What are Displacement Behaviours and How to Recognise Them.
Displacement behaviors in dogs are actions that seem out of context or irrelevant to the current situation. These behaviors often occur when a dog feels conflicted, anxious, or unsure about how to react to a particular stimulus or environment. Recognising displacement behaviors can help you understand your dog’s emotional state and address any underlying issues. Here are some common displacement behaviors in dogs and how to recognise them:
1. Yawning
Yawning in dogs is not always a sign of tiredness. It can be a displacement behavior indicating stress, anxiety, or confusion. If your dog is yawning frequently in situations where they shouldn’t be tired, such as during training sessions, vet visits, or when meeting new people or dogs, it may be a sign they are feeling uneasy.
2. Lip Licking and Nose Licking
Excessive lip licking or nose licking, especially in the absence of food, is a common displacement behavior. This action can occur when a dog feels nervous or uncomfortable. If your dog licks their lips or nose frequently during interactions with other dogs, strangers, or in new environments, it may be an indication of stress.
3. Scratching
Dogs might scratch themselves even when they don’t have an itch as a way to relieve tension. If your dog suddenly starts scratching their body, ears, or neck in situations that are stressful or confusing to them, it could be a displacement behavior.
4. Shaking Off
Just like they shake off water after a bath, dogs sometimes shake their bodies as a way to release tension. This “shake off” can occur after a stressful encounter, such as a scolding, a visit to the vet, or an interaction with a dominant dog. It’s a way for dogs to reset themselves and dispel stress.
5. Panting
While panting is normal after exercise or in hot weather, excessive panting in calm, cool conditions can be a sign of stress. If your dog is panting heavily without a clear reason, it might be a displacement behavior indicating anxiety.
6. Sniffing the Ground
Dogs might suddenly start sniffing the ground or other objects intensely during situations of conflict or stress. This behavior can occur during interactions with other dogs or people when the dog is unsure how to respond and needs a distraction.
7. Paw Lifting
Lifting a paw is another common displacement behavior. It’s often seen when a dog is unsure or uneasy about a situation. If your dog lifts a paw while interacting with other dogs, people, or during training, it might indicate they are feeling conflicted or stressed.
8. Turning Away
Turning their head or body away from something or someone can be a displacement behavior indicating avoidance. This can happen when a dog is uncomfortable with a person, another dog, or a particular situation. By turning away, they are trying to distance themselves from the source of their discomfort.
9. Sudden Interest in Something Else
Dogs might suddenly become very interested in something else, like sniffing a spot on the ground or looking around the room, to avoid dealing with a stressful situation. This behavior is a way for them to cope with anxiety by diverting their attention.
10. Stretching
Stretching, especially the bow stretch where the dog stretches their front legs forward, can be a displacement behavior. While stretching is normal after a nap or rest, if it occurs frequently in stressful or confusing situations, it can be a sign of displacement.
Conclusion
Recognising displacement behaviors in your dog can provide valuable insights into their emotional state. By observing these behaviors, you can better understand when your dog is feeling stressed, anxious, or conflicted. This understanding allows you to create a more supportive and comfortable environment for your dog, helping them feel more secure and less stressed. If displacement behaviors persist or if you’re unsure about your dog’s well-being, consulting a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist can provide additional guidance and support.