How can I understand my dog?

Understanding Canine Body Language and Communication

As dog parents, we often wish our dogs could talk to us. While they may not use words, dogs have a rich and expressive body language that can tell us a lot about their feelings and intentions. It's important to consider the context and recognize that each dog has its own individual language. Understanding canine body language is key to building a stronger bond with your dog and ensuring their well-being.

Key Aspects of Canine Body Language

1. Tail Wagging

   • Happy Wagging: A relaxed, wide wag with a loose body usually means a happy and friendly dog.

   • Stiff Wagging: A stiff, high tail wag can indicate discomfort or distancing behaviour.

   • Tucked Tail: A tail tucked between the legs signifies discomfort or unease.

2. Ears

   • Forward Ears: Ears perked forward to indicate interest or alertness.

   • Flattened Ears: Ears pulled back against the head often signal discomfort or unease. Many sighthounds will put their ears back when excited, but not flat to the head.

   • Relaxed Ears: Ears in a natural position suggest a calm and relaxed dog.

3. Eyes

   • Soft Eyes: Relaxed, soft eyes, often with blinking, indicate comfort and contentment.

   • Whale Eye: When a dog shows the whites of their eyes, it often means they are anxious or stressed.

   • Direct Stare: A direct, intense stare can be a sign of a challenge or threat.

4. Body Posture

   • Loose and Wiggly: A relaxed, wiggly body typically indicates a happy and playful dog.

   • Stiff and Tense: A stiff, tense body posture can signify discomfort or distancing behaviour.

   • Cowering: A crouched or cowering posture is often a sign of discomfort or unease.

5. Mouth

   • Relaxed Mouth: An open mouth with a relaxed tongue suggests a calm and happy dog.

   • Panting: Panting can indicate excitement or stress, depending on the context.

   • Lips Pulled Back: Lips pulled back to show teeth can be a warning or sign of discomfort.

Common Behaviors and Their Meanings

1. Barking

   • Alert Barking: A sharp, repetitive bark usually indicates that your dog is alerting you to something.

   • Playful Barking: A high-pitched, excited bark often signifies playfulness.

   • Fearful Barking: A rapid, high-pitched bark can indicate fear or anxiety.

2. Growling

   • Warning Growl: A low growl is a clear warning to back off.

   • Play Growl: Dogs sometimes growl during play; this growl is usually higher-pitched and accompanied by playful body language.

3. Whining

   • Care-Seeking Whine: Dogs whine to seek care or express a need.

   • Stress Whine: Whining can also indicate stress or discomfort.

How to Respond to Your Dog's Communication

1. Stay Calm: Always approach your dog calmly to avoid escalating any stress or anxiety.

2. Observe Context: Consider the situation and environment to better understand your dog's behaviour.

3. Listen: Pay attention to care-seeking behaviours. New science backs up that we need to respond to these behaviours, as ignoring them can lead to mental health issues. Listening and responding appropriately can support your dog in feeling secure.

4. Provide a Safe Space: Create a comfortable and secure space for your dog to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. This can help reduce anxiety-related barking.

5. Work in a Multidisciplinary Way: To diagnose pain, consider a multidisciplinary approach. Getting a gait analysis can be a good start. Consulting with professionals can provide a comprehensive understanding of your dog's health.

6. Seek Professional Help: If excessive barking persists despite your best efforts, consider seeking the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide personalized guidance and support.

7. Rule Out Health Issues: Schedule a check-up with your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to your dog's barking.