Dog and Wolf Dog Calming Signals: Shaking It Off

Anyone involved in sports has probably heard coaches shout, “Shake it off!” It’s a common human expression that simply means… let go of what just happened and move on.

Remarkably, “Shake it off” used by dogs as a calming signal has a very similar meaning.

Different from most calming signals that are meant to avoid conflict, “Shaking it off” most often occurs after a conflict has been avoided, or at least the worst of it.

Also, if you missed the other signs of stress, you can’t help notice your dog “Shaking it off “ when the stress or stressor has passed... like a tense encounter with a dog or being approached by a stranger.

Many dogs put in new and perceived stressful situations, will use “Shake It Off” often. Eventually, the behavior will decrease over time once the dog begins to feel comfortable with his environment.

Taking note of the behavior is a very useful tool to determine improvement in an animal over time if “Shaking It Off” is favored or used frequently by a dog.

This calming signal is different from wet shaking because obviously there will be no moisture. But the best way to determine if your dog uses “Shake It Off” as a calming signal is to watch his behavior and figure out what may have triggered it… other dogs, people, or the vacuum.

Knowing what the trigger may be, does not mean you should avoid discomfort. There are training techniques to help your dog change the way he reacts and “feels” when a trigger is present or approaching.

 For more about calming signals along with a list of signals reviewed here, visit the Wolfer Magic Blog calming signal page: