dog language.

 

 

Humans communicate primarily with spoken language. When we talk, the dog does not understand what we say. The dog understands sounds. They often cannot distinguish between "sit" and "fit," for example. They also understand tone; they can distinguish between a friendly and an angry tone. Dogs cannot talk with words. They use body language to communicate. A dog communicates through:

 

His facial expression, facial expression. He uses his eyes, position of his ears, raising his lips, showing his teeth

His body posture. He stiffens his body. He can make his posture higher than normal. He can make his posture lower than normal

The posture and movement of his tail. (See types of wagging)

His manner and speed of movement.

Dogs also use sounds, such as squealing, whining, growling and barking. They also communicate through touch and smell.A wagging tail does not always mean that a dog is friendly or happy, it is just a sign that the dog is having contact cq interaction with you.

 

TYPES OF WAGGING

 

Broad fan wag. This is a friendly wag. Swish wag. This is a friendly wag and is also used by the dog as a calming signal, aggression inhibitor. Low wag, tail root fixed, only the tail tip moves. This is a friendly, submissive wag and also an aggression inhibitor. Proppelor wag. The tail turns around like a proppelor, from top to bottom. The dog is unsure of its position, should I be submissive or dominant. This wag can also indicate stress. Stiff high wag with a small, short beat, sometimes just a twitch. This wag indicates dominance or aggression.

 

Then a dog may also show calming (or stress) signals, such as:

 

Yawning

Panting

Trembling

Stretching

Licking the mouth

Tonguing, this is the front tip of his tongue sticking out and retracting it, often the dog then also looks away

Raising the front leg

Tail in a lower position than normal

His body lower than normal

Ears backwards

Head turned away, shoulders retracted (avoidance behavior)

Sniffing the ground without reason

Looking away

Scratching while the dog is not itching

Running small puddles

Threat signals from the dog look like this:

 

Tugging the corners of the mouth forward

Raising the lip and showing the front teeth

Growling

Ears forward

Looking straight ahead, this is called fixing

High body position, hairs on back standing up

Tail higher than normal

His body stiffens, stiffen

Tight walk

Barking

Snapping, biting intention without biting the other person

How can one tell that a dog is afraid?

 

Low posture, the dog makes itself as small as possible

Tail low or between the legs

Ears to the back

Trembling

Urine running

 

 

How can one tell that a dog wants to play?

 

Play begins with the game challenge, such as the game bow. The dog sinks through its front legs onto the ground with its hind body raised. See image to the right. The dog's entire posture shows its friendly intent. The auricles are turned to the side. No teeth are visible. Broad wag. This broad wag is very well seen in Labradors, for example, but much less so in other breeds such as the Whippet or the Greyhound.          

 

 

 

Incidents

 

Incidents are often the result of a wrong reaction to the other person's body language. The dog and human do not understand each other and/or vice versa. A dog can react to a conflict in several ways. The dog may ignore the conflict, it may flee, stiffen in fear or fight. The dog will choose one of these strategies according to his past experiences.

 

Aggression is normal behavior and is part of the normal communication of dogs. The dog may show aggression out of fear, pain, irritability or frustration. It can also be learned behavior. The dog has learned that if he behaves aggressively, it will get him something. For example, one walks away from the dog or one then leaves the dog alone.

 

How a dog will react to a given situation depends on a number of factors:

 

The dog's character. The genetic predisposition.

The upbringing and socialization.

The dog's social status within the family

Previous experiences.

A dog under threat will, depending on the circumstances:

 

Flee

Freeze, stiffen or freeze

Threaten (this is a warning)

Bite

Dogs usually don't just bite. Before dogs proceed to bite, they have first shown threat signals. Dogs don't just bite when they feel threatened. They also have a reason for it, but it is not always obvious to us humans.

 

When can dogs bite:

 

In defense of their food, toys or sleeping place

In defense of their pups or their owners

Out of fear

When one punishes them

When one hurts them.

