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Canine
Communication
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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 is a calm submissive state of mind.
How Dogs Think A Non Verbal Link to Canine Communication
Doggy Dictionary
Reading Your Dog Like a Book
Interpreting Body Language
The following article was first
published by DOGWORLD Magazine and "Behaviour Problems in Dogs," 3rd.
ed. (1999) and in the New "Better Behaviour in Dogs," 1999,
A Guide to solving all your dog problems, (Direct Books - (800)
776-2665).. It is presented here to convey the concepts behind Campbell's
humane, non-punishment systems for correcting problem behaviour in petanimals.
HOW DOGS THINK A NON-VERBAL
LINK TO CANINE COMMUNICATION
Have you ever seen a device or a program designed to correct
a dog behaviour problem that explained how smart dogs are and how they
think? Most plans or gadgets enable owners, literally, to declare war
on their hapless pets. Little or no concern is afforded to what the dogs
happen to think about them. In fact, the implication is that dogs don't
think at all ... either they just react to external stimuli like robots,
or respond according to genetically controlled "drives." Dogs are rarely
credited with the ability to solve a problem mentally; to analyse a situation;
imagine ways to manipulate or control it, then take a pre planned course
of action toward a goal that was preconceived in the dog's mind. In short,
the dog is considered a real dummy, then treated like a dummy. But this
concept is not correct. Dogs are smart. They can, and usually do, think
rings around their owners. And they can do it because most owners have
never learned how to think like a dog.
Understanding Non-Verbal Thinking
We all wonder now and then what our dog is thinking. If we wonder
aloud, perhaps when mealtime is approaching and the dog is looking
expectantly at us, we might say something like, "I'll bet Tippy's thinking,
'When is my dinner going to be ready?' " In all likelihood, Tippy isn't
originating any thoughts about 'when dinner will be ready.' It is more
likely Tippy is imagining (or 'imaging' in his mind) the words and movements
you usually say and perform before getting his dinner; something like,
"You want dinner, Tippy?" All that tail wagging and those pleading eyes
are aimed at stimulating you to say it.
But, an inability to originate thoughts in a spoken language
does not make dogs unintelligent. Even people don't actively think in
a spoken language unless they actively 'speak' it. For instance, during
a short vacation to Japan, if you don't already speak the language, you'll
probably pick up the meaning of a few words. After a few natives look at
you in the morning and say "Ohio," you may eventually learn that they're
not curious about where you're from, but are wishing you a "Good Morning."
Still, you won't think in Japanese unless you live there a few months
and actively speak it. Even a pet Akita will never learn to speak or think
in the native lingo because their voice boxes, tongues and lips cannot
formulate the sounds of Japanese ... or English, or French, etc., etc.
The limit of our dog's language learning is the meaning of the sounds of
certain words. Luckily, dogs are quick to learn the sounds that are important
to them.
With this in mind, when Tippy is prodding us about serving dinner,
we'd be wise to discard ideas about complete sentences being originated
and thought about, and replace them with the non language concept of
mental images. To illustrate this further; when most Tippys are asking
for dinner they actually look from their owners toward the place where
it is served, generally the kitchen.
Evidence of Imagery
Some very convincing research suggests that dogs think in sensory
impressions; visual, sound and odour images, etc. This is not to say
that they sit around on quiet days experiencing videos inside their
brains. However, they likely share our ability to form and experience
in their minds certain images, odours and sounds. The scientific basis
for this idea came from Russia and was published in the US in 1973. A
scientist name VS.. Rusinov1 was studying the electrophysiology of the
brain and had several dogs wired with brainwave equipment and radio transmitters.
When the dogs were brought into the lab from the kennels for experimental
conditioning tests, the electroencephalograph machine was turned on to
record their brainwave patterns. This was done at the same time each day,
five days a week. One weekend, purely by accident, Rusinov brought a
group of visitors into the lab and turned on the EEG machine. Lo, the dog
that was normally schedule for tests during the week at that time was
sending wave forms nearly identical to his regular working patterns! When
the testing time passed, the dogs' brain waves soon returned to their
normal 'at rest' forms. I never found any mention by Rusinov as to whether
the dogs out in the kennel were actually performing their conditioned laboratory
behaviourism's. Chances are they were not, but one thing is almost sure;
compared to human experience in similar types of studies, the dogs were
apparently experiencing them mentally 2,3.
