Canine Body Language

Dogs display so many reactions with their ears, their mouths, their tails and with the whole stance of their bodies that you must have asked yourself why they do it and how much of it really means something.
The most difficult thing to learn to do is anticipate your dog as they can seem to do things without warning. They actually do tell us what they are thinking, they use their eyes to convey what they are about to do and the position of their head and ears. By learning to read your dog by watching for changes in their posture, head position and bodily tension you will be able to anticipate their thoughts and then prevent them from going forward and carrying out that thought. This then keeps your dog in a calm submissive state of mind.  Be sure that you understand canine body language. To keep your pet (and yourself) safe, its critical that you be able to recognize the difference between play and aggressive postures. Many problems can be prevented if you know what to look for. Learn what to do in case of a dog fight. 

Dogs Body Language                                                             
Canine Communication and Body Language                             Reading Canine Body Posture
Canine Body Language                                                           Dog - to- Dog Communication                                    
How to interpret Dogs Body Language
The Face of Fear

Dogs Body Language

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Canine Communication and Body Language

Stan Rawlinson
www.Doglistener.co.uk

Read Your Dog Like a Book

A Guide to Canine Communication & Body Language

To really understand our dogs you need to be able to listen and more importantly see what they are trying to tell us.
 
A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came up with a Gizmo which they claimed could convert dogs barks, yip, yelps and whines into human language, thereby allowing us to understand “Doggie” speak for the first time.

I was on a radio program recently, discussing the merits and usefulness of a new dog collar that was also a mobile phone. You could ring up and converse with your dog at any time, and enjoy a nice cosy chat. You might as well text your pet for all the good phoning would do; the mostly likely outcome would be to startle and frighten your pet.

In reality, real canine language is not just verbal; it is a rich visual language, where dogs are able to converse with each other irrespective of breed or nationality. A Collie from Wales can converse with an Akita from Japan and a Poodle living in France with a village dog in Ethiopia.

Dogs have a truly universal language that can be incredibly subtle and wide ranging. This marvellous language is one that we can also learn and understand, and through that ability communicate with our dogs far more effectively.

However this is a language that needs to be practiced for our dogs to be fluent. That is why early socialisation, puppy classes, and controlled play with other vaccinated dogs is so vitally important, especially in the critical periods from 7 to 16 weeks. As a behaviourist I get to treat many of these animals that are unable to give calming signals or are stunted in their ability to meet and greet because of the lack of early socialisation.

These are normally the ones that have fear and animosity towards other dogs and sometimes humans, culminating in the most common aggression of all “Fear”. In many cases, they are unable to understand or signal their intentions; a classic example is boxers who are often attacked by other dogs. They have been bred with flattened features that are almost immobile, then we dock their tail to a tiny useless stub, making them unable to display some of the facial and tail signals that are so important in the greeting ritual.

I said earlier that we can learn this language, however some aspects of canine language are so complex, that we cannot even start to reproduce it with our puny two legs, small immobile ears, and lack of tail.

We are further hampered by the fact that we tend to think that our pets can understand complex thought patterns; we assume a dog's level of understanding is on a par with our own. This is known as “anthropomorphism”, the dictionary definition is “The attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behaviour to nonhuman organisms or inanimate objects”. It is a bit like saying that a vine climbed up the tree to getter a better view of the garden.

Dogs and Vocalisation

Dogs do bark and vocalise it is a part of their ability to converse, however this is only one factor in your dogs language repertoire, effectively when they bark they are saying “Heyyyyy”. This can be happy, demanding or questioning. They also communicate verbally in other ways the excited Yip when you get the lead out, the bark they make when someone is at the door, quite different from the nervous bark when they hear something unusual.

Having said that true communication comes from the glance, the head position, the body posture, and a myriad of other signals constantly being passed back and forth. Dogs try to converse with us, but without understanding the subtly of the language we often miss most of what they are trying to convey. This can cause misunderstanding and confusion and may be one of the main reasons we get the behavioural problems we see today.

