BEHAVIOUR HANDOUT
Displacement Behaviours
Overview
When dogs can’t do the thing they want or need to such as running over to that dog they have seen, or chasing that car, or getting away from this stranger - they can do odd behaviours that are called displacement behaviours.
Why this is important:
Behaviours can show up as excitable behaviours such as manic sniffing, digging or itching on walks
It can be hard to spot, and often looks like your dog is just very happy and excited, but they are acting in a manic 'over-the-top' way
These are coping methods for your dog to try and reduce stress and a sign that the situation is too stressful for your dog
