs run around like maniacs at dog parks, get thrown a ball without any structure, or go on really long walks where they continuously bark and pull and become overstimulated on walks.

The above isn’t good quality exercise, especially for dogs that may suffer from reactivity. These activities will keep the dog in a highly stressed level through the day until they can settle themselves down.

Why A Regular Detox Is So Important

As mentioned earlier, if you’re feeling like “my dog is stressing me out” regularly, it’s often because their needs aren’t fully being met. Dogs that go on overly stimulating walks or engage in chaotic play at dog parks may actually be left more stressed than fulfilled. For dogs suffering from reactivity, these activities can keep them in a state of heightened stress all day.

We’ve all been told dogs need sufficient exercise and stimulation, yet this is difficult for some of us. Some of us have obligations and other commitments and sometimes things get crazy and our dogs end up being dragged through their routine.

Dogs that struggle with regulation and those that are in a chronic state of stress all the time would benefit from regular detoxing though.

We’ve all been stressed before and we know what the effects are like on our own bodies and the risks it poses after a long period of time.

Dogs that are constantly stressed or can’t “shake it off” end up being tense, reactive, pushy, make poor decisions, struggle to think clearly and take the guidance needed. Over time these behavioural issues start becoming a norm for the dog, even habitual.

A regular detox can help bring your dog down to a baseline of calm, which benefits not only your dog but also your relationship with them. Structured walks, sniffari dog walks and scatter feeding are great examples of activities to manage this stress, offering more predictable environments for dogs to thrive in.

The Downsides of Stress

If you find yourself complaining “my dog is stressing me out” then chances are that they are also stressed and struggling to control it.

Dogs that are chronically stressed or can’t self-regulate often struggle with focus, become reactive, and display pushy or frantic behaviours. Over time, these behaviours can become habitual, making it harder for your dog to break out of their stressed state. To understand more about how multiple stressors affect behaviour, you can explore trigger stacking in dogs and its impact.

A key point to remember is that dogs that are chronically stressed or struggle with regulation will have a harder time processing information, taking direction and thinking clearly, especially if they stay in that situation.

Early Signs Your Dog Needs a Stress Detox

Sometimes, the signs that your dog is stressed can be subtle, and it’s easy to miss them before things escalate into more problematic behaviours. Recognizing these early indicators of stress can make all the difference in managing your dog’s well-being and preventing any further frustration.

Some early signs that your dog may need a stress detox include:

#1 – Increased Restlessness

If your dog is constantly pacing, unable to relax, or finding it difficult to settle down, it may be a sign that their stress levels are climbing.

#2 – Hyper-vigilance

A dog that’s easily startled or seems on edge in familiar settings might be feeling overwhelmed.

#3 – Frequent Barking or Whining

Excessive vocalizations, especially out of the norm for your dog, could point to an underlying stress issue.

#4 – Refusing Commands

If your dog starts ignoring cues they usually respond to, it may be due to stress disrupting their ability to focus.

By recognizing these early signs, you can start implementing a stress detox plan before your dog’s behavior escalates.

For more tips on managing restlessness and stress in dogs, check out my post on why your dog never relaxes.

Who Would Benefit From A Detox?

Dogs that suffer from reactivity, anxiety, overarousal issues, hyperactivity, inability to self regulate, OCD type behaviours and dogs that have been in a chronic state of stress.

There’s a strong chance every dog will benefit from going through a detox at some point in their lives.

If you’re trying to teach a new behaviour then wouldn’t it be easier to get your dog to a trainable baseline? A lot of reactive dogs seem to struggle with constant reactions, taking some time off to eliminate that stress will actually help your dog think clearer and follow direction in these scenarios.

If you have a dog that doesn’t seem to be able to settle no matter how much place training you do then detoxing can help. Cutting out stressful activities and adding in activities that benefit the dog along with time to rest and relax can help make settling down easier for the dog.

You know who would also benefit from this detox?
You! Yes you!

I guarantee if you’re having issues and constantly complaining that “my dog is stressing me out” then you may be a bit frustrated, there might be some tension or even frays in the relationship currently.

One thing I love about a detox is that you cut walking out and replace it with meaningful exercise. This means a mundane and frustrating daily task that you may have struggled with doesn’t have to cause the both of you anxiety, instead you can work on better things.

A detox can help to reset the bond and relationship you have with your dog. By doing more meaningful activities, setting time to play, eat and also setting boundaries, you are not only going to mould a calmer dog.

If you follow the detox until you have the desired results, I guarantee by the time you get to the end your relationship will be so much better. From intentionally spending time with your dog, but also from understanding more about them in this time.

How To Detox…

The process of a detox is simple in theory – stop anything that stresses your dog out whilst replacing it with exercise and other useful activities.

The thing is all dogs are different, some are more stressed than others, some struggle more with regulation, some don’t get as much exercise as needed and so forth.

With this in mind the first thing to do is have a selection of activities to fill your dogs day with; sensory, physical exercise, problem solving. Having a selection allows you to see what kind of things your dog really enjoys and what they don’t.

Once you have your list, the next thing to do is craft your day. I like splitting my day into about 3 sections (morning, mid afternoon and evening).

For the first day you are just seeing what works and what doesn’t. You want to take notes if possible but mainly observe your dog. This will help when it comes to shaping your day 2. Did the dog get stressed at any activity? Would you do anything different?!

Notes are the key to victory here. Regardless of how long you take a detox, by taking notes as you go you can slowly start to create the perfect detox day and schedule for your dog since you’ll know what works and what doesn’t.

Download My FREE Detox Guide!

If you are constantly saying “my dog is stressing me out” then you can download my free detox guide here. This guide is packed with information to help you create the perfect detox including a workbook to help you understand your dog more!

This includes an easy to follow detox challenge, an example for inspiration and also a selection of activities that you can include in your detox.

Final Thoughts

If you have a dog that gets overstimulated on walks, is reactive, or you find yourself saying “my dog is stressing me out,” this detox is worth a try! Resetting both of your stress levels can lead to calmer behaviours, better choices, and a stronger bond.

Once both you and your dog reset and detox you’ll both be ready to take on whatever the world sets at you.

Take back the reins and become a team again with your dog!

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