Nala & Ginger at Halloween, members of Kristin's poodle crew.

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CHAPTER THREE

Understanding Canine Communication

Understanding the methods of communication employed by your canine companions, encompassing both verbal and non-verbal cues, is vital for establishing a harmonious relationship between the dog and the trainer, ultimately leading to genuinely effective training results. In this chapter, we will delve into the art of interpreting dog body language, the skill of listening to your dog, and the techniques for building trust and fostering a deeper connection.

Deciphering Canine Body Language

Dogs primarily communicate through their body language, and the skill to interpret these signals is indispensable for understanding their emotions and drives. Proficiency in reading and interpreting their body language equips a trainer with a valuable skill that frequently facilitates a deeper connection with the dog. Identifying signs of canine insecurity or frustration before others can enable a trainer to address and potentially resolve behavioral issues more promptly than their peers. Therefore, the more adept one becomes at comprehending the canine language, the more effective they can be as a trainer.

Key Elements of Canine Body Language

Key aspects of canine body language stem from their outward appearance and how they present themselves to the world. Begin by examining their body posture, as it can reveal much about their emotional state, as noted by Donaldson (2008). Are they standing upright and displaying confidence or crouched and appearing fearful?

Further observation should encompass their facial expressions and features, which include ear position, eye contact, and how they position their mouth or lips. Ears can be upright, relaxed, or pinned back, with erect ears indicating alertness and pinned-back ears signaling fear or submission, as explained by Overall (2013). Direct eye contact can be interpreted as a challenge in the language of dogs, with a relaxed gaze indicating comfort and a hard stare potentially indicating tension, as suggested by McConnell (2002). A relaxed, slightly open mouth typically indicates comfort, while snarling or baring teeth can signify aggression or discomfort, according to Blackwell et al. (2008).

Additionally, the position and movement of the tail play a significant role in conveying a dog's emotions, including feelings of happiness, nervousness, fear, fright, or uncertainty. Hoeowitz (2009) notes that a wagging tail can express excitement or joy, while a tucked tail may reveal fear or submission. The entirety of a dog's outward body language provides valuable insights for tailoring your training approach to the specific needs of that dog at any given moment.

Stress Signals in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can encounter stress in different circumstances. Identifying signs of stress in your dog is crucial for their overall well-being and enables you to address and alleviate the root causes of their anxiety. It's vital to be attuned to your dog's body language as stress can manifest in various ways. For instance, a nervous or anxious dog may exhibit behaviors like excessive lip licking, unusual yawning, or panting more than usual. Being able to recognize these stress indicators empowers you to adapt your training environment or methods effectively, as suggested by Landsberg et al. (2013).

Here are some common signs of stress in dogs:

Body Language

Tucked Tail: A dog may tuck their tail between their legs, signaling discomfort or fear.

Piloerection: When the fur on a dog's back stands up, it can indicate heightened arousal or stress.

Panting and Drooling: Excessive panting and drooling, especially in non-hot conditions, can be a sign of stress.

Behavioral Changes

Aggression or Agitated Behavior: Dogs may become more aggressive or reactive when stressed. They may growl, snap, or bark excessively.

Withdrawal: Some dogs withdraw or become unusually quiet when stressed, avoiding interaction or hiding.

Excessive Barking or Whining: Increased vocalization can be a sign of distress or anxiety.

Destructive Behavior: Dogs may chew furniture, dig, or engage in other destructive behaviors when anxious.

Changes in Appetite

Loss of Appetite: Stress can lead to a decreased interest in food or even refusal to eat.

Overeating: In some cases, stress can cause a dog to overeat or engage in stress-induced binge eating.

Toileting Issues

Accidents: House-trained dogs may have accidents indoors when stressed.

Inappropriate Urination or Defecation: Stress can also lead to urinating or defecating in unusual places.

Excessive Licking or Scratching: Dogs may engage in excessive grooming, licking, or scratching as a coping mechanism when stressed.

Restlessness: Restless behavior, such as pacing or an inability to settle down, can indicate stress.

Changes in Body Posture: A stressed dog may cower, slouch, or lower their body closer to the ground.

Excessive Yawning: Regular yawning, particularly when not linked to fatigue, may indicate stress. According to Turid Rugaas (2005), yawning in dogs doesn't solely correlate with tiredness or boredom. Excessive yawning can signify stress, particularly in situations where the dog is not physically fatigued. Yawning can function as a calming signal, representing the dog's effort to relieve tension and communicate that it poses no threat.

Excessive Shedding: Stress can lead to increased shedding in dogs.

Excessive Salivation: Some dogs may drool excessively when stressed.

Vomiting or Diarrhea: Stress can lead to gastrointestinal upset, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.

Paw Lifting: Dogs may lift one of their paws as if it's bothering them when stressed.

Lip smacking: Lip smacking in dogs refers to the repetitive action of licking their lips or nose, often done slowly and deliberately. This behavior can arise as a reaction to anxiety, nervousness, or discomfort. It is classified as a displacement behavior, indicating that the dog is attempting to manage stress or internal conflict by channeling its energy into lip smacking, as explained by Overall (2013).

Excessive Panting: While panting is a normal cooling mechanism for dogs, excessive panting, especially when not preceded by physical activity or heat, can be indicative of stress. It is a way for dogs to dissipate excess energy and regulate their body temperature during anxious moments.

It's important to note that individual dogs may exhibit stress differently, and some may show subtle signs that are easy to miss. Additionally, the context in which the behavior occurs is crucial for understanding whether it's due to stress or another issue. If you suspect your dog is stressed, consider the environment, recent changes, or triggers that may be causing their anxiety. If your dog is consistently displaying signs of stress, consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist to determine the cause and develop a plan to help your dog manage their stress and anxiety effectively.

Tail Wagging Myths

Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail does not always indicate a friendly dog. The speed, height, and context of the wag is crucial. According to Horowitz (2009) a stiff, high wag can indicate arousal or aggression, while a loose, low wag typically signals friendliness. Beyond tail types, the position and movement of a dog's tail is crucial in interpreting their communication.

The following are some common tail positions and their meanings:

High and Stiff Tail: A high and stiff tail is typically held upright, and the dog's body appears tense. This posture often indicates alertness, excitement, or even aggression. Breeds like the Samoyed exhibit this tail position when excited.

Low and Tucked Tail: A low and tucked tail is held close to the body, indicating submission, fear, or anxiety. Dogs often display this tail position when feeling threatened or uncomfortable.

Wagging Tail: A wagging tail is one of the most familiar tail movements. While wagging can indicate happiness and excitement, the speed, direction, and context of the wag matter. A fast, stiff wag may signal aggression or overstimulation, while a slow and loose wag typically reflects a relaxed and content mood.

Tail between the Legs: A tail tucked between the legs is a clear sign of fear, submission, or anxiety. Dogs may display this posture when encountering unfamiliar or intimidating situations.

Curled Tail: A curled tail can indicate playfulness or friendliness, especially when paired with other relaxed body language.

Dog tails serve as multifaceted communication tools, providing valuable cues regarding a dog's mood, emotions, and intentions. A comprehensive grasp of the diverse types of dog tails, their...