Did you know that many of the things dogs do actually carry a specific meaning? Here are some classic pieces of canine body language:
1. Sniffing the ground: this is thought to be a calming signal, used when a dog is afraid of the other party (person or dog) and wants to settle them down.
2. A quick turn of the head, looking or glancing away. Sometimes it happens in an instant and you may not even notice it. When a child runs towards a dog to hug it, a frightened dog may well do this.
So do remind children never to approach a strange dog that is staring at them; in canine body language, “staring at you” signals aggression. And of course, children should not be allowed to approach strange dogs freely unless an adult is there to supervise.
3. Licking its own nose: whether quickly or slowly, this is thought to be a signal to calm an unfamiliar party. Interestingly, black dogs use this gesture more often than dogs of other colours, probably because their facial expressions are harder to make out, while a pink tongue really stands out.
4. Licking another dog’s or a person’s face: this is generally seen as a welcome, and may also be a calming signal.
5. Yawning: this is the most common signal that a dog is under stress. You will see it most often at the vet’s, during obedience training when the dog feels the owner is asking too much, or when the owner is telling it off.
6. Wagging its tail, standing up on its hind legs and pawing at you: the dog wants to play and is inviting you to join in. An enthusiastic dog wants nothing more than for you to play along, whether it is fetch, chase, or a tug of war over a toy.
7. Rolling over on the ground and exposing its belly: this is a sign of submission. The belly is a dog’s most vulnerable spot, so when a dog meets a top dog or one stronger than itself, the one giving way will lie down and show its belly to say it means no harm and that you are the boss.
8. The faster the tail wags: dogs are often happy, especially when they see their owner come home and get their dinner ready, or hear familiar footsteps and know you are about to take them out for a walk.
9. Baring its teeth and growling, or barking straight at a target: the dog is angry and warning you not to come closer. They usually will not treat you this way, but if they really are angry, a dog will bare its teeth and growl as a show of strength. It does not actually mean it wants to bite you, rather like a cowboy in a Western who draws his weapon to make a point when he is angry.
10. Tail dropping down and the rear tucked in: “putting your tail between your legs and running for it” is a saying that definitely comes from dogs. When a dog feels afraid and senses something is wrong, its instinct is to get away first.
Here is more on dog body language:
#DogBehaviour #DogBodyLanguage
