How a dog speaks: body language, gestures and its meaning, sound communication

Everyone has thought at least once about how to understand their dog, find out what she is thinking about, and talk to her. You should know that you don’t have to learn the animal’s language to do this. It is enough to carefully observe the behavior of the pet. Habits can tell a lot about your pet's mood or desires.

To learn a dog's language, you should take a closer look at your pet's behavior.

How to learn dog language

When communicating, dogs use four types of signals in different situations:

Acoustic - barking, whining, howling, and so on.
Visual – dog body language. The expression of the muzzle and eyes, the position of the tail, and ears matter.
Tactile - basically communication between an animal and a person. These are various stroking and scratching.
Chemocommunication is “communication” using smells. Animals leave a “mark” on the territory and thus communicate with each other, and sometimes even look for sexual partners.

Although a translator from dog language into understandable Russian has not yet been invented, you can still learn to understand your dog.

Acoustic signals

Animals use audio signals to communicate or express their intentions. Here are some simple examples of how to understand dogs if they make sounds:

Howl. When a pet howls, it is trying to communicate with its owner or other animals nearby. This usually happens if the owner goes to work and the pet becomes lonely. The howl can also be plaintive. This means that the animal is upset about something.
A roar is an expression of obvious aggression and means that you should not approach. As a rule, dogs growl if someone encroaches on their property: territory, toys or food. An animal can also growl at a stranger who it doesn’t like.
Grumbling - this quiet sound can be considered a kind of manipulation: the pet does not raise its voice, but quietly asks the owner to do something, for example, give him something tasty to eat.
Whining is obvious discomfort: fear, anxiety or pain. Sometimes a pet whines to attract attention because it is afraid of something.
Barking can be very different and, depending on the tone, can mean both pleasure and joy, and an open threat to the enemy. Sometimes dogs bark to call each other, and sometimes because they heard a distant sound and became alarmed. Therefore, a dog that has just been sleeping can suddenly raise its head and become wary.

Dog visual cues

Animals also have non-verbal signals for communicating with humans. As a rule, the main “indicators” of a dog’s mood are the muzzle, ears and tail. As a rule, you can read by the face whether the dog is happy, calm, angry, interested or very anxious.

Note! If a dog expresses its satisfaction with the situation, it sticks out its tongue and opens its mouth, as if smiling, and sometimes closes its eyes.

Head tilt

The dog evaluates a stranger or some new object by closing its mouth and tilting its head slightly to the side. If she shows her teeth, then this is clearly a sign of aggression: the more they are shown, the angrier the dog is. Sometimes, however, the animal is disingenuous, trying to imitate a human smile, but then at such moments it actively wags its tail.

Yawn

It is worth noting that if a dog yawns widely, it sometimes demonstrates discomfort or stress, and not boredom or drowsiness. Yawning pets can often be seen in training classes or at exhibitions. This is how they show that they are very worried about the indicative tone or misunderstanding of commands.

By yawning, your dog is showing discomfort or stress.

Licking

This gesture was left to dogs from their ancient ancestors - wolves. When wolf cubs lick their mother's mouth, they instinctively ask for food, and small puppies do the same towards their owner. If your dog is licking his paws, lips, or empty space, he is likely anxious or stressed. And basically, dogs like to stick out their tongues and pant a lot when they are happy and everything is fine.

Ears

It is difficult to tell anything from the ears alone, since they are also different for different dog breeds: Labradors have drooping ears, while Corgis are almost always stretched upward. Therefore, the position of the ears should be assessed along with facial expressions and gaze. For example, the ears may be relaxed while the head is tilted. This means that the dog is interested in the situation. If the ears are flattened and the tail is lowered, the pet is showing submissiveness. When the ears move back and forth frequently, it means the dog is indecisive or scared.

You can tell about a dog's mood by the movement of its tail.

Tail

The tail is the best indicator of a dog's mood. As a rule, if a pet wags it often, this means excitement: the greater it is, the faster the tail moves. If the tail moves slowly from side to side, this is a sure sign that the dog is curious about a new, unknown object. When the tail is relaxed, the dog is calm, but this should never be confused with if it is down. This sign means that the dog is feeling unwell, scared or stressed. The exception is those animals whose tail is always tucked.

