| Dog Calming Signals |
| Written by hedvig | ||||||||
| Sunday, 16 September 2007 | ||||||||
 This article is a collection of a few common signals dogs use to communicate with each other and with us. There are many more signals than just those listed here. Turid Rugaas, a dog trainer from Norway, has written many articles and books on the subject of what she calls “calming signals”. You can learn to understand and use these signals with your dog. For more information about calming signals, I encourage you to read Ms. Rugaas book, “Calming Signals – On Talking Terms With Dogs” and visit her website http://www.canis.no.Dogs act a certain way when they are upset about something, if they want another dog or human to settle down, or when they want to reassure others. Dogs also watch our behavior for clues about what we are going to do next. How many of us have thought, ‘Wow! I have a really smart dog. How does he know I’m going to the store?” To your dog, it’s pretty obvious that you aren’t going to work or to school. Your grooming routine, your clothes, the way you smell, the way you walk, and the expression on your face are all different. Your dog read your signals. But did you notice the signals your dog was giving you? Pack animals like dogs, wolves (and people) have a need to cooperate with each other, to solve conflicts, and to communicate. If you are like most people, you probably didn’t notice your dog turn his head and lick his nose when you were irritated and told him to get out of your way. Or maybe he just yawned and sniffed the floor, or turned his back to you. A lot of dog signals happen so quickly that if you aren’t looking for them, you won’t see them. Turn Your Head: Your dog might turn his head to the side if you lean over him or if you walk too quickly toward him. Does your dog get nervous when you want to take his picture? Notice if he turns his head when you point the camera at him. Dogs look away to avoid eye contact. You can use this signal to try and calm a dog or to help reassure a dog that is barking or growling at you. Sit Down, Turn Away: Sometimes dogs turn their back to other dogs or people to ask them to calm down. If your dog thinks you’re mad at him, he might use this signal. If you jerk on his leash or run up to him too fast, he might turn away to calm you down. Turning your back on a jumping puppy is a good way to let him know you want him to settle down. Stand Still: Smart little dogs use this when greeting big dogs. They don’t move a muscle until the big dog has finished sniffing them all over. If they move too quickly, they might get bitten. Yawn: Dogs yawn when they are uneasy about something. A good place for you to use this signal with your dog is at the vet’s office. Sometimes dogs yawn and turn their head to the side. Step In-between: Your dog might use this just to separate you from another dog, or a child. Dogs are experts at conflict resolution and if you are arguing with someone, your dog will stand in between you and the person you are arguing with to calm you both down. By Kathie Compton Views: 1571
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