Wondering if your puppy’s quirky behaviour means something more? Learning the signs your puppy is anxious can help you step in before fear becomes a bigger issue.
This quiz will guide you through common anxiety signals like freezing, flopping, and frantic sniffing — behaviours often mistaken for play or excitement. Spotting the signs your puppy is anxious early helps you raise a calm, confident dog who feels safe in the world.
🐶 QUESTION 1: When another dog approaches, my puppy…
A. Bounces up and down, tail wagging like mad
B. Flops onto the floor, belly up
C. Sniffs the ground or turns away
D. Freezes or hides behind me
What this means:
- A = Confident, social pup
- B = Classic appeasement behaviour
- C = Displacement signal — your pup may be unsure
- D = Signs your puppy is anxious or overwhelmed
🧍♀️ QUESTION 2: At the vet’s or in class, my puppy…
A. Tries to greet everyone with wags and kisses
B. Yawns constantly or avoids eye contact
C. Tries to escape or resists going in
D. Pants and shakes even when it’s not warm
What this means:
- A = Pretty resilient and outgoing
- B = Showing mild stress or discomfort
- C = Fear response — your dog needs more confidence-building
- D = High stress — definite signs your puppy is anxious
🐾 QUESTION 3: When I bend down to stroke my pup after a new experience, they…
A. Lean in or wag their tail
B. Lick their lips or turn their head away
C. Freeze or flinch
D. Mouth or jump up at me
What this means:
- A = They’re seeking reassurance and connection
- B = Appeasement or discomfort
- C = Likely signs your puppy is anxious or unsure
- D = Possibly frustration or lack of self-regulation
📊 RESULTS: How did you score?
Mostly A’s: Confident Pup
Your puppy is handling life well — but don’t get complacent. Keep socialising them carefully and supporting their needs.
Mostly B’s and C’s: Cautiously Curious
Your dog may be showing signs of mild stress or using appeasement signals. Time to slow things down, build their confidence, and learn how to read the signs your puppy is anxious.
Mostly D’s: Feeling Frazzled
Your pup may be overwhelmed or anxious. Understanding the signs your puppy is anxious now can prevent future behaviour struggles.
🐾 Why Spotting Signs Your Puppy Is Anxious Matters
Recognising the signs your puppy is anxious early can help you avoid fear-based behaviours later. Puppies who are consistently misunderstood may go on to develop anxiety, reactivity, or avoidance — but it’s all preventable when you know what to look for.
🎓 What Next?
Understanding dog body language is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a dog owner.
If you scored mostly B’s, C’s or D’s, you might want to:
- Read our full blog on appeasement and fear signals (coming soon!)
- Book into our puppy class
And if you’re ever unsure — get in touch. This is what we do.
An illustration depicting various calming signals in dogs.
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