Astounding Dog Language Info

Dogs communicate using a complex “language”, based on physical cues. Learn to understand this language and you’ll develop a much better understanding of your dog’s needs, wants, and moods. You’ll also give your dog training efforts a serious boost, as you’ll be communicating on a level your dog readily understands.

Unfortunately, there’s no quick and easy reference book available for learning dog language. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done though. Just follow the guidelines below and you’ll be up to speed in no time.

Here are some of the most important body language cues you’ll see from your dog.

Standing Rigid – When a dog adopts a very rigid stance, he could be telling you to back off and leave him alone. He may also adopt this stance when he is protecting some possession. Give your dog a bone or a biscuit when there are other dogs around and you’ll see what I mean.

Flashing the Teeth – This is normally the first warning a dog will give to tell you to back off. If you have a dog that tends to be aggressive, or if it’s a dog you don’t know, it is safer to comply.

Growling – Growling is a dog’s way of telling you to back off. If you refuse to do so, you’ll hear the growl rise in intensity as the dog works himself up for an attack.Dog owners often shout at the dog, or punish him for growling. This is the worst thing you can do. Growling is a warning and if the dog is not allowed to growl he may just bite.

Raising the Hackles – When a dog raises the hair on his back, he is trying to look bigger in order to scare off a threat. It is often a sign of heightened fear, and means to dog may attack.

Tail between the legs – Typically, this indicates, timidity, fear or anxiety. There may be a number of causes for the behavior, such as separation anxiety, or being introduced to an unfamiliar person or dog. Often the behavior will be accompanied by submissive urination.

Putting the head down – Depending on the context this could be a attempt by a submissive dog to avoid eye contact. Or it could be a playful gesture.

Raised Paw -A raised paw is a playful gesture, which means, “ let’s be friends”.

Wagging the tail – The tail is one of the dog’s most important communication devices, and the one that is most often misinterpreted. A common belief is that a wagging tail suggests happiness, but this is only true if the tail is being wagged loosely.If the tail is rigid and flicking slightly from side to side it means the dog is bothered by your presence. If the tail is held between the legs and wagging slightly it can mean insecurity or fear.

Body language is the most important form of canine communication. Yes, you can teach your dog to understand and respond to voice commands, but body posture and gestures will always trump vocal messages.

Even a basic knowledge of dog language will be of huge benefit in understanding your dog.

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