An alarming 4.5 million residents in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. The majority of them are kids. Along with human security, knowing how to read dogs’ postures could reduce your dog’s stress and eventually help save your dog’s life, as issues with behaviour are the primary reason behind the abandonment of animals to shelters.
This article will provide you with some tips that can help you understand your dog’s body movements and figure out what your dog is trying to communicate to you.
The Basics: Getting Started
- What kind of pet? Know what postures are common for each breed or dog. This can vary and influence your dog’s messages. German Shepherds are known to have their tails lower, and Shih Tzus are more likely to keep their tails upwards, so any change in their tails can be more evident than when they remain in the “normal” position.
- Take a look at the whole pet. Although we rely on certain body parts to assess posture, like head and ear position, the position of these body areas must be viewed in relation to the pet’s overall body posture.
- Dogs may have subdued body postures. For example, pets with loose ears might move their ears back just a bit, making it difficult for us to notice.
- Surgery may alter the dog’s communication capacity, such as if his ears or tails are cut.
- Your body postures can alter in time. Your dog may initially display fearful body positions; however, as you learn that your dog’s behaviour can be effective, i.e., his aggression can be used to keep the fearful people away, they may begin to appear more confident despite the primary reason being fear.
Fearful Body Postures
Most dogs with behaviour issues are fearful and stressed instead of confident.
- Ears back
- The tail can be tucked in between the legs
- Moving back
- Turning off
- Head down
- Squatting and hiding
- Eyebrows wrinkled
Other Signs of Stress
- Trembling
- Panting
- Refusing food items
- Freezing
- Hiding
- More Activity/pacing
- Muzzle licking
- One front paw is lifted into the air
- Salivating
- Yawning
- Displaying all teeth
- Doing inappropriate things like peeing or pooping
- Anal glands are responsible for expressing (producing a fishy, stinky scent)
- Eyes are widening to make the pupil expanded
The context of the situation is equally important. The dog that is trembling could be cold but not nervous. Dogs that are tearing up could be exhausted but not worried. Dogs that are salivating may be hungry or nauseated, but or nauseous, but not concerned.
Confident Body Postures
The reverse of fear is confidence. However, many breeds will display a mixture of confidence and fear positions.
- Ears forward
- Tail up
- Straightening straight towards the ceiling
- Direct eye contact
How to Approach a New Dog
People often interact with dogs by pointing directly at them and looming over them, putting their hands in their mouths, or reaching out for their eyes. This human behaviour causes dogs to be more scared.
Instead, let your dog walk towards you. Then, ask your dog’s owner if they are a fan of petting, and if they are, then pet the dog’s body instead of the head. If the dog displays symptoms of aggression or fear such as snarling, growling sna, piping, biting or barking, you should leave the area and not interact with your pet.
Test Your Knowledge
Question 1. What exactly does it mean when the dog’s tail is wagged?
Answer 1: A wagging tail could mean a variety of things. The tail that is wagging loosely down low but not tied is usually considered to be comfortable. Dogs holding their tail stiffly and with a swift wagging tail can be angry or violent.
Question 2. What do you mean when your dog moves over and shows the stomach of his pet?
Answer 2: Examine the dog’s pose. Do his ears rest flat or tucked in? Do you notice that his tail is tucked in or tucked in? While some dogs might be prone to a rollover in anticipation of an affectionate belly rub, it is also a conciliatory pose. It could be that the dog is trying to tell you it doesn’t want to engage with him. If you attempt to pet the dog, you could get injured.
The bottom line is that learning to recognize your dog’s body movements can help you connect with your dog. This will protect your family members and lessen the risk that problems with behaviour could lead to a loss of control.
Are you aware of someone not following these guidelines or parents who might need enlightenment? Consider sending this information. This article could make a difference in the lives of dogs.