Note! Tail wagging is a communication signal.
It is intended for people and other animals: the dog itself will not wag its tail.

Face to face - facial expressions and ear position

In fact, if you look closely, without any recommendations, you can guess what your pet is experiencing at one time or another. The dog's muzzle is not sparse in facial expressions, which gives us the opportunity to observe it and draw our own definite conclusions. The most voluminous flow of information can be found in the gaze of a dog. Thus, very wide pupils often indicate fear or strong interest in something. The betrothed, on the contrary, will talk about the pet’s concern, fear or pain. A calm, relaxed look usually expresses trust and affection, and also reflects interest in what is happening. If the gaze seems intense, and the pupils seem to rest on the upper eyelid, then it is better to leave the dog alone, since such an expression in the eyes means aggression.

In addition to the expressive look, special attention should be paid to the dog’s mouth. In a calm state, it is usually closed or slightly open. A serenely wagging tongue indicates relaxation and openness to communication, while the intention to lick the owner indicates a friendly attitude. A clenched mouth with slightly grinning teeth, as a rule, indicates submission, an increased level of attention and fear, but bare teeth, a wrinkled muzzle and a dull growl will directly indicate the dog’s desire to defend itself or attack.

The picture is complemented by the position of the pet's ears. Thus, when stretched upward, they demonstrate attention, readiness, and reflect the dog’s desire to listen. If the ears are in their normal position, it means that nothing is bothering your pet, and he will react quite friendly to all your acceptable actions. If the ears are pressed to the head, then the dog is scared, anxious, or expressing its submissiveness over a dominant opponent (another dog or owner).

Do dogs understand humans?

Before learning a dog language, the owner must spend a long enough time with his pet so that he gets used to it and begins to learn it himself. This way the dog and the person will be able to better understand each other, since animals have excellent memory.

A group of scientists from Emory, Atlanta, in the course of experiments, found that animals can distinguish not only intonations and gestures, but also individual words of the owner. That is why they are so trainable: they can give a paw or lie on their back. But if these commands have already become familiar to almost all trainers, then the dog can “learn” some words himself. Probably every dog owner has noticed how instantly the animal gets excited if you tell him the cherished “walk” or praise him “good boy.”

Canine speech therapist Christina Hanger taught her dog Stella 29 human words using a special platform with buttons that, when pressed, played a specific word. So, by pressing them, Stella could formulate simple sentences like “Happy, ball, play, out” or “No, help,” simply by pressing certain buttons with her paw. So her “vocabulary” expanded significantly, and she was able to communicate with the hostess.

Stella the dog learned a lot of words using a special platform with buttons

Not only dogs, but also other domesticated animals can be trained in this way. For example, horses can also recognize a number of voice commands. This is why it is so important to actively communicate with your pets.

Method #3: Know your dog's needs

Provide the basics. To be a good pet owner, you must provide everything he needs. This means more than just food, water and shelter. Keep in mind also what your specific dog needs. Is she particularly playful? Buy more toys. If you have a large dog, he may need a lot of space. Make sure you can provide this.

Ensure safety. For example, make sure that if she gets lost, she will be able to get back on her own or find someone who can help her get home - put contact information on the collar. You may also want to consider having your dog microchipped.

Appreciate her. Having a dog has significant benefits for your emotional and physical health. Dog owners tend to get more exercise, have lower blood pressure, and are less likely to be depressed. So the next time you don't feel like going out for a walk, just remember that a dog brings a lot of good things into your life.

Spend time together. Just like with friends, you need to make sure that you and your dog are not just hanging out together, but spending quality time together. It's not enough to just watch TV together. Play catch or hide and seek. Chances are you'll have just as much fun as your dog.

Ask for advice. Dogs and their owners can benefit from a qualified trainer in many ways. A coach can help you learn to communicate better and be a more effective team. Activities can also help with socialization skills. Ask around the park with other owners to get contacts of reputable trainers in your area.

Talk to her. It all comes down to the relationship between you and your dog, so it's important to figure out what works best for the two of you. Try talking to her in different tones and find out what she responds to best. Take note of body language and responses to figure out how she reacts to what you say.

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How to determine and understand who the dog has chosen as the owner in the family?

