Have You Noticed Your Dog ‘Shake It Off’ to Decompress?

You’ve probably seen it dozens of times—your dog finishes interacting with another dog, walks away from a noisy situation, or just finishes a training exercise, and then gives a big, exaggerated shake. It looks just like they’re drying off after a swim… but there’s no water in sight.

So, what’s the go?

That full-body shake isn’t random or meaningless. It’s actually one of the most common ways dogs reset themselves emotionally and physically. Known as a “shake-off”, this natural behaviour is how dogs decompress and release built-up stress or excitement.

At Jordan Dog Training, we see shake-offs all the time during puppy classes, one-on-one sessions, and home visits—and we actually love them! Why? Because they often show us that a dog is doing well, self-regulating, and staying emotionally balanced.

What Is a Shake-Off and Why Do Dogs Do It?

The “shake-off” is a body language signal—part of the broader dog communication toolkit. It’s a physical behaviour that often happens after a moment of stress, uncertainty, or overstimulation.

You might see your dog do a shake-off:

• After meeting a new dog or person
• When walking away from a mildly stressful or intense situation
• During or after a training session that involved focus and concentration
• When transitioning between activities (e.g., stopping play to go home)
• After being startled or told off
• Even after you’ve given them a good cuddle or pat!

It’s your dog’s way of saying:

“That was a bit full-on, I’m letting it go now.”

Think of it like when we take a deep breath, stretch our shoulders, or shake out tension from our hands. It’s a reset—helping your dog return to a calm, more relaxed emotional state.

What the Shake-Off Tells You About Your Dog’s Emotional State

While it’s a totally normal and healthy behaviour, shake-offs can also give you useful insight into how your dog is feeling. It can be a subtle clue that something just happened that made them unsure, slightly tense, or overstimulated.

For example:

• After greeting another dog: This might mean the social interaction had some tension, even if it looked polite on the surface.
• During training: It might be a sign your dog is working hard to stay focused, and the shake-off is their way of releasing that mental load.
• At the vet: It’s a big emotional release, often happening after a procedure or exam, helping them cope with the stress.

If you see a shake-off and your dog seems calm and ready to continue, great—let them move on. But if you’re seeing lots of shake-offs in a short period, or paired with signs of stress like lip licking, yawning, panting, or avoidance behaviours, it might be worth pausing and reassessing the situation.

What Should You Do When Your Dog Shakes It Off?

Most of the time—just observe and move on! A shake-off is usually a healthy sign that your dog is managing their own emotions and decompressing appropriately.

However, here are a few tips depending on the context:

• During training sessions: If your dog shake-offs mid-training, give them a moment. It’s a great time to offer praise or a quick break before continuing.
• After a social interaction: You don’t need to intervene unless you noticed signs of tension or discomfort. A single shake-off is nothing to worry about.
• In stressful environments (e.g., vet clinic, groomers): Frequent shake-offs might indicate your dog is finding it all a bit much. Chat with your vet or trainer about how to make these visits more positive.

Supporting Your Dog’s Emotional Resilience

At Jordan Dog Training, one of our key goals is to build dogs’ confidence and emotional resilience. Recognising and responding to subtle communication cues—like the shake-off—helps us understand what our dogs are really experiencing. And that leads to better training outcomes and stronger bonds.

Our training philosophy is all about positive reinforcement, clear communication, and building trust. We encourage all guardians to become fluent in dog body language so they can support their pups in a thoughtful, respectful way.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Shake Off the Shake-Off

The next time you see your dog give themselves a good ol’ shake, even when they’re bone-dry, take a moment to smile. They’re not just being quirky—it’s an important emotional reset and a sign that they’re managing life’s little moments in their own clever way.

Understanding and respecting your dog’s subtle signals like this will go a long way in helping them feel safe, supported, and seen.

🐾 Need Help Reading Your Dog’s Body Language?

Whether it’s training advice, help with dog-to-dog interactions, or understanding behavioural quirks, our experienced trainers are here to help. Check out our programs or follow us on Facebook for practical, evidence-based tips to help your dog thrive.

📌 Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is intended as general guidance only and does not constitute veterinary advice. If you have any concerns about your dog’s physical health, behaviour, or emotional wellbeing, please consult your veterinarian or a dog behaviourist.