The Kid and IWhat is your dog telling you?

From: Small K-9 SchoolLuiza Small

(519) 395-4335Dog Obedience Trainer/Behaviorist/Owner

The Kid and I/ Be-A-Tree Licensed PresenterDogxercise

K-9 Drill TeamDo your Research Consulting

Testing and Selection of Dogs/Breeders Homemade treats and dog/cat food

Kids Helping K-9s Club Board and Train

  

INTRO Feelings:Do dogs have feeling?

No, they do not have feelings like jealousy, guilt or spite. However they do have a

complete range of emotions- same way a toddler does- loss, joy, obsession,

happiness, they forgive but not forget.A dog that starts a fight with the dog an

owner is petting is just reacting to threat in its environment. It is not jealous but trying

to protect its valuable resource- the owner.   

With every part of their body. By looking carefully at the dogs’ body and surroundings,

you can tell a lot on how the dog is feeling. Most people think that a wagging tail means that a dog

is Happy. As you read through this information you will start to

better understand what it is your dog is trying to tell you and how.

It is very important to see the dog as a whole, not to isolate individual signals. It is the overall posture and the context in which the dog displays the signals that you must consider when making a decision about a dog’s state of mind at any given time, eg. Tight leash, toy, food, puppies, ect…

 

How do dogs show their feelings/emotions?

  Pouncing Barking-excitingly Tail wagging at mid range –tail

wagging at a high position means- happy dominance which can lead to a dog fight or a bite.

 

How does a dog show that it is happy?

Food/treats, Game/toy Greeting of a family member or an

animal friend Car rides/walks Visiting places where good things

happened.

When does a dog show that it is happy?

Threat of losing a toy/bone/ or any other valued (important) possession

Being yanked/pulled on the leash Strange dogs/people/animals Strange/scary objects/noises Being hugged/kissed, scolded/threatened Going to a place they do not

like-vet/kennel/groomer Babies/young children Being chained/tied up/kenneled

When would a dog be unhappy, worried or stressed?

What are some body parts dogs use to communicate with?

MouthHead

Eyes

TailEars

Fur

Over all body

posture

Paws

Happy/Friendly

Mouth, open slightly, no teeth

showing and happy panting. Relaxed, happy body position,

lying with one paw tucked under. Enthusiastic tail wag or thumping

on floor. Play bow (front end down, rear end up, tail

wagging/strait up with a wag- in this case tail up is OK).

One paw raised - very cute - but the dog is not happy

Half moon eye - dog just wants to be left alone.

Watch for this one when kids are mauling the dog or giving the dog hugs and kisses.

Anxiety/Worried

The dog is uncomfortable with the current situation…

Yawning when not tired Licking its face without the presence of food

Turning head away (Half Moons) Sudden scratching /biting at itself/sniffing the ground or other

object Whole body shake when not wet

Barking and walking backwards/hiding behind person or object Dog rolls over on back –submissive-please don't hurt me!

Tail between legs and wagging Tail low and only the end is wagging (Fear)

Ears sideways Ears back and frantic panting or mouth closed

Dog goes into another room away from you and pees or poops Dog gets up and leaves an uncomfortable situation

Any out-of-context behavior like…

All dogs should have a safe place, such as a crate or mat that they can

go to when they want to be left alone.

All family members and guests should be taught not to bother the dog when it’s in his

safe place.

Arousal/Alert

Dog is interested in something, or trying to decide on what to do next.

Ears forward Mouth closed Eyes intense

Body rolled forward/tenseTail high (may or may not be wagging),

or slow deliberate tail wag

The dog is acting in a bullying way.Growl/snarl a “WARNING” sign-respect it.

Never punish a dog for growling-you might not get the warning sign later.

A dog will guard its own possessions or sleeping area, owner is also considered a possession, against family

members or guests - this is very dangerous.Snap and miss (the miss was intentional) a “WARNING”

sign, the dog may/will not miss the second time.Aggressive barking and does not respond to a quiet

command.Lunging on or off leash, with barking/growling

Aggression

Bite (other than playful puppy nipping by a puppy)

Dog raising its tail when you or child approaches it is a “WARNING” sign –keep in mind breeds with naturally raised or curled

tails - e.g. pug, husky, etc.)Dog peeing intentionally in the house or on

your possessions is a sign of dominance.Do not confuse this with a submissive

behavior or house training problem.Clear message!!!

Bite is about to happen

Dog freezes - becomes suddenly stiffDog stands with front legs splayed, head low,

looking at youDog curls lip to show teeth

Stop all interaction with dog, look away (no eye contact and no talking -the dog may take this as a “CHALLENGE”, and attack) and give dog the opportunity to leave.