The late Polish scientist, Jerzi Konorski,3 taught dogs to salivate
and expect food in their trays when a light flickered. This was done
regularly every few minutes. However, after a few trials, the dogs started
salivating and looking at the trays as if the food were actually there,
even though the light had not flickered. Konorski, 3 ventured that the
dogs were hallucinating about both the stimulus (the light) and the
reward for salivating (the food). One thing is sure: Something was going
on in the dogs' minds that made them behave as if they were happening.
Some Human Examples
Before going on with dogs, let us consider some facets of our
own 'mind's eye,' as suggested by Konorski. Imagine we have a date
to meet a loved one at a busy restaurant. We get there on time and sit
at a table near the door. Fifteen minutes go by, but no friend arrives.
We begin to wonder if they are coming at all. We start watching people
approach the door. Pretty soon, people with similar features almost cause
us to call out to them. The more concerned and anxious we become, the more
apt we are to mistake strangers for our friend. When he or she finally arrives,
the pleasure and relief we feel is often mixed with mild displeasure. We
are ambivalent ... we have mixed emotions about meeting them in the future.
Almost everyone has mental imagery. Often, just the thought
of a loved one conjures up their image. This can apply to sounds, as
well. Think about your favourite musical piece and your can often hear
it in your 'mind's ear.' These are positive images. They are emotionally
pleasant. At the other end of the scale, recalling a terrifying experience
can not only create its images, but sometime even make us shudder. This
is an example of negative, emotionally unpleasant images.
Back To Dogs
So it is with our dogs. When we are late getting home, or if
they over-miss us because we spoil them with attention and petting every
time they demand it, they very likely worry in images, too. They may
well recall images of us and our activities, such as fluffing the pillows
on the sofa, putting away record albums, handling magazines and books,
putting on shoes just before leaving, sitting in a favourite armchair,
etc. As a result of this, they often engage in activities which involve
them with these images: Pillows wind up on the floor, albums or magazines
are moved or chewed, a chair seat gets dug up, shoes are brought out of
the closet. If they can't have us there, they try to interact with things
that symbolize us.
If dogs really do store up and recall images of us and life's
other objects and experiences, it follows that we might use this to
our mutual benefit. But since most owners do not understand how dogs
think, this imagery is where the seeds of most behaviours problems are
sown. Dogs receive and recall conflicting images of owners and many important
experiences.
The Puppy's Dilemma
Consider the new puppy whose owners come home at regular times
and join in an ecstatically joyful greeting ceremony. This imagery is
quickly ingrained, and the pup begins to anticipate the experience,
just Konorski's dogs hallucinated about the flickering light and the
food tray. However, as will happen in even the most well regulated household,
one day the owner is late. The puppy begins experiencing the images of
his tardy owners ... starts fretting, pacing. Well primed energies, ready
for the greeting ceremony, demand an outlet as the adrenaline starts pumping.
What's going on in its mind's eye or ear? It probably imagines
hearing footsteps, perhaps even sees the door open... which doesn't
happen. But it should. This introduces conflict between what it wants
and expects and what is really happening. Conflict creates frustration.
Frustration produces anxiety, which triggers an even greater adrenaline
rush. The pup searches for something real to satisfy its desire to 'experience'
the owner ...a magazine or book it saw the owner reading recently. It is
rich with the owner's scent. If it cannot have the owner there, it can at
least have their genuine odour or taste. So it sniffs, tastes, maybe even
swallows parts of the article. Naturally, this does not fully substitute
for the whole owner, so the puppy's social appetite is not really satisfied.
Finally, here comes the owner. The puppy innocently launches
into its joyous, semi-hysterical ritual. The owner starts to join in,
but spies the pulverized magazine or book. What's this? Naturally, if not
wisely, the owner angrily grabs the pup, drags it to the demolished object
and scolds it, or slaps it's snout or rump, or both. The pet's single-track
mind is riveted on the owner. It yips, rolls over, or struggles vainly
to escape. Punishment concluded, the owner angrily picks up the remnants
of the article and storms to the trash basket.
