Canine Body Language: A Guide to What Your Dog Is Thinking
As much as most puppy parents would like to communicate with their pets, dogs cannot “speak” to us using words and phrases that we understand. However, dogs and many other of our furry friends still try to communicate! The next best thing is to try and understand what they are trying to tell us using their body language.
What’s My Dog Trying to Say?
Just like people, dogs also display certain types of gestures that will help determine what emotions they are feeling. Once you will be sharp on noticing these kinesics, it will be much easier for you to anticipate how your dog will react to stimuli.
If you develop a keen eye on these non-verbal cues your dog sends out, you will find that they may be likened to a bad poker face. You’ll find yourself able to figure out what your dog is thinking.
1 - A Wagging Tail
The common thinking is that a dog that wags their tail is happy. While this may be true sometimes, it is not always the case. The more accurate meaning of a wagging tail is arousal or excitement.
2 - Tail Positions
Looking at the position of the tail is important. An erect tail may signal happiness or aggression. A tail that is pointed down may mean fear or stress and a tail that is tucked in may mean that your dog is anxious.
3 - Licking Lips
People mostly think that this means hunger. However, another meaning that licking lips may signal is that your dog is nervous.
3 - Yawning
A yawn may mean that the dog is sleepy, but it may also be an indicator of being stressed or upset.
4 - Panting or Drooling with a Curved Tongue
These are other ways that you may be able to tell that your furry friend is under stress. A tongue that is curved may signal tension in your dog.
What to Do
Since most of these gestures have dual meanings, it is important to look at the surroundings of your dog. Dogs react to stimuli and what is happening around them. Is there a new person in your home that your dog is unfamiliar with? Did you just bring out a new chew toy from your bag that your dog is taking interest in? Looking into how your dog may be reacting to these stimuli and knowing what their gestures mean will help you decode what they may be feeling.
Conclusion
Learning how to successfully “read” your dog’s emotions will go a long way. Being quick to pick up on these non-verbal cues will help you avoid entering an unwanted situation that could be avoided if you chose to brush up on learning how to tell what your dog is feeling.
After bringing home a new dog (or even if you have had them for a while), it will pay to take time and observe them to get to know their quirks and mannerisms. This will help you avoid potentially dangerous and scary situations that may change the way you look at your pet if you don’t take time to understand.
If you have a new dog that has never been groomed before, it may cause them stress. Choosing a groomer that will be gentle and give your dog a good first experience is crucial. Earthwise Pet Bentonville specializes in pet grooming and self-wash, offers high-quality pet supplies, and has certified pet dietitians and pet nutrition specialists. Visit the best dog groomer in town that will take care of your dog without making them feel stressed!