Every once in a while, you might hear someone refer to so-called "dog language," but what exactly are they talking about? Are dogs actually conversing in some secret language that we humans cannot hear? In reality, dogs don't think in terms of what we would consider "language".
Language is really a human construct.
However, every animal species does use some method of communication, and dogs are no different.
Dogs tell each other what they feel and want primarily by using a series of body language cues and sounds.
As human beings, it can be very useful to know what our dogs are trying to say with their body language.
Understanding a dog's natural method of communication can also help to reduce the potential for aggression.
If you can recognize when your dog is upset or angry, you can act to prevent any sort of lashing-out or violence from your pet.
The Various Signs of Dog Language There is no dictionary or set rule book for dogs about how they "talk" to us, however there are some general physical cues you'll often receive from your dog.
Here are some ideas on how to go about interpreting them: Stillness When a dog stops moving and stands very still, it often means they want to be left alone and that they are fearful of losing something.
It can be dangerous to try to interact with them in this state (especially if you have not established yourself as the clear leader of the pack in relation to your dog).
Growling and Teeth There are multiple stages involved in showing a threat.
This begins with a dog baring its teeth.
Many people tell their dogs to stop doing this, but it's often best to leave this behavior alone.
Despite how scary it is, baring teeth is simply the first of a progression of clear warning signs to people and animals that a dog is upset and wants to be left alone.
Growling comes next, followed by attacking.
If you train your dog not to bare its teeth or growl, they may end up escalating straight to attacking instead.
Arched Backs Dogs will arch their backs when they are trying to look bigger to scare off a threat.
This behavior generally means that the dog is scared-and a scared dog is a dangerous dog.
If you come across this behavior in another dog, it's best to leave them alone.
Tail between their Legs A dog with its tail between its legs is scared or anxious.
This can be the result of many things, including something as simple as their owner leaving the house.
Lowered Head A lowered head is an invitation to play, it is a primal action that says "I'm happy!" Raised Paw A raised paw means that the dog wants to be your friend (which is why it is so easy to train a dog to do this as a trick) Tail Wagging A dog's tail is a very powerful communication tool.
However, not all tail-wagging denotes the same thing.
A loose, wagging tail generally means happiness, but other wagging motions are not necessarily good: ...
a flickering tail held mostly still is meant to push away people from bothering him.
...
a tail that is barely wagging can mean insecurity or anxiety ...
and a dog with a tail between its legs wagging is extremely frightened.
Dogs are extremely expressive animals.
Oftentimes, the biggest problem that we'll have in training our dogs is that we don't pay attention to what they're trying to tell us.
On the other hand, our dogs will read every gesture we make.
Whether we try to hide it or not, a dog will know when we're upset or happy or angry based almost entirely on our body language.
Your dog may be able to learn to associate actions to some of the sounds and syllables you say, but in the end, it is primarily the body language and gestures you make that will determine how well the two of you communicate.