Psychic Trauma
The net result of this is a totally confused pup with a conflicting
set of images of its owner. This sort of shock to the nervous system
is called psychic trauma in both animals and humans. A conflict has
been instilled between the positive image of the owner (happy Dr. Jekyll)
and the negative (Mr. Homecoming Hyde). This creates frustration and
anxiety about homecomings, growing in severity if the scenario is repeated
a few times. (It is interesting that in many cases, owners tell us that
the pup was fine for a day or so after the first punishment. This may equate
to the human experience of repression, in which memory of the traumatic
experience is suppressed, creating a sort of 'backwards amnesia.') Even
when this occurs, since the punishment was not associated with the act
of chewing up something, the puppy seeks out another article, perhaps a
shoe, and the cycle is repeated until the total relationship between owner
and dog is tainted with emotional ambivalence. Mixed feelings are eating
away at the positive qualities of their relationship. Negative emotional
impressions may start to dominate it.
At about this stage, many owners conclude that the punishment
may not have been severe enough. That's why the correction was not
permanent. So they intensify it. The relationship erodes further as
weeks go by. Enough of this cascading negative effect and the owner is
ready take drastic action. The dog, now hyper-sensitive to its owner's
mood change, feels something is wrong. This often is reflected by new
problems, such as submissive wetting when the owner comes home or approaches
the dog at other times; off-schedule bowel movements or urination occur,
etc.
Many pets act insecure, currying more favour when the owner
is home, and hence, missing the owner even more acutely when left alone.
Frustration and anxiety build, while the isolation related, tension relieving
behaviour mounts. The unwitting owner, who originally may have thought
the dog is 'getting even' for being left alone, begins to consider it
incorrigible.
HELP!
This is when outside help is often sought. A book is purchased.
The veterinarian, breeder, pet shop, a trainer or behaviourist may
be consulted. If lucky, the owner gets advice that brings genuine insight
into pet/owner relationships and dog behaviour. But, more likely, they
find traditional quick fixes and the dog winds up in a desensitisation
program; gets dosed with anxiety relieving drugs or barbiturates; is
stuck in a cramped crate or cage all day, or banned to the yard or garage,
or has its mouth stuffed with chewed debris and taped shut for hours.
Since none of these approaches deal with the causes, the 'thinking dog'
and the total relationship with its owners and the environment, success
is rare. The majority of these formerly precious pets find themselves
rejected ... relegated to the local pound for five to seven days, where
the odds are 3-to-2 they'll suffer society's 'ultimate solution'. But
things don't have to be so grim, if the owners learn some 'dog think.'
Applying Positive Imagery To Solve 'Separation Anxiety'
Dogs that misbehave when they are left alone are said to be
suffering from separation anxiety. The term is a neat buzz phrase;
almost everybody uses it. It sounds professional. The trouble is, as
a transplant from human psychiatry, it really doesn't convey much useful
information. However, the term is here, so we'll use it in its broadest
sense, which is; "a troubled feeling when left alone or apart from a
certain person or persons. "This allows us to recommend a remedial behavioural
program that deals with the realities of the dog's total relationships.
First, however, we must be sure that the dog's veterinarian has ruled
out the many physical/medical causes for anxiety, such as thyrotoxicosis,
hyperthyroidism, pre-diabetes, encephalitis, allergies, hyperkinesis,
etc. etc.
The Program
Dogs that are unduly upset when left alone usually enjoy their
owner's attention and petting whenever they ask for (or demand it) when
the people are at home. To apply the imagery concept to this relationship,
we could say the dog 'sees itself' as directing, or leading the owner.
When it wants some petting, it nudges or otherwise stimulates the owner,
and the owner complies. The dog wants out, whines at the door or at the
owner, and the door gets opened. Mealtime approaches, dog whines and
prances, and dinner gets served. When the owner goes from room to room,
the dog is either ahead, leading them, or close behind. This is the reality
of their relationship, at least in the dog's mind. But, when the owner
leaves, against the dog's wishes, the pet is predictably upset, and problem
behaviour occurs. This can involve barking, chewing, pacing, self mutilation,
off-schedule bowel movements, urination around the house, etc.
