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.

4. Excitement or Playfulness

Raised hackles don’t always signal distress or fear. A dog may have raised hackles when they feel excited or are in a playful mood. They may even raise them when they see you or another dog friend. If they are excited, you may notice other signs like a wagging tail, happy eyes, a relaxed mouth, and a playful attitude. You may also see the classic dog “butt wiggle” or a dog practically vibrating with excitement. This can be a common reason why dogs shake.

If your dog’s raised hackles are from excitement or playfulness, you probably don’t need to do anything. However, keep an eye on your dog and look for signs of overstimulation like pacing or holding their tail high or stiff. Excitement can be a reason why dogs pace, but sometimes overstimulation can turn into frustration or aggression. If you see any of these signs, try to help your dog calm down or help redirect their focus with a treat or toy.

5. Curiosity or Suspicion

Sometimes your dog’s hackles may raise if they are curious or even suspicious about a person or place. You may see raised hackles when your dog is in a new place or they encounter unfamiliar people or scents. Dogs tend to be curious, so this is a perfectly natural response.

Other signs that may accompany raised hackles if they’re curious include extra focus, perked ears, and a posture that leans forward. If you can tell your dog is curious but confident, you can let them take their time to interact. However, you should stay close by just in case they begin to feel threatened. That way, you’re ready to either redirect their focus or remove them from the situation entirely.

If your dog is curious but seems a bit suspicious or hesitant, try to let them observe the situation from a bit of a distance if possible. The space will give them a sense of security and let them adjust to their surroundings at their own pace. If they begin to exhibit an eagerness to get closer, you can slowly approach. If they get more nervous, you’ll be able to get away from the situation much easier and redirect their focus.

6. Aggression

Aggression can be another reason why dogs raise their hackles. This is often due to fear that can lead to aggression if not promptly addressed. If your dog is showing aggression, they’ll also show songs like baring teeth, growling, cowering, or lunging forward.

Be sure to get your dog out of the situation as soon as possible and help them calm down. Try to pinpoint triggers for your dog so you can either avoid them or help desensitize them. If you want professional advice or training, talk to your vet or an animal behaviorist. These things can help calm a reactive dog but beware it might take some time and hard work!

7. Anxiety

Anxiety may be another cause of raised hackles. Anxiety can present in dogs in a variety of ways including a tail tucked between their legs, shaking, or raised hackles. Like humans, dogs can have anxiety for many reasons, so it’s important to find the root cause. If you can pinpoint the cause, it can help your dog’s anxiety because there are some training exercises to help your dog adjust or feel more confident.

If the issue is more complex, talk to a trainer or vet. A trainer can help assess your dog’s circumstances and help figure out a game plan. Your dog may also need medication to help calm down, but your vet will make the final determination if they think it’s necessary.

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.