By Emma Goulding-Bosworth
Have you ever watched a dog spinning frantically, jumping wildly, and acting seemingly “playful” only to sense that something wasn’t quite right? That dog might not be playing at all—they could be displaying what we call “fool around” behaviour, a stress response that’s often misunderstood and overlooked.
The Hidden Fifth F: Beyond Fight, Flight, and Freeze
Most dog trainers learn about the classic “4 F” stress responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fool Around. But here’s what many people don’t realise—that fourth F is just as serious as the others, even though it looks harmless on the surface.
When we see a dog lunging (Fight) or cowering (Freeze), we immediately recognise stress. But when a dog appears to be “just being silly” or “having fun,” we often miss the underlying anxiety. These dogs aren’t choosing to be playful—they’re coping with stress in the only way they know how.
Meet Sookie: A Case Study in Fool Around Behaviour
Let me introduce you to Sookie, my 3-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross who perfectly exemplifies this behaviour. Rescued at 4-5 months old, Sookie has been my teacher in understanding how complex and misunderstood this stress response can be.
When Sookie encounterd something that made her uncomfortable, she doesn’t bark or run away. Instead, she transforms into what looks like a hyperactive, “fun-loving” dog. But behind that apparent playfulness lies genuine stress and an inability to cope with her environment.
Recognising the Signs: It’s Not Just Excitement
A dog in “fool around” mode displays behaviours that can easily be mistaken for normal play:
- Frantic energy that seems out of control
- Inappropriate use of calming signals like play bows, lip licking, and tail wagging
- Manic behaviours including spinning, jumping, fast running, and rolling over
- Sensitivity to touch, eye contact, and sound
- Difficulty responding to cues or changing behavior when asked
- Wide eyes and excessive panting
The key difference? Intensity and control. A playing dog can easily switch gears when you call them or change the situation. A “fool around” dog is locked into their stress response and finds it much harder to disengage.
What Triggers This Response?
The triggers for fool around behaviour can be surprisingly mundane:
Sookie’s triggers include:
- Eye contact from strangers during walks
- Anyone outside the family saying “hello” to her
- Visitors entering our home
- Fast-moving dogs or dogs running toward her
- Environmental factors like sand, wind, or water
- Even certain plants like heather
The unpredictability of these triggers makes it challenging for both dog and owner to navigate daily life.
The Spectrum of Fool Around Behavior
Not all fool around episodes are created equal. I’ve observed different intensity levels in Sookie:
Low-level episodes might last just a few seconds—a quick spin, a jump, maybe a play bow before settling down.
High-level episodes can last several minutes and include the full range of manic behaviours. These are the ones that can upset other dogs and potentially escalate to more extreme stress responses if not properly managed.
How Other Dogs Respond
One of the most telling aspects of fool around behaviour is how other dogs react to it. Unlike genuine play, which typically invites participation, fool around behaviour often makes other dogs uncomfortable.
Sookie’s canine relationships illustrate this perfectly:
- Rigsby (Cocker Spaniel): Grew up with Sookie and learned to navigate her episodes, sometimes joining in, sometimes ignoring her
- Chrissie (Collie cross): Also a “fool around” dog herself, she’s excellent at using calming signals to help Sookie settle
- Lulu (Cocker Spaniel): Initially found the behaviour overwhelming and would seek comfort from humans, but has since learned to ignore it
- Penny (senior Dalmatian): Completely ignored the behaviour, which helped Sookie learn to be calm and respectful around older dogs
The Danger of Trigger Stacking
One crucial concept for understanding fool around dogs is “trigger stacking”—when multiple stressors occur in succession. A dog might handle one trigger with a low-level response, but add another trigger, and the behaviour escalates significantly.
For example, when Sookie encountered a friendly Newfoundland puppy near water with humans present, the combination of triggers sent her into full fool around mode, even though each individual element might have been manageable alone.
Why This Matters: Beyond the Behaviour
Understanding fool around behaviour isn’t just about managing difficult dogs—it’s about recognising that these dogs are communicating their stress in the only way they know how. When we label them as “naughty,” “stubborn,” or “just being silly,” we miss the opportunity to help them cope more effectively.
These dogs need:
- Space and distance from triggers when possible
- Understanding handlers who can read their stress signals
- Management strategies that prevent trigger stacking
- Patience as they learn better coping mechanisms
Moving Forward: A Call for Understanding
As our knowledge of dog behaviour continues to evolve, we must remain open to new understanding. The “fool around” response deserves the same serious consideration we give to more obvious stress behaviours.
Every dog has their own way of coping with stress, just like humans do. Some of us crack jokes in awkward situations, others go quiet, and some might become argumentative. Dogs are no different—they’re just doing their best to navigate a world that often doesn’t make sense to them.
The next time you see a dog acting “silly” or “hyperactive,” take a moment to consider what might be driving that behaviour. You might be witnessing a stress response that deserves compassion, not correction.
References:
- Prior, K. (2013). “The Four ‘Fs’ of Fear.” Karen Prior Clicker Training.
- Rugaas, T. (2006). On Talking Terms with Dogs, 2nd ed. Wenatchee, Wash.: Dogwise Pub.
If you’re struggling with a “fool around” dog and need professional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m a dog trainer with expertise in stress-related behaviours. My work focuses on helping people better understand and support their dogs through positive, science-based training methods.