Behaviour Terms
Recovery
Also known as:Recovery time
The process of returning toward a more regulated physical and emotional state after stress, arousal, or challenge.
In Review — Pending Editorial ApprovalWhat It Means in Practice
Recovery is essential for learning and well-being. A dog that does not recover between challenging experiences is more susceptible to trigger stacking and overwhelming responses.
What It Does Not Always Mean
Recovery does not mean the dog never experiences stress. It means the dog can return to a regulated state after stress occurs.
Why Context Matters
Recovery time varies by dog, experience, and context. Some dogs recover quickly; others need more time and support.
Commonly Confused With
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to recover and adapt. Recovery is the process of returning to regulation.
Examples
- 1After a reactive episode, a dog takes time to settle and return to a calm state.
- 2A dog recovers from a stressful vet visit by resting in a quiet space.