How should you manage a dog with repetitive licking or tail-chasing indicating stress?

• A. Ignore and continue training
• B. Punish the dog
• C. Increase training intensity
• D. Assess triggers, provide enrichment and rest, modify workload, and consult a veterinarian if signs persist or worsen

Answer: (D)

Repetitive licking or tail-chasing in a dog often signals stress or anxiety rather than a simple habit. The best approach is to take a structured plan: identify and assess the specific triggers or situations that raise stress, provide enrichment to give the dog constructive outlets for energy and mental stimulation, ensure adequate rest and recovery between tasks, and adjust the workload to prevent overload. If these signs continue or worsen, consult a veterinarian to rule out medical issues and to discuss a behavior-modification plan or other appropriate interventions. This combination of understanding the emotional state, reducing stressors, and supporting the dog's health and routine helps prevent the behavior from becoming entrenched and supports overall performance. Ignoring the behavior, punishing it, or just increasing training intensity can raise stress and make the problem harder to resolve.