"Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: Understanding Eustress and Distress in Dogs"
When we think of stress in dogs, it’s easy to assume it’s all bad—panting, pacing, barking, or hiding. But not all stress is harmful. Just like us, dogs experience two types of stress: eustress (good stress) and distress (bad stress). Understanding the difference can make you a better advocate for your dog’s emotional and physical well-being. Let’s break it down.
What Is Eustress?
Eustress is the kind of stress that motivates and energizes your dog in a positive way. Think of it like the excitement before a walk or the adrenaline rush of chasing a ball. It’s stimulating, engaging, and helps your dog learn and grow. Dogs need a certain level of eustress to build confidence, adapt to new experiences, and develop resilience.
Examples of eustress include:
Learning a new trick or command.
Playing a high-energy game like fetch or tug.
Exploring a new trail or environment.
The key is balance—too much eustress without recovery can quickly tip into distress.
What Is Distress?
Distress, on the other hand, is negative stress. It overwhelms your dog, making them feel scared, anxious, or out of control. While short bursts of distress are sometimes unavoidable (like a vet visit), chronic distress can lead to behavioral issues, health problems, and a decrease in your dog’s quality of life.
Signs of distress in dogs include:
Excessive panting, drooling, or whining.
Avoidance behaviors, like hiding or shutting down.
Destructive behaviors, like chewing or digging.
Pacing, trembling, or inability to settle.
Distress can result from poor socialization, overexposure to scary situations, or even something as simple as inconsistent routines.
Why This Distinction Matters
Not all stress is bad! Eustress is essential for your dog’s mental and physical growth—it keeps them engaged, curious, and happy. The goal isn’t to eliminate stress but to recognize when it crosses the line into distress and intervene appropriately.
How to Promote Eustress (And Avoid Distress)
Introduce challenges gradually. Whether it’s a new environment or a new trick, take it one step at a time.
Read your dog’s body language. Know the difference between excited energy (wagging tail, engaged eyes) and overwhelmed energy (ears back, tail tucked).
Use the crate for recovery. After high-energy activities or new experiences, let your dog recharge in their crate. It’s their safe, quiet space to process and relax, giving their brain a much-needed break.
Give them recovery time. After an exciting event, let your dog decompress with a nap, some quiet time, or a gentle cuddle session.
Avoid flooding. Throwing your dog into a chaotic or overwhelming situation won’t “toughen them up”—it’s more likely to break their trust and confidence.
Final Word
Stress isn’t the enemy—it’s about balance. Eustress can enrich your dog’s life, while distress can harm it. By learning to recognize and manage both, you’re giving your dog the best shot at a happy, balanced, and mentally thriving life.
If you’re serious about helping your dog achieve that balance and reach their full potential, book an evaluation with Diamond Dog Academy today. Together, we’ll transform stress into strength and help your dog thrive—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
