The Mouth: It Is Not Just for Eating!
Another area to watch on your pet for clues about what they are trying to tell you is their mouth. We are not referring to the spoken word, however. Once again, your pet will tell you a lot without speaking if you are informed about how to interpret their body language.
For example, a happy dog will tend to have a relaxed and slightly open or closed mouth. If they are anxious or uptight, the mouth will be closed, but it will be very tight. A dog that retracts their lips to expose their front teeth is showing aggression.
A panting dog is simply trying to cool down by using this method to drive heat from their body. Dogs do not sweat the same way that we do and this is their cooling system. By watching your dog’s mouth, you can discover some very clear messages as to what they are actually trying to tell you.
By learning to read the body language of dogs, such as moving tails, you can easily decipher what it is they are trying to tell you.
We All Wonder What Our Dogs Are Saying to Us
There can be little doubt that most dog owners love their pets a great deal. We are constantly taking care of their many needs, whatever they may be. From feeding them, going for walks, playing ball, taking them to be groomed, and having that ever so important cuddle time, the list is virtually endless. However, we certainly don’t begrudge this as dogs are our true loyal companions and irreplaceable family members. We will do whatever it takes to help keep them healthy and happy . . . just like we do with the rest of our loved ones. There is one distinct difference, however. Unlike the other household members, our dogs cannot actually tell us what they want or need in words.
Human family members will not be overly shy about voicing their wants and needs to others. That is simply part of the normal communication process. Be that as it may, our dogs may not be at such a disadvantage as it first appears. In truth, words are certainly not always needed to convey a message. For instance, it is particularly easy to tell if someone in the family has had a bad day by reading their body language and expressions. A clenched jaw and intense red face will give away an angry person every single time. Shifting glances, excessive blinking, and relentless rubbing of hands together will certainly betray a nervous individual. We do not always have to communicate vocally and in words.
It can be argued that the exact same goes for our beloved dogs. They communicate with us daily through their body language and movements. If we learn to carefully observe and “read” them, we will begin to discover what our dogs are really trying to tell us. What follows are common body language traits and behaviors shown by dogs which will answer the question, “What is my dog really trying to tell me?”
By watching your dogs eyes you can determine what they are really trying to tell you.
Canine vocal sounds are usually the simplest of the clues humans can utilize to decide what a dog is trying to tell you. Whining: a high pitched soft sound can be heard from a dog that is in pain, anxious, frustrated or seeking attention when a bark has been discouraged. A whine and a whimper can sound similar. A bark, depending on the frequency, volume, and duration, can be used as an alert (read: the evil UPS man is coming to the door), to express excitement (accompanied by a tail wag and a grin), and as a sign of aggression when it is low pitched. Howling dogs may be anxious (think separation anxiety), attention-seeking, or trying to locate their “pack”. How about the dog that howls at the tv or a police siren? Those dogs may be telling the tv canine “hey, I’m here!” and possibly to back off their territory.
First, it helps to remember that dog DNA is closely related to that of its ancestors, wild dogs and wolves. As pack animals, there is a hierarchy in the group that is determined by social cues such as verbal sounds, body stance, tail position and facial expression.
I hope these tips give you a little better idea what your dog may be trying to say. Be watchful of your body language as well as to those canines around you. Maybe even try a play bow next time you are home and watch your dog bounce with joy!
So, what does a relaxed, happy, and approachable dog look like? In its most comfortable, unthreatened state, a dog may be lying on its belly, back legs splayed like a frog, on its back with the belly exposed and tail loose, or on the side with the eyes closed and legs extended. The dog’s ears are also relaxed and limp. In this position, the dog would be vulnerable to another animal or human and its reaction time would be delayed if attacked. Clearly, this is a dog that has no fear of an enemy! When standing, a content dog has its ears up but not forward, may have its tongue hanging out of a partially open mouth, a loose body with weight placed evenly on all four feet, head held high, and the tail down and relaxed. If approached, this dog may give a wag and a wiggle and come closer to be stroked.
And what about Bruiser? How can you tell a dog who is playing from a dog who is an aggressive bully? A dog bowing forward on its front legs, wagging its tail like a flag, with the ears erect and lips curved into a grin with the tongue out is giving the signal, “game on!” Usually, the dog remains in this position for just a few seconds before breaking into a “catch me if you can” type run. A play bow is distinctly different from the dog that approaches another dog with his hackles raised, a penetrating, unbreaking stare, body position forward, nose wrinkled, a stiff tail, and teeth partially visible. Back off without making eye contact and alert Bruiser’s owner that things are about to get ugly.
10 Things Your Dog is Trying to Tell You
Are you puzzled by your dog’s behavior? Are you wondering if he is trying to tell you something? Well, it’s your lucky day. Keep on reading to find 10 signs that your dog wants to tell you something important.
Sometimes it’s difficult to understand our four-legged companion. You approach Buddy thinking he wants cuddles, only for him to turn around and run away from you. Does it sound familiar? It’s not hard to misinterpret our dog’s behavior, mainly because we compare them to humans.
Unfortunately, dogs can’t speak and tell us what they want or need. That’s why we have to monitor their body language closely to figure out what’s going on. Here are ten signs your dog wants to tell you something important, and you’d better listen to him.