What is commonly observed in stressed dogs as a sign of increased alertness?

Hypervigilance is a common sign exhibited by stressed dogs, indicating a heightened state of awareness and alertness. When dogs are stressed, they may become acutely aware of their surroundings, scanning for potential threats or changes in their environment. This behavior is an instinctual response that prepares the dog to react quickly to perceived dangers, making them more focused on any movements or sounds that could signal a risk.

In contrast, hyperactivity typically refers to excessive movement or energy, which may not necessarily correlate with increased awareness but can sometimes be a response to stress in different contexts. Calmness suggests a relaxed state, which is the opposite of what is experienced in stress, and sleepiness indicates the dog is relaxed or comfortable, not alert. These other behaviors do not reflect the same level of alertness or concern for potential threats that hypervigilance demonstrates in stressed dogs.