Dog trainer and behaviour modifier, specialising in Assistance dog training. Government accedited PATs 
03/04/2025
Remember dogs ‘like us’ are individuals
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HJP456xYF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
“Did you know dogs need 72 hours to decompress after a stressful event?”
It’s a line you hear everywhere.
And it’s almost always delivered like a fact. A protocol. A rule.
But here’s the truth:
There’s no scientific definition of decompression in canine behavior.
There’s no peer-reviewed evidence supporting a fixed 72-hour decompression period.
And there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for recovery from stress — not in people, and not in dogs.
The concept itself isn't problematic - dogs, like us, do need to recover from stressful events. But, as with us, there’s no rule as to how this recovery applies to the individual.
Rigid application and timeframes aren't scientifically validated.
So where did the 72 hour rule come from?
Rescue circles, and truly well-meaning trainers.
Plus a commendable, growing desire to be trauma-informed.
But it got twisted.
What began as “remove the dog from the stressor” somehow became “don’t walk your dog for three days.”
And say anything often enough, especially in dog land, and people start seeing it as a truth.
And that’s where things went wrong with “decompression”.
Because you can’t help a dog recover by guessing what helps with nervous system regulation.
Or by applying blanket rules.
You can only know by watching their behavior.
Some dogs need quiet and rest.
Others recover by:
-Sniffing
-Playing
-Training
-Exploring
-Chasing about and heck, maybe even playing fetch (IKR!!!)
And let’s be real:
Anyone who’s ever had to keep their dog home for medical rest, heat cycle, or -30° weather will tell you…
“It doesn’t matter how many games I offer… my dog still wants to get outside.”
Sure, if your dog is frightened of the world, or if you can’t step outside without your dog encountering a trigger on your doorstep, maybe staying inside is best.
But those dogs have a pathological fear that is not present in the vast majority of dogs.
Instead for many many dogs, being outside provides a kind of regulation that indoor activities just can’t match.
It’s a sensory experience. A movement-based experience. A world of satisfaction that builds calm through fulfillment and satisfaction - not withdrawal.
So yes, avoid the things that overwhelm.
But don’t shut down everything that supports recovery.
Decompression isn’t the goal. Recovery is.
And recovery isn’t passive. It’s active, dynamic, and dog-specific.
Let’s stop handing out blanket advice like:
-“No walks for 72 hours.”
-“Don’t take them anywhere.”
- “They need total stillness right now.”
And start giving dogs what they actually need:
Observation …what does this dog’s behavior tell us?
- Choice …what activities does this dog seek out and enjoy?
-Agency… how can we support recovery without removing control?
Because what helps one dog feel safe might frustrate another.
If someone you know has been told “your dog needs 72 hours to decompress,”
share this with them.
Let’s stop being led by scripts.
Let’s start being led by the dog in front of us.