The dog looks into the owner's eyes
Every family member should take care of the dog. An animal can be friendly with everyone. But how to determine and understand who the dog has chosen as the owner in the family? There are several signs that mean that the pet has chosen a specific person as its owner:

Eye contact. A dog looks straight into the eyes of someone it respects.
Co-sleeping. Not necessarily in the same bed, the animal can simply be located nearby.
Chain yawn . The dog yawns after its owner.
Toy separation . The pet brings the owner's favorite toys.
Tactile contact. Dog "kisses", the animal often places its muzzle on the owner's lap.
Obedience . The leader's commands are always followed.

A dog can fawn on one and bring objects to another. But it is the totality of all the signs that shows whom the animal has chosen as its owner.

There is a simple test to determine which family member a dog considers to be in charge. The dog is seated, the people claiming to be the owner, disperse from it at the same distance, and begin to call at the same time. The animal will run up to the one it considers the leader.

Dog poses – study your pet’s mood wisely!

outstretched paws - “master, pay attention to me!”

Remember what gesture you make if you want to attract the attention of a gaping friend on the street. What do you do if you want to hail a taxi? That's right, raise your hand! Your favorites are not much different from you in this regard. The dog raises its paw in order to receive a tasty treat or in the hope of affection from the owner. But be careful! If a dog raises its back leg, this does not mean that it is waiting for your affection, it is simply marking its territory.

dog bow - “Master, look away from the computer!”

If your pet's head is bowed almost to the ground, while the body is in its normal position. This pose is complemented by a wagging tail - your pet misses you, so put aside your business and play a little with your pet.

lay down to rest - “Master, caress me!”

If your pet lies on his back, peacefully moves his paws and slightly raises his head, trying to find you with his eyes, you know that the dog wants you to caress him. If your pet adopts a supine position in the presence of another four-legged friend, know that the dog accepts the stranger as the boss in the situation.

In addition to individual poses and gestures of your pet, there is a whole range of examples that allow you to draw a conclusion about a particular signal from your pet:

“Everything is fine, I’m in a great mood” the animal’s tail is lowered and relaxed, the ears are raised, however, tense, the mouth is slightly open, perhaps the tongue is hanging out, the animal focuses on its front paws. In this position, the pet is open for communication, friendly, ready to games
“Something is wrong, I need to check it!” - the dog’s tail is in a horizontal position, a slight wag is noticeable, the eyes are wide open, the ears are raised and tense, the body weight is transferred to the front paws, the animal is standing on its toes. This position means the dog is alert to a new and not yet clear situation for it; the dog evaluates whether something threatens him or the owner.
“Don’t come near me, I’ll bite you!” - the animal’s tail is raised high, the hair is raised on the nape and chest, the ears are directed forward, the nostrils are widened to the maximum, the nose is wrinkled, the dog shows a grin, the body is sharply tilted forward. In this position, the dog demonstrates its negative attitude towards what is happening, there is a very high risk that the dog will rush to the threat at any moment.
“I’m scared, master, protect me!” - the dog’s body is bent as much as possible and pressed to the ground, the ears are pointed down, the tail is sandwiched between the hind legs, the animal’s mouth is slightly open, the nostrils are flared. This pose demonstrates the horror in the animal’s eyes. However, if the dog feels threatened, he can easily attack his offender.

Do dogs choose their owner?

The dog and its owners
The dog's closest relative is the wolf. Animals live in packs, and if for the wolf its relatives become its members, then the dog builds a hierarchy of relationships in the family. Initially, the animal may try to win its place as the boss, but over time it recognizes the strength of the person. The dog really chooses its owner.

There cannot be more than one leader in a pack, so the dog considers as such the family member who initially took the leading position. At the same time, other people living in the house are assigned certain roles. The animal walks with one, the other feeds it, etc. It is worth understanding that even if a dog is friendly with all the residents of the house, it will only obey the one it recognizes as the leader.

How to understand body language?

In addition to vocal communication, the dog uses body language. To learn your pet's language, you need to pay attention to the following animal signals.

The position of the ears says a lot. If the animal presses them, this indicates fear.

Those turned up or tilted forward indicate high enthusiasm for some process. For example, if the dog is hunting, playing or feeling curious.
Changing the angle of rotation closer to the head demonstrates aggression.
When a dog partially pulls his ears back but does not press them down, it means he is feeling anxious and insecure. In this state, the pet shows confusion or frustration.