Greeting and Appeasing Signals

  We humans are the direct descendants of primates including ape’s chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas. That is not to denigrate our unique position on the evolutionary ladder, but our heritage is none the less, Primate. Dog’s ancestry is intrinsically linked to the wolf, therefore Canids, which include wolves, coyotes, and jackals, a very different species with very different body language.

Where communication sometimes breaks down is when we greet other species, we tend approach then as we would humans, face on making full eye contact; we often hug, face to face, putting our faces close together. Just look at the common greeting of kissing both cheeks. To a dog, this is a threatening gesture and is deemed rude and inappropriate.

Have you ever seen dogs hug? In the main most of our pets suffer this indignity in silence but not always. This is one of the reasons people are bitten, especially young children under five, who tend to cuddle everything they can get their hands on. This coupled with the fact that you cannot negotiate with a child under five, you have more chance of negotiating with a terrorist. Ask any mother, this sadly makes the toddler one of the most frequent victims of dog bites.

If you stand over a dog and ruffle the top of its head this can also be perceived as threatening, imagine someone coming up to you and ruffling your hair every time you met, how would you
feel?

Turid Rugaas (1) The Norwegian behaviourist and acknowledged expert on reading the intricate body language of our canine companion’s states that dogs have a highly developed set of calming signals that act as diffusers of aggression and conflict. These signals include circling, lip licking, yawning, sniffing the ground, looking away, moving very slowly and deliberately, the body shake as if shedding water, distracted sniffing, and either sitting or lying down. These signals are aimed at other dogs but are also directed at us, who are also perceived loosely as pack members.

Just as we expect our pets to understand our every word, then dogs think we can interpret their signals, quite often these are the ones we miss when our dogs are stressed or worried. If you can spot them you can actually signal back calming gestures in response such as yawning, lip licking, moving slowly, and looking away. This helps to diffuse the situation and relax your pet.

If you think about it, these actions are the opposite of the aggressive stance that dogs take as a prequel to an attack or dogfight.

Aggression

   As opposed to the calming signals, this body language is initially easier to read and includes ears pinned back flat against head, or sometimes pointed forward, hackles raised, hard stare, low head stance, stiff legged walk, lips skinned back, and tail either upright and quivering or straight out not wagging. There may be low growling or a snarl. Sometimes the dog gives a whale eye this is when the head is turned slightly away but the eyes showing the whites are turned towards you. This is often the look when the dog is guarding something like a bone. All these signals are a threat, the dog is saying stop what you are doing or there could be violence.

In Wolf packs these threat displays are a way of controlling the hierarchical structure, the breeding males and females will control their pack position by these overtly aggressive stance . Rarely does it turn into violence these animals cannot really afford to be injured or hurt in an all out fight, therefore threat displays normally suffice.

Because of our and sometimes other dogs, inability to read the postures and body language and give calming signals in return means that sometimes the threats can actually escalate into physical violence.

Timid Dogs:

If you find that your dog is very fearful or timid round strangers get them to walk him on a lead with you, it calms and gives confidence to the stressed dog, make sure you are walking next to the dog at the same time

In conclusion, we need to watch and learn from our pets, if you write down the numerous signals your pet gives and in what context you will gradually build up an understanding of what he is saying to you You can then signal back appeasing signals in return turn your head away, yawn, or lick your lips at a fearful or aggressive dog and you may just diffuse the situation.

With practice and given time, you should find yourself able to communicate with your dog with a more enriched and sophisticated vocabulary. This will benefit both you and your dog and will result in a stronger bond and understanding of each others needs.

© June 2005
 This article was written by Stan Rawlinson, a full time Dog Behavioural Consultant and Obedience Traimer.
You can visit his website at www.doglistener.co.uk for more articles and training information. You may freely distribute this article or save to any electronic media as long as it is left intact, including this copyright box.
Please let me know out of courtesy where and when you publish. E.mail will suffice.

mailto:enquiries@doglistener.co.uk

Canine Communication

Stan Rawlinson

 www.Doglistener.co.uk

Canine Communication and Body Language Part 2

A Further Understanding

Critical Periods
If we separated a human baby from all contact with other humans until it was five years old, then that child would never learn the ability to speak or to empathise and converse comfortably. In most cases, it would be fearful and introverted. 0 to 5 years old is a critical learning period for humans. The old saying “give me the child and I will show you the man” holds more truth than we have ever imagined. We learn more during this period that at any other time in our lives. In relative terms 0 to 16 weeks is the equivalent in canine age.

