Canine Communication

by Joan Harris | Oct 31, 2007

What Your Dog’s Body Language is Saying About Your Family Pack Dynamic

It is known that dogs are, by nature, pack animals with a highly effective way to communicate among themselves. Not only do they communicate by barking, yipping or whining, but they have an elaborate system of body language that allows them to communicate non-verbally. This language allows them to express pack rank, cooperate in play, alert others to danger and show affection. Their language is both instinctual and learned and is designed to insure survival of the pack. 

Your dog should always look to you as the pack leader or “Alpha” and your job as pack leader requires that you have an understanding of your dog’s body language or “signals.” Communication among dog can come from eye contact, body posture, tail carriage and other complex signals. Many of these “signals” are often read incorrectly which can result in behavior problems. It is important that your dog should display a submissive attitude to you and family members. A dog that considers himself the leader could turn aggressive and become uncontrollable or even dangerous. 

A dominant dog will advance down the street confidently with head and tail held high. He will usually strive to initiate contact with people or animals first. He will feel that it’s his job to rush up to strangers and either jump up in an obnoxious way or bark aggressively to defend his territory. Many dog owners incorrectly interpret this behavior as overly-friendly or fearful. In fact, he feels it is his job, as pack leader, to be in control of encounters on the street. This behavior can be displayed by putting three or more dogs behind a fence. When a strange person or animal pass by, the dominant dogs will advance first. Occasionally, a submissive dog will advance also, and the dominant dog will turn and bite or correct him for stepping out of rank. Your job as “Alpha” requires that you initiate and supervise all the interactions your dog has with the outside world. 

Another area where communication between humans and dogs tends to break down is when and how we show affection. A dominant dog will come up to its owner and either lean or paw in a pushy manner to be petted. He may even roll on his back to dictate how and where his owner should rub him. When he is satisfied he will end the session. This same dog may not allow his owner to brush him, clip his nails or disturb him while he sleeps. He may also resist rolling over on your terms to check his feet or stomach area. Many dog owners give in to these behaviors not realizing they are a display of dominance. Remember that it is always the leader’s choice to initiate or end petting. Ignore your dog when he tries to control your affections. As pack leader, you have the right to handle your dog whenever you want. 

Many dog bites on humans occur due to our lack of understanding a dog’s body language. We humans greet each other with a big smile and direct eye contact. This can be considered a threat or inappropriate behavior to a dog. Full eye contact, hugging, face to face contact such as kissing, and going over the top of a dog’s head can all be perceived as a threat to a dog. Always allow a dog to approach you on its own terms. Ignore an unfamiliar dog, avoiding full eye contact until he is comfort- able. Put your open hand out and allow him to sniff it first and wait until the dog displays a relaxed body posture. The dog may yawn, look away or be still with ears perked up and mouth relaxed or slightly open “smiling.” Even easier to read is when the dog’s entire rear is wiggling and his front end is bowed in an invitation to play. Never approach a dog displaying aggressive body language. This includes ears pinned back or sometimes forward, hackles raised, hard stare, low head stance with growling or a snarl. 

Correct interpretation of your dog’s body language can also tell you if he’s feeling frightened or anxious. A dog that is fearful will appear tense and crouch low in a submissive position. His tail will be tucked between his legs and his ears will be laid back flat and low on his head. In extreme cases he will drool or possibly release his anal glands. He may also tremble or whine. In these situations it is best to remember that the pack leader is calm, fair and assertive. Sending your dog calming signals as opposed to soothing or stroking him can help diffuse the situation. Remember that dogs interpret petting as praise and you don’t want to reinforce his fears. Keep a confident, upright stance, move slowly, yawn or look away. This will communicate to your dog that he has nothing to fear. If your dog is fearful or timid around people, keep him on a leash and have them walk with you. Don’t force your dog to take on more than he’s ready to handle. 

Remember that by closely observing your dog over time, you will pick up on many of the “signals” he is sending to you. Through time you will learn to communicate and maybe even send effective “signals” back. Obedience training will help to develop a language that you both can understand. Proper communication will strengthen your bond leading to a more enjoyable relationship.