When we see our dog's fur standing up on its back, it can be a little disconcerting. Is it hot? Are they scared? Did they just get startled? But there are some other reasons that your dog's hair might be standing up on end—and understanding what those reasons are can help you make sure that everything is okay with your pup.
The main reason for this is fear or anxiety. When a dog feels afraid or anxious, their hair will stand up in order to make themselves appear bigger and more threatening to any potential predators. This isn't necessarily because they have an innate desire to scare people or other animals away—it's just a natural response when they feel threatened.
So why do some dogs have their hair standing up all the time while other dogs only seem to do it when they're feeling tense? It depends on the individual dog and their personality type. Some dogs have always been more anxious than others, while other dogs are more relaxed by nature. If your dog tends toward the anxious side, you should check them out regularly for signs of stress like this so that you can intervene early if necessary!