Forget the old wives tale that one year of a human equates to seven in a dog. A far more accurate measurement is fifteen for the first year, ten for the second and five for every year thereafter (though it depends on the breed and size) If you therefore calculate 16 weeks, it comes out as 5 years in human years. This coincides with Scott and Fullers 20-year observations on the critical periods of puppy’s psychological growth.

Socialisation
I cannot emphasise enough the need to socialise you puppy during this vitally important period. There is a vaccination now available where the full course can be administered by ten weeks rather than the normal twelve, therefore allowing two extra weeks of socialisation. The vaccine is by Intervet and is called Nobivac D.H.P.P.I/L.

Get your pups to socialisation classes, it is not enough to allow them just to mix with adult dogs they learn the all-important body language much quicker by being in the company of younger as well as older dogs. Nearly all the cases I deal with that involves interdog fear or aggression, relates to lack of early socialisation during the critical 0 to 16 weeks.

The good news is that unlike humans, dogs can learn to communicate after this vital period though they will never be fluent; they can learn to cope given time and lots of patience.

Stress
All animals including humans suffer stress at some time in their life, to some extent it is part of the survival instinct, it floods the body with adrenalin pumping the muscles up allowing us to decide whether to fight, freeze or flight.

Dogs have a powerful set of body postures that alleviate stress and diffuse potentially threatening situations, the shake, as if shedding water is one way of alleviating stress. We do not always see the signs such as dilated pupils, restless pacing, scratching, panting, loss of appetite, sudden dandruff and sweating. Most people think dogs sweat through their tongues by panting; this is a cooling system but has nothing to do with sweating. Dogs only sweat through their paws, damp footprints can be a sign of panic and fear.

Aggression
  When we approach a dog that is either fearful or control complex aggressive aka dominant, we can often tell by body language if they are likely to attack. Look for balance, if the weight and balance is on the front foot and it is leaning forward at the shoulders and is making hard eye contact then it normally means business. If the balance however is on the back feet and the eyes are darting away and it is yawning or licking, then unless cornered or challenged it is unlikely to just attack out of the blue.

If we also put our weight on our back foot, we can often diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. Weight and balance are magnified in a dog’s mind, they are always looking for the subtle nuances in our body language, and this is especially true of a nervous dog. I was at a clients recently, when I leaned slightly back putting the weight on my back foot the dog approached, when I transferred the weight to my front the dog moved away.

Many people believe that if the hackles are up this is a sign of aggression. This is not always the case, a dog that is excited can raise its hackles, its actual intentions will be apparent depending on the approach, if it curves round coming in from the side and sniffs the ground as it approaches than its intentions are normally peaceful. If it comes in face on stiff legged and circling then it could be a prequel to aggression.

Appeasement Gestures
Lets look at meeting and greeting, as one dog approaches another you will see a wide range of reactions. Some dogs will lie down almost flat to the ground we often see this in Border Collies. Some will lie and slightly roll over averting there eyes this is a submissive but friendly gesture The ones that lay down but in a Sphinx position head erect and body and tail upright are signalling to the other dog that they are confident and high ranking but are friendly and its ok to approach.

Others will yawn, circle slowly but not stiff legged, sniff the ground and allow eyes to constantly dart these look then look away again this is also a non-threatening approach. Others will stand off and await the other dog to approach so they can observe the approaching dogs intentions before deciding whether to greet. Just standing still can appease nervous dogs, lifting a paw up and down is another gesture I often see this signal to both dogs and humans, blinking eyes is a also diffuser of aggression that we can also use. Couple this with yawning averting our head and licking our lips and you can often calm a nervous or aggressive dog.

