Learn how to speak dog!
Do you want dinner? To play fetch? To go outside? TEACH ME WHAT YOU ARE SAYING!!!
How many of you have had this one sided conversation with your pooch? Desperately trying to understand what they are communicating with their body language.
Dogs are actually very easy to read once you’ve got the hang of it. It just takes a bit of practice and some guidance from us…
Play with me!
It’s not too hard to tell when your dog is in the mood to play. Their facial features light up and happiness practically shines out of them like sunbeams. It’s infectious and all part of their master plan to encourage you to join in the fun!
The play bow (seen below) is their way of inviting you.
How can you tell your dog is play bowing to you? It’s easy! They bring their front legs out in front of them and lower their chest to the ground as if they’re about to lie down. Their rear end remains high up. Their tail may also be wagging enthusiastically and their mouth will be softly open with a slobbery tongue on show.
What your dog is trying to say: I WANT TO PLAY!!
Feeling anxious?
It’s a well known fact that spending time with a dog is a fantastic way to reduce human anxiety. One stroke of their soft, fluffy coat and all’s right with the world again.
Just like you, your sensitive pooch can also feel a little anxious from time to time. Unfortunately, they don’t have their own cuddly pet to make them feel calmer, so it’s your job to help!
Constant back and forth pacing is an important sign that your dog may be feeling a little unnerved. Their eyes may become wider and a nervous yawn can occur too. They may also wag their tail cautiously, but this is done as a gesture of appeasement rather than because they’re happy.
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What your dog is trying to say: “I don’t understand what is happening. I feel something is wrong so I can’t relax”
Cold shoulder
Worried your pooch is giving you the cold furry shoulder?
If your dog is uncomfortable with a situation or person they will show it by focusing on something else i.e. sniffing the ground, licking themselves, or just turning away. Some dogs may even try to hide or escape to get out of the situation.
If you see your dog exhibiting these avoidance signals, it’s a good idea to try and take them to a space that is safe and familiar.
What your dog is trying to say: “I feel anxious and would like to get away from here. Please don’t force me to stay in this situation, otherwise I may bite because I am distressed.”
Scaredy dog
Loud noises, children, other animals — there’s a whole list of things your pooch comes across everyday that have the potential to scare the furry pants off them.
If your dog is afraid of something and negatively exposed to it regularly their fear could grow stronger and a bigger issue could develop. You REALLY want to stop this from happening as it can result in lifelong issues.
A scared dog will make their body look as small as possible. Their ears will be flattened against their head, and their lips will be tense. Their tail will be still, low or tucked between their legs. They might lick their lips or yawn. They will usually be so focused on the threat that they even refuse their favourite treat!
What your dog is trying to say: “Oh no…if only I could disappear…. please don’t touch me or comfort me, I’m too afraid to welcome any interaction at the moment.”
Stay away!
WARNING: Tread carefully if you suspect your dog is feeling this emotion.
Aggressive body language is easier to spot than other emotional signals. It is the only time we would recommend not trying to interfere as it could result in a nasty accident.
An angry dog will try to make themselves look as large and threatening as possible, with a stiff, upright body, hard and unblinking eyes and flattened ears. It’s common for their fur to stand on end as well. A ferocious growl will also usually accompany these body signals.
What your dog is trying to say: “Keep away from me or I may bite you. I am warning you!”
SEE! Becoming an expert in dog body language is easy. You just need to know where to look! Practice your canine language skills regularly and you’ll have one very happy pooch.