A dog in the family

 

It is important to be well informed about the breed, place of origin, age and sex before purchasing a dog. It is important to ensure proper socialization and habituation. In addition, correct and consistent upbringing is essential.  Socialization is learning to interact with other living beings, such as people, dogs, other animals and objects. The puppy should gain as many positive experiences with this as possible in different environments. Raising and socialization happens from the very beginning and continues throughout the dog's life. Educating means teaching the pup some concepts and teaching him what is allowed and what is not. A good dog school can help with this.The basic principle of positive education is, reward good behavior and ignore undesirable behavior. One can reward a dog with food, a kind word, play or a stroke.

Body Language of the Dog

Dogs still have pretty much the same body language as wolves. The body language in wolves is easy to "read," i.e., from their body posture and facial expressions we can easily make out what the wolf means. They naturally have erect ears, which turn in all directions, and a long tail. Furthermore, they have large expressive eyes and lots of facial expressions. They have a thick but short coat which allows us to see behaviors such as lip raising. By breeding special breeds, man has created much worse "readable" dogs. Think for example of the docking of the ears and tail. Furthermore, there are breeds with very long hair that obscure a lot of facial expressions, since the dog communicates with his whole body. What is behavior? By behavior we mean the actions the dog performs o.i.v. stimuli that can come from both inside and outside. The dog has very many behaviors, some of which are: dominant behavior, submissive behavior, fear behavior, and aggression.

 

The body

 

Straight legs, body upright, or slow movement forward with stiff legs.

I'm the boss here. Do you sometimes challenge me? An actively aggressive gesture of a dominant dog seeking to assert its leadership.

 

Body slightly bent forward and feet braced.

I accept your challenge and am ready to fight! A response to a threat, or the reaction to another dog's refusal to make room; aggression will follow.

 

Raised hairs on the shoulders and back.

You have gone too far! You get to choose: stop immediately, fight or get out! At any moment an attack may occur.

 

Pocked hairs, only on the shoulders.

You're making me nervous. Don't force me to fight. I don't like this. Dog thinks he is being forced to fight.

 

Dog makes himself smaller or cringes while looking up.

Let's not argue. I accept that you have a higher position than me. An actively submissive gesture to reassure the other.

 

Push with muzzle.

You are my leader. Please don't ignore me. I would like to ... About the same as licking, but not as submissive. Can also be used to ask for something.

 

Dog sits while being approached by another; allows himself to be sniffed.

We are almost equals, so let's be sensible and not fight. A small peaceful gesture.

 

He rolls onto his side, exposing throat and belly and breaking eye contact completely.

I accept your authority and pose no threat. Passive submission; the canine gesture for kneeling.

 

Bumping shoulder.

I am higher in rank and you move aside for me when I approach. A rather aggressive assertion of relative social dominance.

 

The dog holds up one front paw slightly.

I am a little scared and worried. Sign of insecurity and moderate tension.

 

He rolls over on the ground and rubs his back and shoulders on the ground (sometimes also with his nose).

I am satisfied and everything is ok.... A ritual that often occurs when something pleasant has happened.

 

Sinks through his front legs on the ground, back body and tail up.

Let's play. Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you! This is just for fun Normal invitation to play.

 

Eye signals

Looking directly into the eyes.

I am challenging you! Stop that immediately! I'm the boss here, so out you An active dominant-aggressive signal, usually from a confident dog having a conflict with another dog.

 

Eyes averted to avoid direct eye contact.

I'm not looking for trouble! I accept the fact that you are the boss here! A gesture of submissiveness, with an undertone of fear.

 

Blink.

All right, let's see if we can avoid confrontation. From me you have nothing to fear. Blinking adds a peaceful gesture to the threatening stare and lowers the level of confrontation without losing too much face.

