Understanding your dog and their body language
Communication between our dogs and other animals, or with people, is very different to the way we as humans interact. Our dogs rely on the use of their body language to let us know how they are feeling, and it is important to recognise these sometimes subtle cues.
Being that a dog’s body language is obviously very different to our own, it can be commonly misunderstood what they are trying to say. For example, yawning could be an indication that they are tired in the same way it can be for humans, but it also can be a sign of anxiety. Another example is lip licking, which you may think is a sign they are looking forward to their dinner where it often rather a sign of worry. Owners can commonly misinterpret these signs and what their dog is trying to communicate.
Our dogs are communicating in the only way they can, but if they are being misunderstood or if the more subtle signs are missed they can easily start to show more obvious aggressive behaviour. Learning to understand and pick up on these communication cues earlier can help to avoid this progression.
Anxiety
Dogs who are anxious often use displacement behaviors to in an attempt to distract from their anxious state and manage their emotions. Signs can include:
- Sniffing
- Pacing
- Sneezing
- Shaking off
- Licking
- Yawning
Another behaviour you may see in an anxious dog is appeasement – this is when they are trying to communicate a desire for the threat (for example, another dog, person, etc.) to stop. This can include signs such as:
- Keeping low to the ground
- Jumping up
- Tucking their tail between their legs
- Muzzle and ear licking
- Smiling and exposing teeth
- Laying on their back
Stress
Dogs can experience stress in the same way humans do when they are under pressure, and may try different behaviours to relieve stress or appease the situation. As a dog owner you may see:
- Freezing
- Clingy behaviour
- Sweaty paws
- Lifting a front paw
- Yawning
- Licking their lips
- Showing the whites of their eyes
If signs of stress are not identified, these could escalate to showing more obvious aggressive behaviour, such as biting.
If you notice early signs of stress in your dog, if possible remove your dog from the situation straight away. If your dog is showing anxiety symptoms, then you may be able to be improve their behaviour through the use of positive reinforcement. This approach is based on slow reintroductions to an identified trigger, and rewarding with food and praise when there is no reaction. If you are struggling please contact the surgery to speak to one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses for advice. In some cases they may recommend referral to a fully trained behaviourist who can help developed a program tailored for your pet’s needs.
Tail wagging
Dogs tails can be valuable in their communication with us. Most tail wagging is a sign of happiness, however it can also be a sign of frustration. Some dogs may even wag their tail when feeling tense or defensive, so it is important to look out for any other behvioural signs they are displaying, and be aware of the situation around you before assuming a tail wag means they are happy.
Happy dogs
It can be easier for dogs to tell us when they are happy and interested, for example tilting their head to the side or lifting a paw out of curiosity. Comfortable, happy dogs will have a relaxed facial expression with mouth slightly open, while playful dogs may play bow, have a fast tail wag or wiggly bottom.