If Dogs Could Talk: Are You Listening?
2008-08-27

If Dogs Could Talk: Are You Listening?

Dogs can speak Dogs certainly speak in what we humans consider a nonstandard way. But speak, they do! Sometimes barks, growls and whines. At other times non-verbally, with expressions and body language. They just speak in their own language which we don't always recognize. But we can learn more about their words if paying more attention to your pet.

Examples of dog language To be able to understand dogs better we need to stop expecting them to communicate as we do and to take a look at the basics of how they express themselves, so that we can truly hear them. The following are some simple descriptions of dog communication and what they mean. • Tongue out, possibly panting in hot weather with jaw relaxed and tail straight, ears up or relaxed with bright eyes. This is a description of a happy dog. You can play with this dog and have fun. • Hackles up, nose wrinkled into a snarl with gums and teeth bared. This is a dog who is uncertain and is showing signs of aggression as well as submissiveness. This means that the dog hasn't yet decided whether to attack or not and is waiting for a response to his signals before making up his mind. • Front of body lowered to the ground and back of body raised. Tail wagging and ears up. Possibly make a 'yipping' sound like a puppy. This dog wants to play and have a good time. They are very happy and full of fun. • Dog circles and scratches at the ground. This is a dog is dog tired and is trying to make a bed. • Lowering his body to be sure to be below the height of another is a sign of submission. As is rolling onto his back and making little whimpering sounds. This behavior is to show recognition of the dominance of another and sometimes to placate a difficult situation. • Placing his bottom end facing another. This practice in the wolf world, which dogs originated from, is called flagging. When a male does it he is placing his back end as a friendly gesture, perhaps recognizing dominance of another, for them to smell his scent around this area. While a female dog flags she may be doing so for sexual reasons. • If a dog goes for a small urination then he is probably scenting that area as a message to other dogs. If he is urinating directly over the scent of another dogs scent then this is a sign that he wants others to know that he has bonded with this dog, or most likely bitch. Its a way of saying, 'this is my mate'. • Standing near to you with ears up, tail wagging and looking right at you with wide, expectant eyes. This dog wants your attention urgently and may need to go out into the garden or to be fed or given water. •Lies on or right up against your feet, it is saying, "I just want to be close.”They’re not trying to crowd you or be in the way. They're affectionate and loving, as well as being pack animals. They want to be close to you, who they consider a member of their pack. •When you come home and your dog dribbles urine on the floor. That’s a sign of excitement and submission to a superior pack member, not a sign of rebellion or poor house manors. However, if your dog is usually very good about eliminating where you want, whether it's outside or on a potty pad, and you find a puddle or pile in some inappropriate place, that's showing anger and upset. •Lying down when play with you. This presenting it's tummy, it may be saying, "I trust you. I’m having fun. I think it would be great to have a tummy rub!" On the other hand, if you're scolding your dog, and it presents its stomach to you, it's saying something entirely different, such as "You're my pack leader. I'm sorry. I'm totally vulnerable to you." The same action can have different meanings. •Give you the sad eye. Like many humans, dogs can't walk away from an open buffet, so it’ll give you the sad eye when you fill its bowl up with nutritionally-balanced kibble. It seems to say:” we both know that though I may want what you're eating, I really, really shouldn't have it on a regular basis.”

Three points •Dog words not always have the same means. Take "Why do dogs move (wag) their tails?" for example, I'm sure all the readers know that a wagging tail means a happy dog, but what is the difference between a gentle side to side action and a rapidly circling tail? Both are indicators of a happy dog, but when their tail is rapidly wagging in a circle, it means they are so happy that they have become exuberant. This is a dog's way of •It is our responsibility to recognize their responses and react accordingly. Dogs are like small children in that their brains are a clean slate and it is our duty as a dog owner to teach them all we possibly can. Like children, we should not put limits on their abilities or willingness to learn. In short, of course dogs talk, if their humans teach them the proper words. •Dogs don't have that advantage, but they instinctively learn to communicate if their humans are patient enough to listen and understand. You are the one who can learn and interpret what your dog is saying. After all, you are the one your dog loves and with whom your dog spends time. It is your understanding that matters to your dog