Clients often tell me that their aggressive dog dislikes black or dark dogs, and they cannot understand why? It is simple really; they cannot read the intent on a very black background therefore they are unable to react to the calming signals. I am occasionally told that some dogs are racist to coloured people; Dogs cannot be racist unlike humans they have no moral or racial preconceptions, this form of aggression is simply because they cannot distinguish features and intent on a darker background and may become fearful or aggressive because of that.

Rank
I am not of the school of thought that thinks there are no such things as dominant dogs. It appears that it now politically incorrect to use this word to describe a dog’s position or state of mind. If we agree the fact that dogs have submissive tendencies then the antonym (exact opposite) of submission is dominance. If we accept that like many other creatures’ dogs do have levels of status, then status brings in rank and therefore control and dominance. I am well aware that the word dominance is vastly overused and in many cases is blamed for almost all canine problems, but to suggest that there are no dominant tendencies in some dogs psyche is to my mind mistaken and an exercise in semantics.

Having said that I am constantly told that this or that dog is displaying dominant aggression. In fact quite the opposite is mainly the case. The confident and high-ranking dog has no need for aggression. Its body language and controlled air shows all who can read the signs that this is not a dog to mess with. The wolf pack rarely has a need for actual aggression it is mainly stylised posturing that allows the hierarchy to exist peacefully. Generally, fear and lack of controlled early socialisation, causes most aggression based behavioural problems, that and our inability to read the clear signals that our pets are constantly beaming to us.

In conclusion, we need to watch and learn dog speak, write down the signals your pet gives and in what context it was used. With practice and given time, you should find yourself able to communicate and signal back, this will benefit both you and your dog and will result in a stronger bond and understanding of each other’s needs resulting in a relaxed and pleasant relationship. 

© September 05
This article was written by Stan Rawlinson, a full time Dog Behavioural Consultant and Obedience Traimer.
You can visit his website at www.doglistener.co.uk for more articles and training information. You may freely distribute this article or save to any electronic media as long as it is left intact, including this copyright box.
Please let me know out of courtesy where and when you publish. E.mail will suffice.

mailto:enquiries@doglistener.co.uk

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Canine Body Language

 

Every dog was bred for a specific purpose. Even mixed breed dogs have genetically instilled instincts. When a dog becomes destructive or does not seem to listen it is usually due to his genetic make-up, not because he's a "bad dog." There are no bad dogs, only those that are misunderstood. People do not understand canine language, therefore misinterpreting what their dogs are trying to communicate.

Try to put yourself into your dog's world. You are telling your companions that you need to exercise, or that you hate being alone and bored all day. Yet, despite your pleas you are ignored and they continue to abandon you. You decide to entertain yourself, get out your frustrations and exercise at the same time. After destroying the couch cushions, you still have some energy left so you find a pair of yummy leather shoes. After all, leather is real close to your rawhide bone and so much softer. You do not think of the consequences of your actions. Only that you needed the outlet.

Another way to analogize this situation is to travel to a country where you do not speak the language and you cannot find an interpreter to help you. Frustrating, right? How will you find your way around to see the sights? How will you tell the waiters what you want to eat? How will you know what you are pointing at on the menu? Sign language only goes so far.

Begin your relationship with your dog by clarifying the communication process. Learn to speak his language. Teach him your desires in a way he understands. Through this process, he will learn the meanings of your words, body language and house rules.

Most animals communicate mainly through the use of body language. The way they hold their ears, nose, body, tail, etc. Each minute movement has a meaning. We often misunderstand our canine's meaning when we see his teeth or the fur along his spine standing upward. There are nuances of these behaviors that offer completely different definitions. Observation of animals interacting with each other is the key to full understanding.

Here is a small list of common canine body language, the definitions, and how to react to them:

1. Your dog is greeting you, but showing his front teeth. His tail is wagging slowly.

Definition: Your dog is happy to see you but also showing you submission. Crouch down to his level and greet him enthusiastically. This will prevent him from Trying to jump on you.

2. Your dog is looking at another dog, his ears perked forward, eyes staring, tail wagging, fur slightly raised along his shoulders.

Definition: He wants to go greet the other dog, but is a bit afraid. Should you restrain him by pulling his neck collar, this behavior can turn into aggression toward the other dog. Your dog needs more time to interact with others of his own species.

