What common behavior indicates stress in dogs?

Excessive barking or pacing is a common behavior that indicates stress in dogs because it reflects their anxiety or discomfort in a situation. When dogs become stressed, they may exhibit heightened vocalizations such as barking, as a way to express their agitation or to seek attention. Pacing, on the other hand, suggests restlessness; stressed dogs often find it hard to settle down and may walk back and forth repeatedly. Both behaviors are indicative of a dog's attempt to cope with an overwhelming environment or emotional state, making them reliable indicators of stress.

Other behaviors such as sleeping more than usual, hiding in a corner, or eagerly approaching strangers can be influenced by different emotional states. For example, sleeping more could indicate depression or lethargy rather than stress. Hiding may be a response to fear rather than stress specifically, and eagerly approaching strangers could suggest curiosity or sociability, which does not align with typical stress responses. Understanding these nuances helps in accurately identifying stress behaviors in dogs.