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Dogs are
expert communicators.
These wordless
creatures are adept at using their bodies to communicate:
just watch the subtle exchanges that go on between two dogs
when they meet. Learning to read canine body language is one
of the most endlessly fascinating and illuminating
occupations for a dog owner.
There are many body
language signals that are universal amongst dogs (such as
the 'play bow') yet your dog will also have their own unique
ways of communicating with you. It takes a little time to
learn all their individual signals, and because we are so
verbally orientated, dogs are usually more attuned to our
body language than we are to theirs.
Some signs are
unmistakable - or are they? A wagging tail is usually
interpreted as a sign of friendliness. But in dog-speak, a
wagging tail generally means that they're willing to
interact. Ever seen a guard dog rush to bark at passerby?
They're usually wagging their tails. Some dogs will wag
their tails when nervous or excited, so look at other cues
to read the dog's mood. A horizontal tail that's wagging
slowly may mean the dog is unsure and cautious. Dogs use
their tails as a communication device - one of several
strong arguments for not getting you pup's tail docked. When
two dogs meet, the position of their tails tells you
something of their rank: dominant dogs hold their tail
higher than submissive ones.
The dog's vocabulary:
The play bow. Dog's
front paws stretched out on the ground, rear end up and
wagging. A universal gesture that can be safely interpreted
as "I want to have fun!".
Rolling over.
Depending on the circumstances, this can be either an act of
submission, or one that shows supreme canine contentment. If
your dog exposes their vulnerable belly for a rub, you have
your dog's total trust.
Yawning. If in an
excited or stressful situation, dogs yawn in an effort to
calm themselves down. Yawning is catchy, so if you want to
calm down your pet, try yawning! It may work as a calming
signal. Your dog might also be saying "I am dog-tired".
Eye movements. Your
dog's gaze will tell you a lot about what they're feeling.
An averted gaze means the dog is trying to avoid conflict,
or deferring to you. Direct eye contact reads as a threat in
dog language. Gentle, or casual eye contact reveals a
comfortable dog. Dilated pupils indicate fear. If two dogs
are boldly staring each other in the eye, expect trouble.
Ears. The position of
the dog's ears can be quite revealing, especially if read
together with other signals. Alert, interested dogs will
hold their ears straight up. Ears held forward might
indicate the dog is being assertive, or about to challenge.
Ears flattened back may reveal fear. Relaxed ears mean a
relaxed dog.
Posturing. Two dogs
meeting for the first time will go through a series of
communication rituals. They use their bodies to show whether
they are dominant or submissive. Dogs can pretty much sort
out such matters in minutes, but watch for stiff body
movements, accompanied by a slow moving tail or a tail
that's stiffly held - it could mean the dog is ready to
challenge. Other signs include bristling, or raised hackles,
and direct eye contact.
Brisling/raised
hackles. The erectile hairs along the back of the dog's neck
are referred to as hackles. If a dog raises their hackles
(i.e. the hair at the back of the neck stands up or
bristles), it can mean the dog is frightened, or getting
ready to challenge. Take raised hackles as a serious warning
sign.
Do dogs smile? Yes!
And according to some research, they may even be laughing -
at least sometimes - when they're panting! If your dog's
lips are parted with teeth visible, it's a doggy grin. Don't
get the grin mixed up with the growl: if the back teeth
and/or incisors are bared, it's a sign of impending trouble.
Watch for the canine smile next time the pair of you come
home from a good long walk. If that grin goes with
half-closed eyes, you pet is especially content
Body language is a
two-way street. Our dogs understand visual signals better
than words (which is why dog trainers recommended using hand
signals along with verbal commands). No matter how well you
learn to play the body language game, your dog will more
than likely be four paws ahead of you.
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