The leadership problem can be turned about by presenting a different
reality to the dog; one in which the dog is pleasantly, but firmly and
consistently told to perform some simple act, such as 'sit' whenever
it attempts to gain attention or affection, or whenever the owner wants
to give the dog some attention. All 'sits', or whatever command is used
('down' is a good one for highly bossy dogs) are praised happily as 3 to
5 seconds of petting is awarded; then the dog is cheerfully released with
an "OK" or "Free." (Free is a good release because OK is too common a word.)
If a really bossy dog refuses to obey, and many do when they
realize their relationship is being turned around, simply ignore the
situation, turn away and go on about some other activity, ignoring the
dog. Some dogs have refused to respond for as long as four days before
coming to terms with a follower relationship. However long it takes,
after a few days the dog's image of itself seems to evolve from one of
giving direction to taking it with compliance prior to being petted,
getting dinner, going out the door, getting on the couch, etc.
In moving around the house, whenever the dog forges ahead, simply
about turn and go the other way. This must be repeated until the dog
walks patiently behind or, better yet, doesn't even follow. It is also
helpful, but not vital, to practice down stays of increasing length during
several evenings a week.
Images of Hyper Emotionality
Most 'home alone' problem dogs get extremely emotional when
their owners get home; some even get excitable when regular departure
times approach. To supplant these emotionally over stimulating images,
sit quietly for about five minutes before leaving, in the area where
the dog will be left. No eye contact or speaking is allowed. Then, get
up and go without looking at or speaking to the pet. At homecoming, enter
quietly and ignore the dog until it quiets down completely. Then it is
greeted happily, but briefly, away from the door of arrival. This subdued
routine soon replaces the dog's highly emotional mental images of returns
and departures with calmness and serenity.
Here's the tough part for most all dog owners: When coming home
the place is a mess! Pillows have been chewed, or the chair is tattered
again, or a pile of poop graces the doorway, or some other problem is
evident. If we keep in mind that the dog has in the past suffered from
conflicting images at homecoming, it is imperative that no emotion, or
even attention, should be directed at the remnants of the problem; such
as chewed up magazines, shoes, defecation, etc. Instead, after five minutes
of ignoring the dog, it should be greeted away from the scene of the misbehaviour,
and then pleasantly taken outdoors or to another room and left alone while
the mess is cleaned up. This avoids creating new (or reinforcing old)
conflicting images of emotional reactions to, or interactions with, the
debris, defecation, etc.
I have always called this 'the secret clean-up'. It has worked
wonders as part of programs ranging from digging in the yard to housetraining
puppies. Just why it is such an effective adjunct to correction programs
remains to be satisfactorily explained. In the meantime, we'll have to
say that the lack of an image of the owner and the mess is more beneficial
to correction than is the image.
The Big Picture
So, there it is. Dogs think in images and we can mould and change
their behaviour in hundreds of ways if we will think as they do. For
instance, on the negative side, a set up whereby a car screeches to a
stop, horn blaring, just as a dog starts toward the street from the sidewalk,
then praising its retreat, is a valuable exercise in negative imagery.
However, it must be repeated until the dog avoids the street when cars are
not present, as well.
Teaching the 'panic' command to come needs the dog's name followed
by a code word, a sound image that is exclusive to coming when it is
absolutely necessary, and praise words or a vocal rhythm that is unique
to that command, coupled with fast hand clapping while taking a crouched
position. These combined, positive images can create a dog that will dependably
respond to your code word and come to your praise. It is especially important
to teach this command when the dog is out of sight, as well.
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BATH: This is
a process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and themselves.
You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.
BICYCLES: Two wheeled exercise machines, invented for
dogs to control body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide
behind a bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few
yards; the person then swerves and falls into the bushes and you prance
away.
BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when
they are drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea.
DEAFNESS: This is a malady that affects dogs when their
person wants them in and they want to stay out.
Symptoms include staring blankly at the person, then running
in the opposite direction, or lying down.
