On a walk, when Rosie sees another dog, or perhaps a cat or squirrel she’d like to chase, she lets out this high-pitched yodel where she jumps up on her hind legs – out in public – all eyes on us – embarrassing… Other than barking or yipping, what language does a dog have?
Language is not just verbal, it’s physical too. Playing a vital role in the understanding of other humans and dogs, body language tells you most everything you know about your dog.As a human, you talk to your dog, even sing to her, and she seems to understand you. When you’re sick, your dog can tell. When you’re sad, they seem to sense it. Your dog feels you, and it’s important that you feel your dog.
Why Do You Get a Dog?
First let’s take a look at why you get a dog. You can get your dog as a pet, to love you, to comfort you, and to keep you company. You may get a dog to go jogging with you, walking, or riding in the car. Perhaps you get a working dog for search and rescue, police work, guarding property, therapy, and perhaps service for the disabled or blind.
Regardless of the reason, it’s important that you understand what your dog is saying to you. Is she happy, sad, excited, angry, scared? Does your dog need reassurance, a good belly rub, a walk, play, or time alone?
A dog’s body language is the way they determine where they stand in the pack – their pecking order. Ensure your dog understands you’re the leader of the pack, the Alpha, which usually comes from caring for and training them.
When training, especially potty–training your dog, reward good behavior. Lovingly correct undesirable behavior. Never yell at or “spank” your dog! She doesn’t know what the hell you mean. And definitely don’t be the idiot that sticks her nose in her urine of feces when going on the carpet. It’s cruel, useless, and vindictive.
What Can Your Dog’s Eyes Mean?
Your dog may give you sad eyes for food, but they primarily look at you to show love. Now, if your dog is looking at the food instead of you, does that mean they love the food? At least for my dogs it does; no eye contact, just focus on the food. If I stare hard enough that sandwich may levitate into my mouth.
Have you ever seen your dog look at you before they do something, like eat or go too far? They’re actually asking for your permission. She’s waiting for an “okay” from you to indicate it’s alright to move forward.
Squinty-eyes mean your dog is satisfied, like when you’re petting her and you find “just the right spot.” Petting releases dopamine in your dog’s brain and stimulates her, much like exercise does a human. (Now, if your dog is squinty-eyed and bobbing her head, she’s probably sleepy.)
What About Your Dog’s Wagging Tail?
Does it mean your dog is happy if her tail is wagging? Not always. If it’s a slow wag, your dog may be nervous, unsure of herself, and needs a kind word from you or a bit of petting. If encountering a new person or another dog, watch her closely for possible signs of aggression.
What does a fast wagging tail mean? You got it – your dog is happy. This often happens when you come in from being gone. (Each time you come in you should greet your dog, she’s happy your home, acknowledge her. Don’t you like being greeted when you come home?) How about a quick wagging or calm tail when your dog gets low to the ground? You got it, she’s ready to play.
Did you know there’s a different meaning for the direction your dog wags her tail? A swing to the right means your dog is happy while a swing to the left indicates there could be trouble ahead. It’s subtle, so you may not see a difference, but other dogs notice it.
Hackles? What Are Your Dog’s Hackles and What Do They Mean?
What are a dog’s hackles? They’re the hair that grows from neck to tail and is located near the spine. The hairs stand on end as an automatic response, much like our goosebumps, and can mean a number of things. The hackles standing up makes your dog look bigger, more menacing. A good example is the cartoon Halloween cat with the arched back and hackles raised.
What exactly does it mean when your dog’s hackles are raised? It’s an indication of intense emotion ranging anywhere from excitement to aggression. Some of those feelings are uncertainty – anxiety – fear – defensiveness. Needless to say, watch your dog closely when her hackles are raised and do your best to comfort her or take her out of the situation.
Next time we’ll continue to touch on The Language of Dog.
Until then, Carol