3. Your dog has a habit of staring directly into your eyes or those of other family members.

Definition: This is called the Alpha Stare. It's a means of showing dominance. Never look away first. Looking away first makes you appear submissive to your dog. However, if you are being stared at by a strange dog in his yard, look away and slowly back out of his yard. Not heeding his warning can be dangerous.

4. Your dog is greeted by another dog who is prancing around him, tail up, ears forward, neck arched, and eyes staring.

Definition: This other dog is showing dominance to your dog. Provided your dog remains submissive (i.e. keeps a low profile and does not stare back), things will be fine. However, if your dog is not a submissive type, break off the interaction by calling him to come to you, and walking away.

5. Your dog is showing the sides of his teeth with a curled lip.

Definition: This is a sign of aggression. It is currently a warning which, if not heeded, will turn into a bite. This should never be allowed to happen with your own pet. Seek the help of a professional trainer immediately.

6. Your dog is panting lightly, ears swiveling or held at the side. His tail is still.

Definition: Your dog is relaxed/happy.

These are but a few canine body language communications. To fully understand canine body language there are several books available that can help. However, the best means of learning what your dog is telling you is through observation and an open mind. Anthropomorphizing will not help you understand anything. Canines do not think in the same manner as humans.

Getting Familiar with Doggie Language!

How to Interpret Dogs Body Language, Facial Expressions and Vocalizations 

 
    

Ears Forward or back, close to head.
Eyes Narrow or staring challengingly.
Mouth/ Teeth Lips open, drawn back to expose teeth bared in a snarl. Possible jaw snapping.
Body Tense. Upright. Hackles on neck up. Completely Dominant position.
Tail Straight out from body. Fluffed up.
Vocalization Snarl. Growl. Loud bark.

 
ALERT

Ears Perked-up. Turning to catch sounds.
Eyes Open normally or wide.
Mouth/ Teeth Mouth closed or slightly open with teeth covered.
Body Normal. Possibly standing on tiptoe. Slightly Dominant position.
Tail Up. Possibly wagging.
Vocalization None. Low whine or alarm bark.





 
ANXIOUS

Ears Partially back.
Eyes Slightly narrowed.
Mouth/ Teeth Mouth closed, or slightly open in a "grin."
Body Tense. Slightly lowered in a Submissive position.
Tail Partially lowered.
Vocalization Low whine or moaning-type bark.




 
CHASE, BEGINNING STAGE

Ears Perked-up, forward-pointing.
Eyes Wide open. Very alert.
Mouth/ Teeth Mouth slightly open. Excited panting.
Body Tense. Crouched low in a predatory position. Legs bent, poised to run.
Tail Extended straight out from body.
Vocalization None.



 
CURIOUS/EAGER/EXCITED

Ears Perked-up, forward-pointing.
Eyes Wide open.
Mouth/ Teeth Mouth open, teeth covered. Possible panting.
Body Normal stance. Possible wiggling, standing on tiptoe, or pacing.
Tail Up. Wagging.
Vocalization Excited short barking, whining.





 
DOMINANT

Ears Up straight or forward.
Eyes Wide open, staring.
Mouth/ Teeth Mouth closed or slightly open.
Body Very tall posture. Hackles may be up.
Tail Stiffened and fluffed. Up or straight out from body.
Vocalization Low, assertive growl or grunt.




 
FEARFUL

Ears Laid back flat and low on head.
Eyes Narrowed, averted. Possibly rolled back in head, whites showing.
Mouth/ Teeth Lips drawn back to expose teeth.
Body Tense. Crouched low in submissive position. Shivering, trembling. Possible secretion from anal scent glands.
Tail Down between legs.
Vocalization Low, worried yelp, whine, or growl.



 
FLIGHT, BEGINNING STAGE

Ears Back.
Eyes Wide open. Possibly rolled back with whites showing.
Mouth/ Teeth Slightly opened mouth. Possible drooling.
Body Tense. Shivering. Low, poised to run.
Tail Low or between legs.
Vocalization None. Possible yelp or whine.