Eyebrow gestures

How does your pet communicate with you? Tell us in the comments.

Source

1.When a dog wags its tail a little This means the dog is relaxed but alert. She looks forward to going for a walk or something pleasant happening.

2. When a dog slowly wags its tail without lifting it. The dog does not understand your command and asks you what you want from it.

5.When the dog's tail is slightly raised and does not move. This means that she is extremely wary.

6.When the dog's tail is parallel to the ground and tense. This means the dog accepts your challenge.

7.When the dog's tail is vertical. This tells others that she is the leader of the pack. This is a sign of the dog's confidence.

8.When the tail is relaxed and positioned a little closer to the ground. This means that she is relaxed and happy with what is happening.

9.When the tail is down and she wags it. This means that the dog is feeling insecure or depressed. Play with her a little, do something outside of your normal routine.

10.When the dog stretches forward on tense legs. This is how the dog responds to a challenge or threat and lets his opponent know that he will not give up on his goal. Surely this will result in a fight if two dogs are standing in this position.

11.When the dog stretches forward on tense legs. This is how the dog responds to a challenge or threat and lets his opponent know that he will not give up on his goal. Surely this will result in a fight if two dogs are standing in this position.

12. When a dog rolls on its back, it means it obeys you.

13.If the dog raises one paw. This means that in this situation she feels insecure or is waiting for what will happen. Her paw drops to the floor as she realizes what is happening around her.

14.When a dog puts its head or paw on a person’s knee. This is how she attracts attention. Don't take this sign as a challenge to your authority.

15.When your dog's eyes are wide open but alert. This means that she is waiting for you to pay attention to her. She challenges you and expects you to respond decisively.

16.When the dog's ears are pressed to the head. This means that the dog is afraid. She instinctively tries to keep her ears away from what she feels is threatening her.

17.When a dog yawns often. Yawning is a sign that she is irritated. This is how dogs react to stressful situations.

19.When the dog smiles. This means she is relaxed and happy. Take advantage of this opportunity and play a little

Source

What verbal signals does the dog give?

By becoming familiar with your dog’s verbal signals and how they are deciphered, you can quickly understand what the animal wants to say depending on the circumstances. There are the following signals that dogs give.

Such sounds may be an attempt to find its owner or a specific dog. When the owner goes to work, the pet begins to howl, thus trying to bring him home.

When one dog begins to howl, the other dogs begin to howl along with him. This behavior is called a kind of simultaneous communication between animals.

A growl indicates that you should move away from the animal. Often the owner encounters this behavior when someone tries to approach his pet’s food. Also, a dog may react negatively to a stranger or even to its owner if he tries to take away his favorite thing.

In the latter case, a roar is considered an effective method of communication, since such a sound indicates that you can come to an agreement with the pet and take the object from it. But when a dog takes an aggressive pose and does not make a sound, he is considered very dangerous.

Caution should be exercised, as at such moments the dog may attack a person.

Grumbling, muttering

As a rule, this signal indicates that the animal wants to get something. The sound can be compared to manipulation , since the pet is familiar with the fact that for barking it will be scolded, and for gentle grumbling the owner will fulfill the whim of his four-legged friend.

As an example, consider a situation where a dog wants to eat chocolate, but the owner is in no hurry to share. The dog makes similar sounds as a greeting to its relatives or guests.

Yawn with a whine

If the owner hears a similar sound from his four-legged friend, this indicates that the dog is unhappy with the situation. The longer the squeal, the more dissatisfaction the animal expresses.

A similar phenomenon is observed in situations where the dog is forced to follow a command, is not allowed out of the room, or is not given a treat from the table.

Whining

Anxiety or injury causes a dog to whine. Some individuals like to attract attention by whining. For example, if an animal is afraid of thunder.

Piteous howl

The signal indicates the pet's disappointment and complaints about something.

Barking can be divided into several varieties:

a high-pitched sound indicates excitement and happiness;
Low-pitched barking indicates an aggressive mood or that the animal is threatening.

A dog may bark when it wants to get together with its relatives, to respond to another dog, or as a demonstration of its happy state. By barking, your pet can signal a problem.

It is not always possible for a person to understand what problem is being discussed, because the dog is able to hear an alarm signal that sounds within a radius of several kilometers. A person is not able to hear such a distant sound.