Comments on: Want A Happy Boat Dog? Know These Surprising Signs of Stress

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 30 May 2018 16:48:02 +0000

In reply to Meagan & Merlin. Sounds like Merlin just likes "talking" to you.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 30 May 2018 16:47:37 +0000

In reply to Jan K. We fostered some beagles who shook. And I've seen it commonly in chihuahuas. We really do need to know our own pups. Surprisingly, many people don't. BTW, I loved your food post over at your site. But the internet gremlins ate it. Just wanted to let you know.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 30 May 2018 16:35:55 +0000

In reply to Emma. Bailie and Madison's experience shows that riding on a boat can be a bigger deal than many people think. That must have been quite a ride if Madison actually got water in her face. I'd expect a Chicago boat tour would be calmer than that.

By: Meagan & Merlin

Meagan & Merlin — Wed, 30 May 2018 05:16:52 +0000

Merlin whines when we are in one spot too long. He also whines or stares when he wants to go outside. He whines for attention as well. He whines when he sees a dog or person he wants to flirt with. So it’s important for us to work out the context of why he’s whining because he does it for different reasons.

By: Jan K

Jan K — Tue, 29 May 2018 23:38:04 +0000

Great post! Sometimes dogs are so obvious with their stress, other times it’s very subtle. Luke can be pretty obvious with his, but I have to watch him closely to make sure I’m not missing the times it’s less so. I wonder if I’ve missed times of his scratching when he’s stressed, because I wasn’t really aware of that one. I’ll watch for it now.
It took me years of living with beagles to realize that they would shake like a leaf, even just when feeling a little bit “off”. I had to get over panicking every time they’d shake…sometimes their bellies were just a little upset…but they can be very dramatic! Knowing your individual dog is SO important!

By: Emma

Emma — Tue, 29 May 2018 21:15:50 +0000

I know Bailie didn’t do well on the Chicago boat tour last summer. She tried to crawl under the next row of seats! Madison was great until she got hit in the face with a wave. Luckily it was not a real long ride! Mom knows our stress signs pretty well.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Tue, 29 May 2018 20:10:06 +0000

In reply to Monika & Sam ?. Yeah, I was really surprised by the wet paws. And it made me pay more attention to other signs. It would be interesting to see your list for Sam and Elsa. I imagine they each have their own, unique stress signals.

By: Monika & Sam ?

Monika & Sam ? — Tue, 29 May 2018 18:20:36 +0000

What a pawsome and comprehensive list and accompanying description of stress signs. There are the obvious ones but now I’m going to really probe more into some of the more subtle ones I’ve seen.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Tue, 29 May 2018 18:06:39 +0000

In reply to Shadow and Ducky's Mom. As we both know, managing our dogs' stress is partly training and partly management. And in the end, they're individuals like we are. Glad you have a good vet that helps Shadow feel as comfortable as possible.

By: Shadow and Ducky's Mom

Shadow and Ducky's Mom — Tue, 29 May 2018 16:39:14 +0000

Poor Shadow gets stressed going to the vet. Unfortunately, that’s one stressor I can’t move her away from or avoid altogether; so, when she must go, I do my best to relieve at least some of the stress. And so does the vet and his wonderful staff. She usually responds well to our efforts.