Dogs have been man’s (and woman’s) best friend for centuries, but that doesn’t mean we always understand them. Whether you are a new dog owner or you’ve grown up around pet pooches, there will always be something new to learn about the four-legged member of the family.
Tying to work out what a dog is trying to say can be confusing at times because, of course, these animals can’t talk in the same way that humans can - so they have to give a lot away with their body language. It is vital, therefore, that any pet owner understands their dog’s body language.
To help you to better understand your beloved pooch and what they are trying to communicate with you, NationalWorld has spoken to Tina Elven, who is a DTC licensed instructor in Canine Body Language as well as founder of Kool K9 Kids, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving the relationship between parents, children and their family dog, to get her expert advice.
She said: “When we are trying to understand our dogs and what they are telling us, it is crucial to never make assumptions by looking at one clue in isolation. Get to know your dog really well, they will have their own style of language, then connect the dots and make an informed decision. Next time you are out and about, take the time to really notice what is happening around you, both with your own dog but also with the other dogs you come across.”
To help you get started, here are 12 broad signs to look out for - and what they all mean, according to Elven.
To help you to better understand your beloved pooch and what they are trying to communicate with you, NationalWorld has spoken to Tina Elven, who is a DTC licensed instructor in Canine Body Language as well as founder of Kool K9 Kids, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving the relationship between parents, children and their family dog, to get her expert advice.
5. Lowering of the head
Elven said: “If your dog is feeling anxious about something, we tend to know quickly, but here are some of the signals to watch out for. Your dog is likely to crouch, lower its head, tuck its tail in and pin its ears back. Your dog’s body may also go very stiff or shiver, even when it is not cold. Listen to your dog and take them away from the scary situation."
6. Keeping eye contact
Elven said: “Your dog keeps giving you eye contact for an extended period, typically with forward ears and maybe even a raised eyebrow, means your dog is trying to determine what you are up to, decide what you have asked of them or how they can solve a problem like ‘how do I get my human to do something.”
7. Giving kisses
Elven said: “Not all kisses are friendly kisses. If your face is too close to your dog’s and they don’t like it, they may give your face a quick lick to say, ‘back off’. Pay attention to the rest of your dog’s signals to ensure you know when they are uncomfortable with your close interaction. But some dogs enjoy licking and giving kisses as licking is a calming technique for dogs and seen as affection.”
8. Lots of smiles
Elven said: “If your dog is happy then their face will have an overall relaxed look. That means their eyes will be soft, the ears and muscles on the face will be relaxed. Your dog’s mouth will typically be slightly open and have a soft look to it.”