To reduce stress levels, you may seek comfort in several ways. Our dogs can become stressed too. However, our dogs do not voice their feelings, slam down the phone, or have a tantrum, so how can we tell they are stressed? The signs of anxiety in dogs are often subtle and can easily be misinterpreted unless the full context is understood. If you notice signs that your dog is stressed, first remove them from the stressor. Find a quiet place to regroup. Resist the urge to overly comfort them. You may be able to use a treat to lure them to a safer spot. For some dogs, being asked to follow some routine commands for treats provides a positive distraction. As with humans, exercise can be a great stress reducer. For healthy dogs, physical activities such as walking or playing fetch may help both you and your dog release tension. It is also important to provide your dog with a safe place in the home where they can escape stimuli that trigger a stress response.