Why Is My Dog Sniffing, Scratching or Shaking Off? It Might Be Stress
- Adolescent Dogs
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Have you ever seen your dog suddenly start sniffing the ground during training? Or perhaps they shake off like they’re wet—despite being completely dry? Maybe they break into a case of the “zoomies” out of nowhere, or begin nibbling at their paws or tugging at their lead.
These are all examples of displacement behaviours—subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle!) signs that your dog is experiencing inner conflict, stress, or uncertainty.
Learning to recognise displacement behaviours is essential for understanding what your dog is really feeling—and responding in a way that builds trust and confidence.
🧠 What Are Displacement Behaviours?
Displacement behaviours are normal dog behaviours displayed out of context. They often surface when a dog feels conflicted, overwhelmed, unsure, or caught between two choices—such as wanting to approach something but also feeling nervous.
Think of it like fidgeting in humans—we tap our pens, bite our nails, or play with our hair when we're anxious or trying to process a situation. Dogs do the same in their own way.
🐶 Common Displacement Behaviours
Here are some of the most frequently seen displacement behaviours in dogs:
🌀 Zoomies (Frenetic Random Activity Periods)
While zoomies can be a sign of joy and energy release, they can also indicate stress relief. After a challenging situation—like a vet visit or intense training—your dog might suddenly sprint around the room or garden. This burst of movement can be their way of coping with emotional overload.
👃 Excessive Sniffing
Sniffing is a normal and enriching part of a dog’s life, but when it shows up during training or in social situations, it can signal discomfort. A dog might start sniffing the ground to avoid engaging, delay a decision, or calm themselves when things feel overwhelming.
🐕 Shake Offs
A full-body shake (like they’ve just come out of water) is a classic stress-release behaviour. Dogs often shake off after a moment of tension—like after greeting a new dog, finishing a training session, or hearing a loud noise. It’s their way of resetting their nervous system
.
🐾 Nipping or Biting at the Lead, Clothing, or Paws
This can be a dog’s way of redirecting stress or frustration. It’s common in puppies, but adult dogs may also start nibbling when they’re unsure, overwhelmed, or trying to cope with conflicting emotions.
😮💨 Yawning, Lip Licking, and Blinking
These smaller signals are often overlooked but can be key indicators of stress. A dog that yawns when there’s no reason to be tired or licks their lips repeatedly could be trying to self-soothe.
🛑 Scratching Out of Context
Occasional scratching is completely normal, but if your dog starts scratching when there's no physical irritation—such as during training or a social encounter—it may be a displacement behaviour. It can signal inner conflict or mild stress, as your dog tries to self-regulate in the moment.
📚 Why It Matters
Displacement behaviours aren’t “bad” or something to punish—in fact, they’re a gift.
They give us insight into what our dogs are feeling before things escalate into barking, lunging, or shutdown.
If we ignore these early signs, our dogs may stop using them and go straight to more dramatic behaviours to be heard.
✅ What To Do When You See Displacement Behaviours
Pause and Observe Ask yourself: What just happened? Is my dog unsure, over-aroused, or uncomfortable?
Adjust the Situation Reduce pressure—create more distance from a trigger, lower the difficulty of the task, or give them a break.
Support Your Dog Offer reassurance, use calm cues, or engage them in a simple, confidence-building exercise.
Don’t Punish or Ignore Displacement behaviours are communication. If you punish or dismiss them, your dog may feel more trapped or misunderstood.
🐕 Building a Better Relationship Through Awareness
By tuning into these subtle signals, you’ll not only prevent behavioural issues from escalating—you’ll deepen the bond with your dog. A dog who feels heard and supported is a dog who feels safe.
So next time your dog starts zooming around, sniffing mid-walk, or shaking off after a social moment, take a second to think: What are they telling me? Because chances are, they’re not just being “silly”—they’re doing their best to cope.
Want help understanding your dog’s body language and behaviour better? Get in touch to join our training programmes or book a consultation. We're here to help you and your dog thrive together. 💛
Call 0800 222 9007
Comments