DOG BED: any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread
in the guestroom or the newly upholstered couch in the living room.
DROOL: Is what you do when your persons have food and
you don't. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and
look sad and let the drool fall to the floor, or better yet, on their
laps.
GARBAGE CAN: A container that your neighbours put out
once a week to test your ingenuity. You must stand on your hind legs
and try to push the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you are
rewarded with margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and
mouldy crusts of bread.
LEAN: Every good dog's response to the command "sit!"
especially if your person is dressed for an evening out. This is incredibly
effective before black tie events
LEASH: A strap that attaches to your collar, enabling
you to lead your person where you want him/her to go.
LOVE: Is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and without
restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail.
If you're lucky, a human will love you in return.
SOFAS: Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating
it is polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your
whiskers clean.
THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to
an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is
necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting,
rolling your eyes wildly, and following at their heels.
WASTEBASKET: This is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes,
and old candy wrappers. When you get bored, turn over the basket and
strew the papers all over the house until your person comes home
back
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Reading Your Dog like a Book
Written by Jerry Carpos
If your dog
were a book, it would be a book in cartoon format. Dogs are simple creatures
- which do not mean they are simple-minded. They can only concentrate
on one thing at a time. Short-term memory is so limited, that they do not
know what the fuss is about if you try to punish them for something they
did even a short time ago - such as mess up the lounge.
Although every dog is
different and personalities among our canine friends almost as varied
as among our human ones, there are certain signals which mean the same
whichever dog is "saying" them. Learn to read them to avoid misunderstandings
with your faithful friend.
If your dog is looking
at something, he is thinking about it. When looking at the door, for
example, he is thinking about going out. When looking at the bin, he's
thinking about a tasty morsel inside and whether he can get at it. By
interpreting this simple body language, you can reward behaviours you
wish to encourage - and filter out the rest.
Dogs are first and foremost
social creatures. As a pack animal, he's going to behave with you as if
you were a dog, if you are all the pack he has. Much of what the dog does
is simply to stay in touch with his pack. If your dog puts any part of
his body on top of you, he thinks he is the pack leader. In other words,
he's more dominant than you. You can test this by sitting or lying on the
floor next to him. If he puts his chin or paw on your leg, he thinks he's
boss. To correct this impression, stand up and place him next to you in
a sit position. If he then places a paw in front of your foot, he still thinks
he's top dog. It is easy to correct this - just move him off you. He's not
trying to be difficult - just doing what comes naturally. Lap dogs are slightly
different in this respect and sitting on you does not mean they feel dominant.
Being top dog is not
necessarily a problem for all dogs, but it can lead to separation anxiety
(he is in the position of being your parent) and related complications,
such as pulling on the lead, biting, running off, barking. A simple way
to assert yourself is to always go through doors before him. The pack
leader does this, to check for danger.
A submissive dog is easy
to spot - he will roll over and expose his underbelly to you - i.e. offer
you his life. He may also pat you with his paw - not to be confused with
putting a paw on you when lying down. A puppy will pat his mother when
she returns, to ask for food. In other words, your dog is showing you he
is dependent on you for food. Face-licking is along the same lines. Puppies
will lick the faces and mouths of their elders to encourage them to regurgitate
a juicy tidbit for them.
A wagging tail is not
always a simple expression of delight - the dog is showing conflicting
emotions and may be frightened. He is pleased to see you, but perhaps in
the past you have been angry with him - as when he has trashed the place,
or failed to come when called. He wants to come to you, but is afraid. His
pack instinct will get the upper hand, so he probably will come to you.
Wagging his tail, you should be wary of strange dogs wagging their tails,
because in their confusion they may become aggressive.
When the dog stretches
his front paws out so his bottom remains up in the air, he wants to play.
Try doing the same back to him one day - he will get quite excited, even
if you are just a human. Only do this, though, if you really intend to
play with him.
A lot of doggie behaviour
problems can be resolved by the dog getting the right amount of exercise
for his breed.
Article
Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Celebrate a special
kind of friendship with pet portrait oil paintings on canvas! Artists
like Jerry Carpos can forge original oil paintings from your most cherished
pictures resulting in an exact image of your pet in a painting.
