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Dogs are masters at reading their humans’ body language. But on the other hand, humans still have volumes to learn about dog communication.
Speech is most people’s primary form of communication, but dogs “speak” in many different ways: verbally, with growls, barks, whines, and other sounds; and body posture, using their tails, ears, whiskers, mouths, and various other body parts. For example, a stiff stance with four legs braced, forward ears, and a stiff, vibrating tail indicates the dog is highly agitated about something or someone in its immediate presence.
Meaning of Dog Body Language
Another dog, or even a cat, knows what this dog’s body language means and reacts according to the canine hierarchy. However, another person, perhaps a fellow walker, may be unaware of dog communication and approaches the dog to pet it. As he reaches toward the dog, it growls and snaps at him, narrowly avoiding a more serious incident.
The event could have been avoided entirely if the dog’s guardian had been more vigilant. And the walker should not have approached a strange dog without authorization. But if he had been more aware of general dog behavior, he would have known that the dog was on alert for some reason, and he should have kept his distance.
Dogs have an advantage in reading human body language because of their superior eyesight. They can detect movement down to subtle changes in human facial expressions. Thus, the walker may have made what the dog considered a threatening gesture half a block away. When he advances toward the dog, the dog is prepared to dish out some retaliation. Just as likely, though, the walker may remind the dog of someone abusive to him in the past. Different reason, same result.
A Dog Behavior Myth Debunked
Being more aware of the dog’s body language will ensure a more enjoyable life for both the dog and its guardian. For example, one of the great myths of bad dog behavior is that dogs misbehave out of spite: They are mad at being left home alone, so they dig up the yard, chew the furniture or shoes, or pee on the chair.
As proof that her dog was spiteful, Barbara points out, “My dog always looks guilty after she does something bad.” Molly, the dog, reacts to Barbara’s distress and body language. She flips out when Barbara comes home and finds the kitchen trash strewn through the house. Molly knows her guardian is upset, and the only thing she knows is how to soothe her. So she tries to get Barbara out of her bad mood by crouching, crawling, rolling over on her back, or avoiding eye contact.
Dog’s Body Talk Does Not Say “Guilty”
Barbara interprets this as Molly acting “guilty” when the dog has no idea what is wrong and is simply trying to return her guardian to a better mood. It is essential to understand that, since a dog can’t reasonably predict her guardian’s anger or reason, the dog will begin to distrust her guardian, just as her guardian would distrust someone who unpredictably flew into rages. That is why it is essential to catch the dog “in the act” of misbehaving, so the guardian can communicate clearly at the time what it is the dog shouldn’t do.
Death Sentence for Bad Dog Behavior
So too, spite or jealousy are not the motivations for Rover’s urine marking. He is staking a claim to something, stating that “This is mine!” Unfamiliar odors and noises of a new infant disturb him. Rover is reclaiming his territory by urine-marking the baby’s diaper bag. Just knowing why Rover is marking won’t save him from being “given away” — or even euthanized — if his urine marking is not stopped. Several steps can be taken to resolve this most irritating male dog behavior, starting with neutering. Additional assistance and information are available at The Humane Society of the United States.
Perhaps a course in dog body language should be taught so dog guardians could be better informed about their pets’ behavior and help avoid the dumping of misbehaving dogs. Many books are available on the subject, written by excellent animal behaviorists, one of the best of which is Dr. Nicholas Dodman of the Behavior Clinic of Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
In the introduction of his book, Dogs Behaving Badly, Dr. The problem is that these activities — like leg lifts on the sofa — aren’t regular species-typical actions — are considered out of place in the home. Eric Burdon of the rock group The Animals (how appropriate) sang, ‘Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood.’ That could easily be the canine equivalent of the Twenty-third Psalm.”
