Communicating With Your Dog

If you own a dog, you want to communicate with your dog just as you would communicate with your child. Your dog can communicate with you in many ways if you would learn to identify these signs and signals.   Dogs use sound and body language to speak to their owners. So what does it mean when a dog barks, growls, wags its tail or lick your face? What is the dog thinking? What is the dog trying to tell you? Unless you understand this type of communication you will not respond or you will not respond appropriately.   Experts have identified numerous ways that your dog wants to communicate with you.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR DOG'S SOUNDS

WHEN YOUR DOG BARKS
When your dog barks he does so to get attention for himself or to give attention to something else such as danger or a warning that something is not quite right. Pay attention or give attention when your dog BARKS.

WHEN YOUR DOG WHIMPERS, WHINES OR YELPS
Your dog does not whimper, whines or yelps for no reason. When your dog makes these sound, it is letting you know he is begging for attention. He might be hungry or in pain.

WHEN YOUR DOG GROWLS
Growling is different from barking, whimpering, whining and yelping. When a dog growls, he does not open his mouth. He keeps his mouth closed and lets out a loud or soft sound. Get to know your dog because could growl during play. It is up to you to know the difference.

WHEN YOUR DOG SNARLS When your dog snarls, you will be able to see his teeth. A snarl is a warning that an attack might be coming.

WHEN YOUR DOG HOWLS AND BAYS Dogs get lonely just as people do. Some dogs such as the malamutes howl more than other breeds. Hunting dogs bay instead of howling. They do so to express joy.

WATCH YOUR DOG'S BODY LANGUAGE

Confident dogs stand tall to let others dogs know he is in control. The dog stands so tall, he is nearly on tiptoe. Fearful dogs lean backward. Aggressive dogs lean forward.

WATCH YOUR DOG'S BODY PARTS
Relaxed dogs have smooth fur. The fur on a fearful or aggressive dog is raised.

When your dog's ears are held high and facing forward, he is interested in something and might be aggressive.

If the dog's ears are flattened against the head if the dog is fearful. When your dog is alert, his eyes are wide open. Drooping eyelids means the dog wants to play. If the pupils of your dog's eyes suddenly dilate, it indicates aggression.

If your dog's lips are lifted vertically showing his teeth, it could mean aggression, fear, or defense. If your dog's lips are pulled back horizontally to show more teeth, it could mean submission. A flicking tongue indicates the intent to lick especially if aimed at the face. The mouth of a relaxed, happy dog is half open with a lolling tongue.

 The dog's tail can invite you to come closer or warn you to stay away. Take a good look at your dog's tail. If the dog wants you to come closer, his tail will be relaxed and curved down and back up in the shape of a "U." As the dog gets more excited, the higher his tail will go. A confident dog will hold his tail high and wag it rapidly. A tail that is low indicates submission. A tail tucked between the dog's leg indicates submission and fear which is similar to a person hiding his face.

You might be surprised to know this, but you should pay attention to how your dog urinate. In both male and female dogs, urine markings mean something both socially and sexually. Even when your dog has finish urinating, he might continue to lift his leg as a visual signal to other dogs watching.