 

Ear signals

Raised ears or facing slightly forward

What is it? Sign of alertness

 

Ears clearly pointed forward with teeth bared and nose wrinkled

Watch carefully what you are doing! I'm ready to fight The active, aggressive challenge of a dominant and confident dog

 

Ears flat back with teeth bared and nose wrinkled

I am afraid, but I will defend myself if you try to hurt me A fearful-aggressive gesture of a non-dominant dog who feels threatened

 

Ears flat back but teeth not visible, smooth forehead, low body posture

I accept you as my strong leader. I know you won't hurt me because I pose no threat to you A gesture of submission and peacefulness

Ears back with tail up, blinking eyes and relaxed open mouth

Hello, I think we're going to have fun together A friendly gesture, often followed by mutual sniffing or invitation to play

 

Ears slightly back and to the side

I'm worried about what's in store for me. I don't like this. I may fight or run off A sign of tension or excitement; can quickly lead to aggression or fear, depending on how the situation develops.

 

Ears move quickly back and forward

I'll take a look at the situation, so don't worry about me A submissive peaceful gesture from a dog that is expectant and unsure of itself

 

Tail signals

Tail horizontal, pointing away from the dog, but not stiff.

Something interesting might be happening there. Sign of relaxed alertness.

 

Tail pointing straight back.

Let's see who's in charge here. Cautious greeting and moderate challenge from an unknown person.

 

Tail up and curling over back.

I'm the boss here and everyone knows it. Confident signal from a dominant dog.

 

Tail lower than horizontal, but fairly distant from hind legs, sometimes wagging leisurely.

Everything is fine. Feeling good. Normal image of a dog who doesn't care about anything.

 

Tail low, level with hind legs, hind legs straight, body upright.

I don't feel good. I'm a little depressed. Sign of physical or psychological malaise or discomfort.

 

Tail low, close to hind legs, low body position due to bent hind legs.

Feeling a little insecure. Sign of social anxiety and moderate submissiveness.

 

Tail between paws.

I am afraid. Don't hurt me. Submissive gesture and a sign of fear and submission.

 

Raised hairs on tail.

I challenge you!!! This tail signal adds an element of threat to other tail signals.

 

Puffed up hairs on the tip of the tail.

I'm a little under pressure. This tail signal adds an element of fear to other tail signals.

 

A kink or sharp bend in the tail.

If I have to, I'll show you who's boss around here. This tail signal adds an element of immediate threat and dominance to other tail signals.

 

Weak wagging.

You like me, don't you? I'm right here! A somewhat hesitant submissive gesture.

 

Broad wagging, without lowering the body or moving the hips back and forth.

I like you. Let's be friends. A friendly gesture, without social dominance, is often seen during play.

 

Broad wagging, moving the hips back and forth.

You are my pack leader and I follow you everywhere. A sign of respect. The dog does not feel threatened, but accepts his lower position.

 

Slow wagging with tail carried rather low.

I don't quite understand. A signal of indecision or confusion as to what is expected of the dog.

Facial expressions

Mouth relaxed and slightly open, tongue may be visible and hanging over lower teeth.

I am satisfied and relaxed. This expression most closely approximates the human smile.

 

Mouth closed, the tongue or teeth are not visible, the dog looks in a certain direction and is slightly bent forward.

This is interesting. I wonder what is going on there. A sign of attention or interest.

 

The upper lip is raised to bare some teeth with the mouth still fairly closed.

Go away! You're annoying me! First sign of annoyance or threat; may be accompanied by a low growl.

 

The upper lip is raised to show the teeth well; some wrinkles on the nose and the mouth is partially open.

When you force me or do something I perceive as threatening I will fight Active aggressive reaction, possibly the result of fear or an assertion of social dominance.

 

The upper lip is raised and not only the teeth but also the gums are bared with visible wrinkles on the nose.

Away you go, otherwise it's not too good. High level of active aggression. When the other does not give him space, this dog will attack.

 

Yawn

Feeling a little tense. Sign of tension or excitement. Can also be used as a distraction signal to ward off a threat.

 

Licking the face of a person or another dog.

I am your friend and acknowledge your leadership. I'm hungry. Do you have a nice snack for me? A peaceful gesture from a submissive dog. Also a request for food.

