I’m fascinated by this, after a very insistent trainer years ago told me that a shake off was definitely a negative sign of stress. She’s absolutely wrong, and I’m certain that it’s far more nuanced and neutral than that. My observation is it’s when there’s a change of pace, or some ambiguity, or a decision’s been made - a bit like humans take a slightly deeper breath, or raise eyebrows, or say ‘right!’. Or ‘okey doke’ like I doDoes anyone else's dog flap (as in have a good shake) in anticipation of getting wet? Joy has just asked politely to go out ( biff with paw on my leg, followed by meaningful hard stare, followed by walk to back door) and when the door was opened and she realised that it was raining she gave me another hard stare and had a big flap, as if to say 'Alright then, if I must, but you do realise it's wet, don't you?'
She's back inside now by the Fireinametalbox, drying off.