Dogs pant for many different reasons. So it is very important to know why the dog is

panting.

Excitement – like you throwing a ball, giving a special teat or going for a walk.

  Anxiety (worried) - frantic breaths means

the dog is feeling a lot of stress.Panting eliminates some stress and

anticipation of what is about to happen.

Panting

Watch out for dogs that are not panting but should be.A dog that is NOT panting but should be is not releasing its stress, there for it is more dangerous.

ANXIETY

ANXIETY

Excitement

Excitement

RelaxedEg. Lots of running, exercise, hot day

Ears are too fluffy or too long.

If you cannot tell what the dog is doing with its ears, look for other “CLUES” to help you. Like happy panting,

relaxed posture, etc…Do not assume the dog is friendly if it can’t express its

feeling with its ears.

This usually accompanied by a play bow means a fun game will take place.

High tail and wagging

If the tail is up higher than the dog’s back this may mean the dog is happy

but is showing its dominance-“Warning Sign” not necessarily a “Happy to see

you sign”.Be safe by keeping away.

This is a strong “WARNING” sign to “BACK OFF”.

Freeze and stare

Do not “STARE BACK”!!!In a dogs world this means a challenge- that

you may lose. Look at the ground and become a log/tree.

Dog yawning has nothing to do with them being tired.

It is one of the diffusing strategies dogs use to avoid a stressful situation or show

submission (surrender).If a dog’s tongue hangs out more than usual

it means the dog is anxious about something.

Eg. When two dogs meet and one is acting in a dominant (bossy) way, the other will try to

diffuse the situation by looking away and yawning.

Yawn

Licking ChopsAnxiety/Worried

Two reasons…

1) The dog wants what you have…hamburger, hot dog, etc…

2) Anxiety-worried about something. This often happens when a dog is wearing a new harness or colors,

OR when kids are hugging and kissing a dog that does not like that. This should

be a clear sign to BACK OFF!!!

This is a feeling of conflict.

A dog does this when it wants to do something and is not allowed to or wants

to have something and cannot have it.

Happens a lot, in obedience classes

Yawn/Licking Chops

This should be a good indication to stay away from the dog. If the dog is friendly

but worried to see you the best thing to do is to ignore the dog.

No talking, no trying to touch the dog, no looking at it.

The dog will come to you when it s ready.

Ears SidewaysWorried

Ears Pulled BackFear.

Most bites (90%) happen not from aggression but from fear. So this is a good indication to walk away.

Wagging There are three ways we know the dog is happy when

wagging its tail,

1) Going around like a propeller

2) Full body wag

3) Gentle tail wag-no higher than its back

A frantic speed wag may mean two things

1) Happy excitement

2) Nervous excitementIt is always a good idea to look for more “CLUES”.

Fear/Submission

Fearful dogs usually arch their back and tuck their tail to appear smaller-

which is to show they are no threat.

Tail between the legs

Dominant - authority like mom or dad.

When dog meet each other with high tails a fight is more likely to happen.

Sometimes a tail sign can be misunderstood when a dog carries its tail high naturally.

High Tail

Picture from www.doggonesafe.com

A dog that puts its tail up to a child when playing or otherwise, should never be left alone with a child!!!

Eyes/Half Moons

One thing you should know about eyes…

Anxiety/worried.This happens when the dog tries to avoid eye contact but

tries to keep the threat in view. This happens a lot when a child is mauling the dog and

the dog is not enjoying it. Most parents think it is cute…it is not!!!

It is not fair for a dog to put up with a child’s abuse. You do not know when the dog will reach its breaking

point and snap. Now that you know, you will see this again and again…

Soft LookMeans happy/calm dog

 

Hard Look

I don’t know you!

I am not comfortable!

My

guy!!!

A “WARNING” sign.

Look away and stare at the ground. Be very, very still...till the dog goes away. Be a Log/Tree.

One more thing you should know about dog’s eyes- they cannot focus on objects closer than 30-50 cm in front of their faces. So

never try to scare the dog by jumping in front of it. The dog might bite by accident. This is more of a reaction bite not

aggression bite.

Dogs also have greater field of view due to the position of their eyes, but less in binocular vision.

Lifted PawFear/anxiety/submission.

Leave the dog alone!

Toes Pointing UpRelaxed

Toes Pointing DownReady to react

Head LowSubmission/Fear

Low head and paw lift

Stop whatever you are doing and let the dog come to you.

Turning the head awaySubmission.

The dog is trying to avoid eye contact.

Head Low And Wrinkles Around The Eyes

The dog thinks you are a threat.

Picture from www.doggonesafe.com

A “WARNING” sign

Droopy HeadDog is unhappy!!!

