The Behaviors Dog's Show And Body Language
part - I
As a dog owner there is always a time when we wonder “What’s he or she doing? What does it mean? What should I do?” But sometimes we may guess the behavior incorrectly. Here is a list of behaviors which are agreeable and some which we should watch out for. I hope this is helpful to all the dog owners so they can take appropriate action if necessary.
A Friendly Dog
Signs to look for:
The ears are perked-up. The eyes are wide open looking alert. The mouth is relaxed maybe slightly open which looks like a smile. The body has a normal posture or possibly wiggling of whole rear end. The tail is up or out from body probably wagging. The dog may whimper, yap or short and high bark.
What it means:
This behavior is seen when greeting others the dog knows, during playing or when receiving a treat or meal or toy.
What to do:
If a dog shows this behavior when he is close to you then you can pat him or give him a treat encouraging the behavior. This is one behavior we all dog owners look for. A friendly and sociable dog, friendly even towards other animals and children.
Breeds known for this trait:
The breeds which are known to show this behavior excessively (even towards strangers in some cases) and specifically adopted for this trait are Golden retrievers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Pugs, Poodles, Beagles, Boxers etc.
A Happy-Playful Dog
Signs to look for:
The ears are perked-up and forward or relaxed. The eyes are wide open. The eyes will look sparkly showing their happiness. The mouth is relaxed and slightly open, teeth covered and looks like smiling. The dog may pant excitedly. Body is relaxed. Sometimes the front end lowered, rear end up in the air, wiggling in a “play-bow” which the dog does to make you or the other dog to play with him. It‘s an invitation to play. The dog may bounce and jumping up and down excitedly. The dog may also circle around or run forward and back in an invitation to play. The tail wags vigorously. The dog will bark excitedly and even soft and low growl which is called “play-growl”.
What it means:
The dog wants to play and is full of energy. The dog tries to invite you or someone (human/animal) to play with him.
What to do:
When your dog shows this behavior make sure to play with the dog and tire the dog out or the dog will find something to play by himself like chewing your shoes or furniture or digging holes etc. This is one of the behaviors that can go awry if ignored. Don’t blame the dog if he chews your shoe. Next time make sure you play with the dog.
Breeds known for this trait:
Almost all dog breeds show this behavior towards their family.
Note: A dog of larger breed doing a play-bow can hurt a cat or smaller dog/puppy or child if left alone. Someone has to monitor them.
A Curious Dog
Signs to look for:
The dog is eager and excited with his ears perked-up, pointing forward. The eyes are wide open. The mouth is open but teeth covered and panting. The body is normal. The dog may wiggle, standing on tiptoe or pace. The tail is up and wagging. The dog may bark excitedly which sounds like a short bark or whine.
What it means:
This behavior is seen during training the dog or when the dog has found something that’s interesting or new.
What to do:
When the dog shows this behavior when you are teaching him chances are he is interested to learn more. Make sure he doesn’t get bored and keep him curious with new tricks, games or treats.
If you don’t know why your dog is showing this behavior then check on what is making him curious. You may find a surprise or something maybe your lost keys or wallet perhaps.
An Alert Dog
Signs to look for:
The ears are perked-up and turning to catch sounds. The eyes are open normally or wide. The mouth is closed or slightly open with teeth covered. The body is normal or maybe standing on tiptoe with a slightly dominant position which helps in keeping watch. Tail is up and wagging slightly. The dog maybe silent or whine low or bark.
What it means:
This behavior is seen when something (a car or cat) or someone is approaching the perimeter of your house. Almost all dogs show this behavior and usually this behavior is followed by other behavior either a positive greeting or fleeing away from fright or chasing.
What to do:
Just check your surroundings. When the dog does this it helps as a security measure.
An Anxious Dog
Signs to look for:
The ears are partially back. The eyes are slightly narrowed. The mouth is closed or slightly open showing some teeth which looks like the dog is grinning. The body is tense and slightly lowered in a submissive position. The tail is partially lowered. The dog may whine low or bark like moaning.
What it means:
The dog may be experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness.
What to do:
Pet the dog until it calms down and check for what maybe causing it. Sometimes there maybe reasons like the dog isn’t feeling well. If the dog is showing other symptoms like a bloated stomach or diarrhea etc check with the vet.
A Dog Before Chasing
Signs to look for:
The ears are perked-up and pointing forward. The eyes are wide open, looking very alert. The mouth is slightly open, panting excitedly. The body is tense and crouched low in a predatory position with legs bent ready to run. The tail is extended straight and out from body. The dog is completely silent.
What it means:
The dog is ready to give chase.
What to do:
If you are in a traffic zone and the dog is doing this make sure to hold the leash tight and pat the dog saying “no” this will avoid any accidents from happening.
A Dog Before Fleeing
Signs to look for:
The ears are back. The eyes are wide open sometimes rolled back with whites showing. The mouth is slightly open and maybe drooling. The body is tense, there may also be shivering. The body’s position will be low ready to run. The tail is low or between legs. The dog doesn’t bark but may yelp or whine.
What it means:
If the dog shows this behavior it means it’s scared of something and willing to run away any minute.
What to do:
If your dog shows this behavior check the surroundings, pet the dog and reassure the dog. This behavior should not be encouraged. If you ever see a dog that shows such behavior towards humans then the chances are that the dog was abused or not taken care of properly. If its not your dog then please approach carefully.
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Dog Behaviour And Body Language
Discussion in 'Dog Care Articles' started by Yuki, Apr 24, 2012.
