Dogs have only a few ways to let us know what they are
feeling. By understanding these actions will enable us to
know when something is wrong with your dog, or they are
happy and carefree.
Most devoted dog owners can immediately tell what their
dogs are feeling by different body language signals. Most
dogs have similar and repetitious signals that are
generally easy for someone who understands their dog, will
then help understand a friendly dog on the street, or in a
dog park, from a potential enemy.
If you are not sure of what a dog is saying check out these
few different examples that I have learned from my dogs,
Lady and Lola.
A Happy, Friendly Tail Wagging Dog:
The tail will make wide sweeps or almost a circle movement,
with the tail hanging down, and not held straight up and
wagging stiffly. The ears are relaxed and fur will be
smooth down the spine and shoulders. A happy dog doesn't
make eye contact, but will sniff and check things out in a
relaxed and easy manner. Ask the owner if it is okay to
pet their dog after the sniffing routine is finished, then
offer the back of your hand to smell first before petting.
I usually just stand with my fist turned towards the
unknown dog at this point, staying fairly still with my arm
hanging down at snout level. I allow the dog to approach
me rather than sticking my fist out towards him. So far I
haven't had a problem with misinterpreting this action as
aggressive.
A Tail Wagging Dog that is Showing Aggression:
If you meet another dog while out with yours, or even if
you are just out alone don't assume he is friendly because
his tail is wagging. Although the strange dog is not
growling, showing it's teeth and snapping at you, he can be
dangerous. If his tail is stiff and held high, and the
ears seem alert, and he stares directly into your or your
dog's eyes, then you are encountering a hostile dog. The
hackles are raised. - ( the fur down the spine and around
the shoulders ). To prevent attack you should try to
quietly remove yourself and your dog quickly, without
running of course.
A Happy Playful Pup:
This is my favorite way for Lady or Lola to show me their
"mood". It is quite recognizable, even to non dog owners.
Let's play. Your dog bows down and rests on the chest and
front elbows, with the butt swinging happily up in the air.
Sometimes after a short display of this, they get up,
bark, run in circles, do a quick roll around, and return to
the position. I can never resist this request.
A Very Unhappy Fearful Dog:
The whole body will be lowered, and tucking the tail to
cover it's scent will be a good indication that your dog is
afraid of something. The ears are usually laid back and
tight against his head, and the fur is raised along the
back and shoulders. If a dog is afraid, then they may
bite, but out of fear, not aggression. This is a dog you
want to retreat from quietly and quickly.
A Submissive Dog:
Usually a dog that lies on it's back, exposing it's belly
is showing submission, not cowardice. This way the dog
gives you the power of pack leader he can relax and enjoy
his life of belly scratches, walks, getting a regular meal
and playing. These dogs aren't looking for a fight, and
are usually laid back and relaxed pets. This type of
personality makes a good family member. As long as there
are no other symptoms to go along with this behavior that
would indicate the dog shows obsessive behavior along with
this body language, or is so timid that is hides all the
time and is truly a "scaredy dog". I had a sweet, sweet
beagle named Susie that was so submissive and afraid of
everything that it took over one year just for her to trust
me enough to approach me. She stayed mostly under the bed
and I was always hunting around the house for her. She had
been abused when I got her at the age of 6 months. It took
a lot of quiet patience and work but she turned into a
wonderful pet and she was with me for 10 years before she
died of cancer.
Obviously these few examples above of "dog body language"
are just that - a few. Dog's have many actions,
expressions and stances that indicate different wants and
needs. Most of these are genetically passed on from wild
ancestors.
Learning to read the different variations within your dog's
body language makes living together a very rewarding
endeavor.
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Understanding your dog's behavior will increase the bond
between you and your dog. Taking care of your dog, and
giving him the best, whether it be the best nutrition, or
the best medical care or the best emotional connection will
make you and your pet both extremely content.
Check out my tips and dog information at:
http://recipes4gourmetdogs.com
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