Signs of fatigue

One of the most neglected component of canine conditioning is signs of fatigue. In part, signs of fatigue vary among different dogs, which makes it challenging for trainers to provide an exhaustive list for handlers to look out for. Even for the most well-intentioned handlers, subtle signs of fatigue can be easily overlooked.

Recognizing signs of fatigue is especially important in canine conditioning because dogs can't verbally tell us when they need a break. Unlike humans, we can’t simply ask,

“Can you do one more rep?”
“Can you hold this posture for two more seconds?”

Likewise, a dog won’t explicitly tell us if they’re shifting position because they’re tired, sore, or losing focus. Instead, it’s up to us to observe subtle changes in posture, movement, and engagement to identify signs of fatigue.

Common signs of fatigue:

• Increased stress signals

  • Yawning, lips licking, scratching, sniffing, head shaking

  • Excessive panting, drooling

  • Increased vocalization (e.g., barking, whining)

  • Changes in demeanor (e.g., avoid eye contact, more anxious when taking treats)

  • Changes in behavior (e.g., slower response to well-known cues, more easily distracted)

• Loss of interest

  • Avoidance of equipment/handler

  • Reluctance/slower to re-engage after a reset/break

  • Sitting, laying down (on equipment or away from equipment)

  • Leave “working” area or zoomies

  • Refuse or uninterested in reward

  • Resource guard reward (e.g., a toy)

• Changes in posture (from their norm)

  • Unstable to maintain posture that they were previously able to achieve (e.g., more roachy, lower head carriage, feet tucked in, weight shifting)

  • Unstable to hold posture that they were previously able to (e.g., sit sideways, fidgeting feet)

  • Elbows and knees rotating inward OR outward

  • Splayed feet

  • Tail carriage (e.g., tucked tail when they usually hold tail up)

• Changes in movement (from their norm)

  • Reduced precision (e.g., clumsy, missing targets, falling, sliding, slipping or kicking equipment)

  • Decreased speed (e.g., slower movement when they are usually more eager)

  • Frantic movement (e.g., more rushed)

  • Shaking/trembling (e.g., when setup is too difficult)

If the dog is exhibiting ANY signs of fatigue, STOP the exercise and give them a break!