But mostly this will happen when the dog is angry or it thinks you are a threat.

A “WARNING” sign. 

FurFluffy fur- Goose bumps cold.

Scruff is raised upAggression

A “WARNING” sign

Overall Posture

Rolling on to its back-Submission

Play Bow-happy invitation to play

Owner tacking off a collar

…the difference between Dominance and Aggression

Dominance- is an authority figure.Aggression -is a bully.

However dominance can/will lead to aggression if not looked after.

Aggression comes from frustration and dominanceFrustration due to lack of Exercise and Dominance

due to lack of Leadership

 

Do you Know…

Ask permission from the owner/handler and ask the dog to sit.

Look over the dog – does it seem friendly?Let the dog smell you

Don’t touch the dog Don’t make the situation more stressful by talking to the dog

Don’t look the dog in the eyes it might take you as a threat/challenge

Pet on the side of the neck or chest and talk quietly.DO NOT PET “on the top of the head!!!”

DO NOT yell or scream and do not wave your hands aroundThis may scare the dog.

Always REMEMBER, when approaching someone else’s dog you…

Behaviour that is offered to defuse (relax a stressful) a situation

YawningLicking Scratching

Biting itself Whole body shake Sniffing Sneezing Stretching

Displacement Behaviour

Displacement behaviors very often consists of self-grooming behaviors. If a dog is not

able to do these self-grooming behaviors, it will/may lead to self-mutilation.

Tight leashThreat to the food, bone, toy, owner, resting

place, puppiesBabies, young childrenPhysical force, threat

Threatening dogs/animalsScary noises

Teasing, arguing, yellingSounds, smells, sights with previous bad

experienceBeing chained, tied or some form of restriction

Stress triggers:

YawnTongue flicks

Half moon eyesHard stare

Biting at it selfLicking it self

Sudden scratchingSniffing the groundTurning head away

Whole body shake/Head shakeFreeze and stareBody roll back

Signs of stress:

PantingPaw tucked

Rolled over on one hip when lyingSoft eyes

Ears relaxed

Signs of calm/happy dog:

Loose leashPositive reinforcement from the owner

Safe zone like a mat or crateAnimal/human friend

Calm householdChew toys and bones

Sound, smell, sights of a previous good experience

Calm/happy triggers:

MOODS CAN CHANGE IN A SPLIT SECOND, SO BE A GOOD AND

CAREFUL DETECTIVE!!!

3 Things To Teach Your Kids!

•Dogs don’t like hugs and kisses!•Freeze and be a log/tree when a

strange/aggressive dog approaches!

•Never tease, hit or pretend to do so to a dog

3 Things Parents Can Do!

•Train your kids and dogs to co-exist!

•Supervise young children around dogs!

•Teach your child about dogs body language!

3 Thing Any Dog Owner Must Do!

•Fix your dog•Expose your dog to children and

other surroundings! •Teach other children how to properly approach your dog!

Do’s and Do not’s

Do’s1)Sit nicely beside your dog and pet

gently on the neck and chest.

2)Play safe games.

3)Respect you dog’s possessions and

resting/eating place.

4)Be calm around dogs

5)Act with kindness

Do not’s

1)Play ‘chase me’ games.

2)Do not hug/kiss a dog.

3)Do not play tug of war.

4)Do not bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, in

pain.

5)Do not tease/hit/yell at the dog.

6)Do not jump too close/scare the dog.

7)Do not put your face next to a dog’s mouth.

8)Do not take anything out of the dog’s mouth.

Games to avoid with your dog!!!

Catch me – the dog will soon realize that it can out run you, and may think that you are playing when you really want the dog to come.

Play fighting/ wrestling- this will encourage the dog to jump, mount, chase and even bite.

Tug of war- if your dog is not around young children, it may be OK! But you should have rules…

*If the teeth touch your skin the game is off

* have only one toy for that game and keep putting it

away when not in use*use commands like “off” or

“give” frequently when playing

* always initiate the game

How to act around a dog mini quiz!

•Never pet a strange dog without asking the _______.

Owner

•If a strange dog approaches you stand still like a _____.

Tree

•If you find yourself on the ground, lie face down like a ______ and cover

your _____.

Log & Neck

•Never stare the dog in the _______.

Eyes

•Never try to _______ an aggressive dog or turn your_____ to it.

Outrun & Back

• Do not _____ and____ a dog.

Kiss & Hug

Never play ____ __ _____ games with your dog.

Tug of War

•Never put your ____close to a dogs mouth.

Face

•Do not play_____ me if you can games.

Catch

If the dog is barking/growling, slowly walk away

______or______.

Backwards & Sideways