When Life Gets Hard, Dogs Feel It Too: Supporting Your Dog’s Behaviour During Stressful Times
When you’re struggling, you’re not failing your dog
Life doesn’t always move in neat, predictable patterns. Illness, financial pressure, grief, burnout, housing worries, caring responsibilities, mental health challenges — these experiences affect people, and dogs live closely alongside us.
At The Good Paw Project, we see this every day: loving dog owners who are doing their absolute best, yet feeling guilty because their dog’s behaviour has changed during a difficult period.
The Good Paw Project – How We Help Dog Owners
This blog isn’t about blame.
It’s about understanding.
And support — for both ends of the lead.
Dogs are emotionally tuned into our lives
Dogs don’t understand bills, deadlines, or diagnoses — but they do notice when routines, emotions, and energy levels change.
Research shows dogs are highly sensitive to human emotional cues, including tone of voice, facial expression, and stress levels.
When the household feels unsettled, dogs often respond by changing their behaviour — not out of defiance, but out of adaptation.
Common behaviour changes dogs may show during stressful times
Many owners worry that something is “wrong” with their dog, when these behaviours are actually common stress responses.
You may notice:
Increased clinginess
Restlessness or pacing
Reactivity or irritability
Toileting accidents
Changes in appetite
Withdrawal or shutdown behaviour
These behaviours are not signs of a “bad dog”. They are communication. Signs of stress and anxiety in dogs – RSPCA UK or Dogs Trust behaviour guides
Why stress affects dog behaviour
Stress impacts the nervous system — in humans and animals alike.
When a dog perceives uncertainty, their body may stay in a prolonged “alert” state. Over time, this can affect digestion, sleep, emotional regulation, and resilience.
The effects of chronic stress on canine behaviour
Layered stress — such as routine disruption alongside owner distress — can make even small changes feel overwhelming to a dog.
The pressure of “doing everything right”
Modern dog ownership often comes with unrealistic expectations:
long daily walks
constant enrichment
perfect training
premium foods and supplements
At The Good Paw Project, we actively work to challenge shame-based narratives around dog care.
Dogs do not need perfection.
They need safety, consistency, and connection.
Gentle ways to support your dog when life feels overwhelming
Create predictable routines (even simple ones)
Small anchors — such as feeding times or bedtime rituals — help dogs feel secure.
2. Offer safe, calm spaces
A quiet, familiar resting place helps dogs regulate their nervous system.
3. Replace pressure with permission
Skipping a walk or training session does not undo good ownership.
4. Keep feeding calm and predictable
Food routines can be grounding during times of stress.
5. Regulate yourself where possible
Dogs often mirror human emotional states.
When to seek extra support
Additional help may be needed if:
behaviour escalates
aggression appears
distress persists
physical symptoms accompany behaviour change
When to contact your vet about behaviour changes – BSAVA / RCVS guidance
Asking for help does not mean you’ve failed
Needing support does not mean you are irresponsible.
It means you are responding to reality — with care.
Self-Refer for Support – The Good Paw Project
At The Good Paw Project, we support dog owners facing financial, emotional, and life-related challenges — without judgement.
Supporting both ends of the lead
Your dog does not need a perfect version of you. They need you, as you are. If life feels heavy, help is available — and kindness comes first.
