Have you ever noticed that weird line of fur that stands up at the back of your dog’s neck and runs to the base of their tail? These are hackles and can stick up when a dog is anxious or excited. There may be a few reasons this happens and knowing why can help manage your dog’s behavior. So, why do dogs raise their hackles?

What Are Raised Hackles?

Raised hackles is a common dog behavior and it is the line of hair that is on top of your dog’s spine and sticks up or is “raised” during certain reflexes. A special set of muscles causes these hairs to stand up during times of excitement, aggression, or anxiety. This is called piloerection and is caused by an involuntary reflex.

Raised hackles can make a dog appear larger. When a dog is anxious or scared, appearing larger to a threat is a way to intimidate and have the upper hand. This is a trait passed down from their undomesticated ancestors who needed to fight off predators in the wild.

What Does it Mean When a Dog Raises its Hackles?

There are a few reasons why a dog might raise their hackles:

1. Fear

One of the most common reasons why dogs raise their hackles is because they are scared of something. There are a few common fears in dogs they may be reacting to. You may also see them raise their hackles in a reaction to an unexpected noise like thunder. Younger dogs may exhibit this behavior more often because they are less confident in their surroundings.

If a dog is scared, you may notice some other dog body language along with the raised hackles. This can include flattened ears, heavy breathing, a lowered body position, and cowering. If you notice any of this behavior, try to get your dog to a safe spot and help them calm down.

Proper socialization can be helpful for young dogs as it helps build their confidence. This socialization is a benefit of doggy daycare or puppy training classes. A more confident dog is less likely to feel fearful about many things. However, this doesn’t mean your dog will never experience fear. It’s a completely natural feeling and paying attention to your dog and their body language is important.

2. Frustration

Sometimes, raised hackles are a sign of frustration. If a dog can’t get to something they want like a squirrel or another dog, these hackles may raise to signal their heightened excitement and frustration. If this is the case, you may also notice your dog whining, pulling on their leash, and hyper-fixation on the thing they want. This frustration is also a common cause of aggression in dogs.

If your dog seems frustrated or hyper-fixated on something, try to distract them with a toy or a treat. You may also want to try to lead them away from whatever they are fixated on. Do not punish your dog in this situation because this will only make their behavior worse. Redirecting attention is a much better choice.

If your dog continues to experience this type of behavior while on a leash, you may want to revisit some leash training exercises. Sometimes dogs need to brush up on these skills. It doesn’t mean your dog is poorly behaved, they just need a little reminder of what’s appropriate and what is not.

3. Stress or Uncertainty

If your dog encounters an uncertain situation, their hackles may rise in response. You may see this when going to a new dog park or to the veterinarian. You may notice other signs your dog is stressed, like some pacing, a tucked tail, more vocalization that is unusual for your dog, or even a rigid body.

If possible, try to remove your dog from the situation. If this isn’t possible, like at a veterinarian’s office, try distracting your dog with a toy or a treat. You can also try to help them relax by using some basic commands and cues, like “sit” or “lay down”. It’s important to stay calm yourself because dogs can sense when you are anxious. If they feel your stress and you, they will feel even more uncertain.

Why do dogs raise their hackles? There could be a few different reasons. These hackles are a sign that your dog is experiencing some type of emotion. Making sure you’re in tune with your dog’s behavior and mood is important in helping your dog feel safe and cared for.