I can’t underestimate how important this topic is. If you are aware of how your dog is feeling by what he is telling you in his body language, you reduce the risk of an escalating situation.
So how do we do this when we are different species and use very different languages? The key is to reach a level of communication that allows the dog to understand, usually by way of verbal cues, what it is that we want.
Dogs are very good communicators both with each other and with us. Their communication styles are nuanced and it can be easy to miss these signals. Once you take the time to observe and get to know your puppy’s behaviour cues, your relationship will improve. It fosters greater relationships built on trust.
Calming Signals
When a dog engages with calming signals, he is simply telling the other dog that he is no threat to him. They also help calm down stressful situations such as when first meeting.
Calming signals include a lip lick, yawning, turning away, circling, sniffing the ground. blocking etc (there are over 30 signals). Calming signals in dogs let the other dog know that they are not a threat to them. The signals can be very subtle and unless trained, would be easy to miss. However, if you can master your puppy’s body language, you will open up a two-way conversation with your puppy. That is gold!
As you start taking puppy out more, you will need to observe him in new environments. If you can interpret how your puppy is feeling by reading the calming signals he is exhibiting, you will be much better placed to reduce risk if puppy is uncomfortable.
You can also use calming signals to let puppy know that everything is ok. For example, if puppy yawns (when not tired), you can yawn back. Puppy would take that to mean that you are trying to calm the situation down.
Observe before you interpret. Take note of all of your observations without interpreting their meaning. For example, the dog is turning his body away, he is yawning, his body is stiff, his ears are back etc. The reason why the interpretation needs to wait is because these calming signals can be combined and it depends on the situation and/or environment that the dog is in to assess what he is actually telling you. Don’t jump to conclusions. Look at every part of his body and take it in whole.
Calming signals include
- Softening of eyes
- Turning the body away
- Freezing
- Licking of the nose
- Walking slowly (is it out of the ordinary)
- Play bow
- Yawning
- Sniffing
- Shake off
- Tail wagging
- Curved body
When two dogs come together in a greeting, the will usually greet each other by curving their bodies and sniffing each others butts. This is considered normal behaviour as they can learn a lot from each others butts.
Dogs feel all kinds of different emotions and they express this in their body language. Fear is expressed by his ears going back, lowers his posture, tail is down, movements become slower, lips are pulled back, yawning, head is lower. These are all subtle movements and you will need to look carefully at what puppy is trying to communicate to you.
A dog that is in full blown fear mode is immediately noticeable. Ears are flat back, his body is even lower and stiff, tail is completely tucked, slow and precise movements, pulling on the lead to get away.
Happy dogs are wiggly dogs. Their body is soft and floppy. He is obviously happy because he is engaging with you or something else.
If you are out walking with puppy and he stops dead in his tracks at the sight of something, he is probably feeling unsure or a bit worried. He may stop taking treats which is a sure fire example of your dog not feeling comfortable or is worried about something. In this situation, simply turn around in the opposite direction and keep walking. Increasing the distance between puppy and the trigger will alleviate his concerns.
Bite Prevention
Dogs have very specific body language traits that ward off potential threats. They can be so subtle that the average person would not be nuanced in noticing these signs. For example, dogs bite without warning. A dog that is about to bite will give off multiple warnings before the bite. The trick is to pay attention – is your dog acting differently, is he cowering or skulking, head low, trying to hide, low growling, mouth is tight and lower to the ground, air snapping etc
Every movement of a dog’s body is purposeful. He doesn’t give off these warnings unless he is seriously concerned, worried, scared. If this occurs, move slowly away from the dog to increase distance between you and the dog.
In Summary
When you and your dog are communicating effectively, you will have a better relationship. Learning about what your dog is trying to tell you is part of the beautiful journey of dog ownership.
