Is your dog bouncing off the walls the moment you wake up?
Do they mouth your arms, jump frantically, or seem like they're constantly "on"? You're not alone - and more importantly, your dog isn't being disobedient. They're experiencing emotional arousal, and they need your help to regulate it.
In this blog, we'll explore what arousal really means, how enrichment plays a role, and how to better understand and support your dog's emotional needs - especially when their behaviour feels overwhelming.
What Is Arousal in Dogs?
Arousal is your dog's internal state of excitement. It's part of how they process the world - from being excited about a walk, to feeling stressed by change, or frustrated by lack of stimulation.
But when dogs can't manage that excitement, they can become:
- Frantic
- Panting heavily
- Jumping excessively
- Mouthing or nipping
- Pacing or whining
- Struggling to settle
These are all signs of psychological arousal or sensory overload - a state where their brain is flooded with emotions and they simply don't know what to do with them.
Big Emotions Need Outlets
Every behaviour your dog shows - even the undesirable ones - has a reason. Dogs don't jump or mouth just to annoy us. They're expressing something they can't say:
"I have big feelings and I don't know how to cope!"
This is especially true for puppies, who have the emotional regulation skills of a two-year-old toddler. Their impulse control isn't developed yet, which means it's up to us to guide them toward calmer ways to express themselves.
Enrichment: It's More Than Puzzle Toys
When people think of enrichment, they often imagine fancy feeding toys or training tricks. But real enrichment is about meeting your dog's individual needs every single day.
It can include:
- Sniffing walks
- Licky mats and chew toys
- Social play and interaction
- Rest and sleep
- Time to explore, dig, or chase safely
And just like humans, dogs don't all like the same activities. What soothes one dog might overstimulate another. That's why it's important to watch your dog during and after enrichment. Are they more settled? Calmer? If not, we may need to reassess.
Still Frantic? They May Need Help Regulating
Some dogs struggle to bring themselves back down once they've become over-aroused - they escalate quickly but can't self-soothe. If you notice:
- Jumping or mouthing first thing in the morning
- Humping after a walk
- Frantic behaviour all day with no ability to settle
…it's a sign they're emotionally overloaded. Their "emotional sink" is full - and we need to help them drain it.
How to Help Your Dog Cope
Redirect Undesirable Behaviour
If your dog is jumping up on you, they can't physically do that and sit at the same time. So every time they have four paws on the floor? Reward it. Sitting calmly? Reward that too. The more you reinforce desirable behaviour, the more it repeats.
Use Enrichment to Regulate
Sniffing, licking, and chewing all help release happy hormones and activate your dog's "rest and digest" system. Try:
Licky mats with dog-safe peanut butter
Frozen chew toys
Scatter feeding in the garden
Go-find games to encourage calm sniffing
Give Them Time to Recover
After a walk or exciting event, don't jump into the next activity. Give your dog quiet time in a safe, low-stimulation environment to regulate.
Know When to Get Extra Help
If you're seeing frequent, intense emotional behaviour that doesn't settle even with consistent enrichment and redirection, it may be time to speak with a behaviour vet. Dogs with separation anxiety or other behavioural disorders often need specialist support.
Final Thoughts
Your dog isn't being difficult - they're doing their best to communicate. When we shift our thinking from "how do I stop this behaviour?" to "what is my dog trying to tell me?" we unlock a whole new level of connection.
By helping your dog meet their emotional and behavioural needs - through thoughtful enrichment, kindness, and patience - we give them the tools to become happier, more relaxed companions.
Because every dog deserves the chance to be understood.