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Interpreting
Your Dog's Body Language
By right, dogs are pack animals,
and as such must be able to communicate their intentions effectively,
so as to avoid misunderstanding and unintended conflict. All breeds of
dogs share the common language which is Doggy Speak. They communicate in
far more ways than some might give them credit for: They do not just wag
their tail - their posture, ears, teeth and eyes all communicate certain
feelings as well.
The most important part of your dog's body language to understand is
whether it is acting submissively or dominantly to you and your family.
Of course, it should act submissively - it should know that you are the
leader and that is it simply a pack member - and dogs acting dominantly
could be uncontrollable or even dangerous.
When Your Dog is Happy
We all identify with a wagging tail. However, there are other ways
to know that your dog is content. Bright eyes are a sign of contentment,
as are relaxed lips.
Playful Behavior
A dog who wants to play will often adopt submissive behavior to act
like a puppy. The paws will be stretched out on front with the bottom held
high. This posture will be well known to dog owners and is often termed
the 'play bow'
Frightened or Highly Submissive Behavior
The frightened dog will appear to make itself as small as possible.
This is so that the aggressor will think the dog is already beaten and does
not offer a threat. Frightened dogs may seem to act like a puppy by crouching
and cowering, and this is because instinctively dogs do not like to attack
young dogs.
Frightened dogs may also flatten its ears away from danger and put
its tail between its legs. This also covers the scent glands, masking
its identity. The dog may also roll onto its back to demonstrate that
it is not capable of threatening behavior. The eyes of a frightened dog
will be wide enough to show the white and will have dilated pupils. Submissive
behavior includes actions that a young dog may use to seek attention from
its mother, such as licking your face and jumping or reaching up to you.
Dominant or Confident Behavior
If a fight resulted from every meeting of two confident dogs, then
many pack members would risk injury, therefore risking the health of the
entire family. Instead, dogs will try to demonstrate their superiority
by other means. Aggressive dogs will approach confidently with the head
held high and the hair on the spine erect so as to make him appear larger.
His ears will point forward and the tail will be pointing up. This
is the opposite of the submissive dog in that the confident dog is not
concerned about being injured in a fight and not afraid to let its identity
known. If the other dog does not act submissively, then the approaching
dog will now attempt to scare the other dog into submission. Snarling,
wrinkling of the nose and teeth-baring display to the other dog what harm
could be done if provoked. If the dog does launch into a fight, its ears
will be drawn in at the last minute to prevent injury.
Confusing Body Language
When dogs misunderstand each other, trouble can occur. The breeds who
most distinctly look like wolves are those with the clearest body language
(such as German Shepherd Dogs). Those with peculiar anatomical features
are most far-removed from the wolverine shape and so may be misunderstood.
For example, spaniels have floppy ears which don't erect when acting confidently.
Other dogs can't display their teeth because of the hair on their face.
Dogs with very long hair can not raise their hackles and dogs like the pug
can not raise, wag or lower their tails. Black dogs may appear featureless
to the eyes of other dogs and so subtle facial expressions are not understood.
The DO's and DON'Ts of Introducing Kids and Dogs:
DO:
Ask the owner for permission to pet the dog. Even if the dog looks
friendly, ask first!
Approach the dog slowly and gently, and allow him to sniff your hand
before you pet him under the chin.
Be careful around injured dogs. Injured dogs may bite out of fear or
pain. Ask an adult for help.
Stand still and be calm if a dog approaches you.
Stay away from stray dogs.
DON'T:
Don't run towards a dog or throw your arms around it. Remember to approach
slowly and always ask the owner for permission to see the dog.
Don't tease a dog or throw things at it.
Don't try to take food or toys away, or bother the dog when he's eating.
Be careful when he's sleeping, too; he may be startled if he is woken
up suddenly.
Don't pet a dog by reaching through a car window, a kennel, or a fence.
Likewise, don't pet dogs in the back of a truck. Many dogs are nervous or
protective and may bite.
Don't assume that every dog is friendly just because it's tail is wagging.
Ask the owner if it's okay to pet the dog.
