Written by Nicola van Ass – Qualified Dog Trainer, Groomer and Feline Behaviourist
Short answer? Oh yes – they absolutely do. Long answer? Strap in, because we’re about to break down how adrenaline fuels our furry companions, especially the high-drive, high-octane working breeds like Malinois and Border Collies.
The science behind the zoom
Adrenaline, or epinephrine, is part of the body’s “fight or flight” response. Just like in humans, when dogs perceive danger or get excited, their adrenal glands pump out this hormone. Heart rate spikes. Muscles get primed. Focus sharpens. They’re suddenly in go-mode.
Working dogs: built for the rush
Take Malinois or Border Collies: these aren’t your average couch potatoes. They’re the elite athletes of the dog world, genetically wired to perform, protect, and react at lightning speed.
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Malinois, often used in police, military, and protection work, thrive on adrenaline. That intense stare, the rapid response to commands, the absolute dedication to a task? It’s part genetics, part training, and part adrenaline-fuelled drive.
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Border Collies, on the other hand, might not be chasing down suspects, but watching one hold its ground between a flock of sheep and a lurking predator is like seeing instinct and adrenaline in perfect harmony. They’re alert, fast, and fearless, not because they’re reckless, but because their body’s flooded with exactly what they need to act.
This hormone kick helps them respond quickly to stimuli: be it a threat, a task, or an opportunity to work. But that rush has a flip side…
Fighting and the Adrenaline Afterburn
When dogs fight, the victor doesn’t just walk away with a few scrapes and a new story to growl about. They often get an adrenaline high – a post-conflict surge that can feel, well, amazing to them. Almost addictive.
This can lead to dangerous territory:
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The “high” of winning a fight can reinforce aggressive behaviour.
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A dog might start seeking out conflict just to get that rush again.
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It’s not about being “dominant” or “mean” – it’s a hormonal feedback loop that’s been rewarded.
This is especially true for confident, high-drive breeds. Once they’ve felt the thrill of battle, some dogs can develop a habitual response to any perceived threat by responding with aggression simply because it gives them a jolt of that adrenaline rush.
Adrenaline and neutering: timing matters
Here’s something many people overlook: the timing of neutering post-fight.
If your male dog has recently been in a fight, hold off on the snip-snip for at least two weeks.
Why?
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His system is likely still flooded with adrenaline and testosterone.
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Emotions are heightened.
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That chemical cocktail can amplify post-op stress and even lead to behaviour setbacks.
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Letting hormones stabilise first gives your vet a calmer, more balanced dog, and your dog a better recovery.
So… do dogs experience an adrenaline rush?
You bet they do. Whether it’s flying across a field to chase off a jackal or locking eyes with an intruder in the dead of night, dogs – especially those bred for work – are biologically built to respond with intensity.
But just like us, too much adrenaline, too often, or for the wrong reasons, can cause behavioural problems. Recognising the signs of adrenaline-driven behaviour is key to managing working dogs and keeping them happy, balanced, and safe.
So next time you see a Border Collie freeze at the edge of a pasture or a Malinois explode into motion at the sound of a command, know that behind those lightning-fast moves is a carefully balanced chemical cocktail of instinct, training… and pure adrenaline.