 

Licking one's own lips (or in a vacuum).

I bow before your authority and hope you won't hurt me. An extraordinarily peaceful gesture.

 

What does a barking dog mean?

Barking in rapid series of three or four, with pauses in between at a normal pitch

All gather around. I suspect something is going on. Alert, interested rather than alarmed.

 

Rapid barking, normal pitch.

Call the pack! Someone is entering our territory. We may need to take action. Normal alarming barking. The dog is alert, but not afraid. Caused by the approach of a stranger or an unexpected event, longer sustained than the intermittent barking described above.

 

For

continuous barking, but a little slower and at a lower pitch. The intruder (the danger) is very close. In my opinion, this is the enemy. Get ready to defend yourself! The dog begins to grow restless and clearly feels threatened.

 

A prolonged series of barks, at moderate to long intervals.

Is someone there? I am lonely and in need of company. Usually caused by social isolation or confinement.

 

One or two sharp, short barks, in normal tone or higher tone.

Hello, I see you. Typical greeting or recognition signal caused by the arrival or sight of a familiar person.

Single sharp short bark in low to semi-high pitch.

Stop! Go away! Annoyed barking, e.g. when disturbed in its sleep.

 

Single, moderately loud sharp short bark at a higher pitch.

What is this? Hey. Signal of surprise or fright.

 

Single deliberate bark, and not as sharp or short as the previous one.

Come here ... Learned form of communication, to effect a human response, such as opening a door, being hungry, etc....

Stutter barking and pitch rising barking.

Let's go play! Usually accompanied by forelegs flat on the ground and abdomen up, as an invitation to play.

 

In pitch up barking.

That's fun! Come on, let's go! Excitement during play or at the prospect of a fun game.

 

Soft growl, low tone (appears to come from the chest).

Go away! Look out, you! From a dominant dog who is annoyed or demands that others stay away from him.

 

Growl bark in a low tone such as Grrr-waf.

I am angry and if you force me to, I will attack! Rally, we must defend ourselves. A somewhat less dominant signal of annoyance, suggesting that the help of pack mates would be appreciated.

 

Growl bark in a semi-high tone and higher tone.

You scare me, but if I have to, I will certainly defend myself. A threat from an insecure dog that will use aggression when forced to do so.

 

In tone rising and falling growl.

I am terrified! If you come near me, I may start fighting or run away. The fearful-aggressive sound of a very insecure dog.

 

Crying (often sonorous and protracted).

I'm here! This is my territory! I hear you crying! Dogs use this to announce their presence, to socialize at a distance, and to mark their territory. Although this sound sounds quite sad to human hearing, the dog is quite content.

 

Barking cry.

I am alone and worried. Why doesn't anyone come to keep me company? The sad sound of a dog who is lonely and fears that no one will respond to his cry for help. Whining that rises in pitch at the end of the sound. I want something. I need something. A request or plea for something.

 

Whining that drops in pitch at the end of the sound.

Forward, don't make me wait any longer. Excitement because of the prospect of something.

 

Jam yodel (sounds like jowel-jowel-jowel) or cry yawn (sounds like hhoeoeoe-ahhoe-oeoeoe).

I'm excited! This is fantastic! Signals of pleasure, because of the prospect of something fun.

 

A soft whining dog.

I am in pain. I am really very afraid. A sound of fear and passive submission.

 

Single kef.

Ouch! Response to sudden pain.

 

A screaming dog.

Help! I think I'm going to die. A sign of pain and panic from a dog fearing for its life.

 

A panting dog.

I'm ready! When do we start? This is incredible! This is exciting! Is something wrong? Noise caused by tension, excitement or the prospect of something exciting. this may be accompanied by wet paw prints.

 

A sighing dog.

I am happy and lay down here for a while. I give up and am a little depressed. Sign of emotion, ending an action. When that action has been rewarding, it is a sign of satisfaction. If not, it is a sign of resignation.