Understanding Dog Talk
Imagine yourself in a foreign country where no one speaks English and you require assistance to either go somewhere or find something you need. No one can understand what you are claiming so they just stand around talking gibberish at you. This is the situation dogs face each day. Dogs have their own language in which they communicate with one another and attempt to communicate with humans. To them, their subsequent behavior is always sane since they do not understand that we might not understand what they are saying. So a key to making the maximum of your relationship with your dog is to realize that this language exists and to be in a position to interpret it well enough to comprehend what your dog's wishes.
Dogs communicate in 4 ways; by sound, by smell and thru face expressions and body language. A dog's sense of smell is thousands of times more acute than humans and is the primary way of identifying who they are interacting with. That explains why dogs sniff each other and humans when they first meet. In dog talk subtle differences in movements and position can suggest different things. As an example, tail wagging. Most humans accept that when a dog wags its tail it is contented or excited to see you. However that is not always accurate. When dogs are thrilled to see someone they wag their tail more to the right side of their rump but when they are fearful or uncomfortable, the tail may still wag but the movement is more to the left. Slow, tight wagging is frequently an alert to stay away and a sign of pending aggression.
Neglecting to accurately understand what a dog is saying is one of the most important reasons for what humans see as "bad" dog behaviour. Dogs are always talking with us and here are some examples demonstrating how to recognize this "Dogish" language:
How dogs say "You had me at howdy"
Dogs demonstrate submission basically through body language,eg head down, flattened ears and diverted eyes. Lying down with the hind leg lifted exposing the reproductive organs, chest and neck is even a better sign.
How dogs say "I am king of the planet"
A true alpha dog is usually a quiet and assured dog. A dog shows dominance by standing tall and erect, ears erect or forward and tail pointing directlyout from the body. Eyes are opened, staring with a fixed gaze. This dominant behaviour happens with small dogs just as often massive ones.
How dogs say "Go Ahead Make My Day"
If the hair on the dog's back is bristled, together with a steady glare, straight pointing tail and clenched teeth you can be sure that the dog is issuing a threat. There also may even be a low growl. Take it as a warning.
How dogs say "A census taker once attempted to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti."
Leaning forward, hair bristling, eyes narrow, nose wrinkled, teeth exposed and possible snapping are indications of increasing aggression and indicates that the dog is preparing to attack.
How dogs say "You talkin to me?"
Ears perked up and forward, eyes open and shining, tail up and wagging, body stiff and a touch raised up are all signs that the dog is paying attention and is listening to you.
How Dogs say "I consider it wise, the need for speed"
When a dog is preparing to take off and begin running either in chase or play, the ears will be perked up and forward pointing. The eyes will be wide open, the tail will be low and the body crouched and poised for action. The mouth may be slightly open and the dog could be puffing or radiating excited yips.
All these signs can change with individual dogs and most will learn extra signals from their owners and other dogs. For instance we taught our Australian Shepherd to shake hands and fed her treats as a reward. Now whenever she would like a treat she raises her paw. Our Standard Poodle noted this and now raises her paw as a signal for treats also. Owners who are close to and spend some time with their pets will soon learn their own secret and non-public language.
Dogs communicate in 4 ways; by sound, by smell and thru face expressions and body language. A dog's sense of smell is thousands of times more acute than humans and is the primary way of identifying who they are interacting with. That explains why dogs sniff each other and humans when they first meet. In dog talk subtle differences in movements and position can suggest different things. As an example, tail wagging. Most humans accept that when a dog wags its tail it is contented or excited to see you. However that is not always accurate. When dogs are thrilled to see someone they wag their tail more to the right side of their rump but when they are fearful or uncomfortable, the tail may still wag but the movement is more to the left. Slow, tight wagging is frequently an alert to stay away and a sign of pending aggression.
Neglecting to accurately understand what a dog is saying is one of the most important reasons for what humans see as "bad" dog behaviour. Dogs are always talking with us and here are some examples demonstrating how to recognize this "Dogish" language:
How dogs say "You had me at howdy"
Dogs demonstrate submission basically through body language,eg head down, flattened ears and diverted eyes. Lying down with the hind leg lifted exposing the reproductive organs, chest and neck is even a better sign.
How dogs say "I am king of the planet"
A true alpha dog is usually a quiet and assured dog. A dog shows dominance by standing tall and erect, ears erect or forward and tail pointing directlyout from the body. Eyes are opened, staring with a fixed gaze. This dominant behaviour happens with small dogs just as often massive ones.
How dogs say "Go Ahead Make My Day"
If the hair on the dog's back is bristled, together with a steady glare, straight pointing tail and clenched teeth you can be sure that the dog is issuing a threat. There also may even be a low growl. Take it as a warning.
How dogs say "A census taker once attempted to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti."
Leaning forward, hair bristling, eyes narrow, nose wrinkled, teeth exposed and possible snapping are indications of increasing aggression and indicates that the dog is preparing to attack.
How dogs say "You talkin to me?"
Ears perked up and forward, eyes open and shining, tail up and wagging, body stiff and a touch raised up are all signs that the dog is paying attention and is listening to you.
How Dogs say "I consider it wise, the need for speed"
When a dog is preparing to take off and begin running either in chase or play, the ears will be perked up and forward pointing. The eyes will be wide open, the tail will be low and the body crouched and poised for action. The mouth may be slightly open and the dog could be puffing or radiating excited yips.
All these signs can change with individual dogs and most will learn extra signals from their owners and other dogs. For instance we taught our Australian Shepherd to shake hands and fed her treats as a reward. Now whenever she would like a treat she raises her paw. Our Standard Poodle noted this and now raises her paw as a signal for treats also. Owners who are close to and spend some time with their pets will soon learn their own secret and non-public language.
About the Author:
Bob Long is an engineer and writer who has shared his life with many canine companions. He now lives in Texas with his wife, two kids and 5 dogs. He has multiple websites on different subjects including the Best Dogs For Residences and the Best Family Dogs.