How to Speak Dog. . . Sort Of
Have you ever wondered what your dog is trying to tell you when he looks at you a certain way? Perhaps you have tried to understand what he is saying with his body language. Sometimes it can be hard to guess, but the better we know our dogs, the easier it is to comprehend their behavior. Learning how your own dog communicates can also help you interpret the body language of other dogs.
Knowing how to read your dog's body language is the key to understanding a dog, assessing his attitude, and predicting his next move. Pay close attention to the eyes, ears, mouth and posture - each can help you interpret attitudes such as confidence, fear, happiness or aggression. Not only can you feel more connected with your own dog, you can also help protect yourself and others from potentially dangerous situations.
Does your dog have any special ways of communicating with you through body language?
Photo © Jenna Stregowski
Comments
Absolutely! My Shih-Poo will actually lean in and hug me when he wants to be hugged and petted. He barks and runs back and forth to the kitchen when he’s hungry. His ears and tail droop when he knows he’s done something wrong. But most of all, he has the most expressive face I’ve ever seen on any dog. I can actually see his emotions in his eyes. I can tell he understands what I’m saying by looking at his face and eyes. We “communicate” in our own way and some people are so surprised when they witness it. Everyone says my dog and I have a very special bond.
Pali does this great little shift of her hips when she spots a squirell. I have gotten so that I can stop her from running just by seeing that shift. I also love when she puts her hand on mine to be petted.
jh
bodaweightloss
My Maltese Poodle will stare at me when she wants to take a walk. She will look me straight in the eyes and wince once or twice and then she will look down at my feet to make sure I have my shoes on and then off we go.
strange?… I have lost my husband about 5 years now this november, i have a fawn pug that does this strange thing… i guess she remembers when i lost him i would cry a lot, and she associated that with sniffling. now when i sniffle she stops what she is doing or if on a walk, she stops and just looks at me with a funny face as if to ask “are u okay”. seeing her do this has brought me out of my slump. pugs can be so caring.
I would have suggested Jack Russell which I have one of. Nicest dog I have ever seen!!!
I have just adopted a 5 year old Jack Russell I rate him as the #1 dog in my life. Loveable, playful, obedient,smart and playful.Had a chihaua for twelve yearsand I loved her, but this one has outdone her!Fun dog!!!
I have a Springer-Lab that likes to smack you with his big paws and “talks” continously until he gets what he wants, which is usually his meals or cookie. He never lets you forget/push back his feeding times.