 
FRIENDLY

Ears Perked-up.
Eyes Wide open. Alert look.
Mouth/ Teeth.  Relaxed, possibly slightly open, "smiling" mouth.
Body Normal posture. Still, or possible wiggling of whole rear end.
Tail Up or out from body. Wagging.
Vocalization.  Whimpering, yapping, or short, high bark.





 
GUARDING

Ears Perked-up. Forward.
Eyes Wide open, alert.
Mouth/ Teeth.  Mouth slightly open, teeth bared. Snapping or gnashing of teeth.
Body Tense. Rigid. Hackles up. Standing very tall in an aggressive or dominant stance.
Tail Rigid. Held straight out from body. Sometimes fluffed.
Vocalization.  Loud alert bark. Growl. Snarl.



 
PLAYFUL/HAPPY

Ears Perked-up and forward, or relaxed.
Eyes Wide open. Sparkly/merry-looking.
Mouth/ Teeth Mouth relaxed and slightly open, teeth covered. Excited panting.
Body Relaxed, or front end lowered, rear end up in the air, wiggling in a play-bow. Excited bouncing and jumping up and down. Circling around and running forward and back in an invitation to play.
Tail Wagging vigorously.
Vocalization.  Excited barking. Soft play-growling.



 
PREDATORY

Ears Alert. Held forward or backward to catch sounds.
Eyes Wide open. Staring, focusing.
Mouth/Teeth.  Mouth closed.
Body Rigid. Low to ground, ready to spring forward. Quietly sniffing the air.
Tail Straight and low.
Vocalization None (so the prey won't be alerted).



 
SUBORDINATE (SUBMISSIVE)

Ears Down, flattened against head.
Eyes Narrowed to slits or wide open, whites showing.
Mouth/ Teeth Lips pulled way back from teeth in a "grin". Nuzzling or licking other animal or person on face.
Body Lowered to ground, front paw raised. Lying on back, belly up. Possible urine leaking/dribbling. Possible emptying of anal scent glands.
Tail Down, between legs.
Vocalization None, or low, worried whining. Possible yelping/whimpering in fear.


 

Reading Canine Body Postures

	NEUTRAL RELAXED
AROUSAL The dog has been stimulated by something in his enviroment. When the dog is excited by something pleasurable, the hackles will be down and the tail will be carried a little lower and will loosely wag. The muzzle will be relaxed and the tongue may be seen. This posture may be displayed to subordinates in order to express higher ranking pack position.
	AGGRESSIVE ATTACK This threatening posture is used to chase another away or, if need be, to attack in order to protect possessions, pack or self.
ACTIVE SUBMISSION This pacifying posture is used when a dog acknowledges another dog or human’s higher social ranking, or to inhibit another’s aggression.
	PASSIVE SUBMISSION Bellying up indicates surrender, a pacifying gesture offered to a more dominant or aggressive individual.
DEFENSIVE AGGRESSION When fearful, a dog will give warning signals to indicate he does not wish to be approached. If, unheeded, he will bite to protect himself.
back to top Dog - to - Dog Communication When dog meets dog, they signal their status in relation to each other. Actions like raising a forepaw, looking away, licking or nudging at the other’s muzzle or bowing with the forelegs are submissive gestures. Mounting, raising up stiffly on one’s toes, or placing one’s head over another’s withers (the place where the neck meets the back) indicate the more dominate individual of that interaction.
	MATERNAL CORRECTION A mother dog will discipline a pup with a quick muzzle grasp. The pup learns to offer submissive body postures.
PLAY SOLICITATION The play bow is a combination of dominant and submissive gestures. It is offered to invite another to play or as part of courtship behavior.
	GREETING BEHAVIOR A submissive dog may greet a more dominant dog with a muzzle nudge as an appeasement (pacifying) gesture.
GREETING POSTURE Dogs sniff each other’s genital region when greeting to gather information on sexual status.

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Canine Bodylanguage	Parent Guide to Child Safety  Around Dogs	Video Learn to Speak Dog	Canine Communication
Dog Behaviour	Dog Fight Understanding your Pack