Speaking Dog Language
Dog owners can tap into their pets natural communication by using a play bow themselves. Its a great way to get your pup excited about playtime and encourage healthy, regular exercise. You may think it makes you look foolish, but your dog will love it because youre literally speaking its language!
There are a couple of ways you can play bow to your dog. The most obvious one is to get down on all fours, stretch your arms in front of you, lean on your elbows, and stick your rear end in the air. This is a great way to grab a dogs attention in the house or on soft grass in the yard.
You can play bow from a standing position as well. This may be easier in certain circumstances and for some people, though its also a little less obvious in public settings like parks. Simply drop your chest, bend at the hips, and spread your arms out. If you do a secondary action like run for a game of chase or throw a ball, your dog will easily get the hint.
The key to successfully pulling off a play bow, no matter how you do it, is to be quick and swift in your motions. Watch your dog next time it bows and youll notice sharp movements, little hops, and a lot of excitement. The better you can mimic this, the clearer your “lets play” message will be. 3:03
Other times the same bow could indicate a playful mood and you’ll notice your cutesy furry is upbeat with energy during such times. It may also bring to you its most liked toy and summon you to join in for a game or a chase. A wagging tail, some barks and the downward pose signal playfulness.
Whenever the four-legged invites you for some mischief, always accept the offer even if the game lasts only for a few minutes.
As a pet owner it’s important to understand the importance of socializing the pet. A dog that hasn’t been socialized in its early years is most likely to interpret another dog’s bow as a threat. Instead of inciting play, a bow may lead to fear in such a dog.
1) A bow: Front limbs extended out, with the shoulders touching the floor and the rump up in the air, this is your dog saying come let’s play and have some fun! A happy dog with lips stretched into an inviting smile is what you’ll see coupled with the posture. This kind of bow is offered to fellow canines as a signal to indulge in some frolic. Even dominant dogs can bow to dogs ranked low in the social hierarchy. Play bows are all about having a good time and transcends social rankings in the canine world with even those at the lowest rung of the ladder inviting a hard nut for friendship and some play. Sometimes canines may indulge in some roughhousing and banging into one another, but it is all done in good humor and accompanied by bows from both sides expressing an innocent sorry for the disorderly play.
2) A sign of greeting its human: Your pet will only bow in front of its favorite humans and not just any or everyone. After you come home from the market or office, your pet dog will run upto you and stretch its front legs, raise its rear and say, “Hello, good to see you.” It may also be a daily ritual with the pooch to greet you this way every morning after you’ve woken up! It’s a cute show of affection, one that should be enough to kickstart your day on a happy note.
– What does a dog bow mean?
Dog bowing is most commonly expressed with what we refer to as the ‘play bow’. This common posture serves as a cornerstone of dog communication. Most often, it functions as an expression of “lets play!” Or it can signal an apologetic tone, such as, “Oops, I didnt mean to bite so hard. I wasnt trying to hurt you. Lets keep playing!”
With a play bow, social hierarchy is not a factor. Dominant dogs can offer play bows to lower-ranked dogs and vice versa. When two dogs meet for the first time, they may initiate interaction with play bows as a way of making friends. Sometimes as part of the mating ritual, canines will initially assume the play-bow position to communicate amorous intent. Even if you don’t know exactly what your dog is attempting to communicate, the context of the behavior can help clue you in.
If dogs are not properly socialized, they may not know how to respond to another dog’s play-bow invitation. Rather than responding in-kind, they may feel threatened and growl fearfully. If you witness any fearful or aggressive reactions, I recommend working with a professional dog trainer.
If your dog invites you to play with a bow, accept the invitation! Chances are that you’ll boost her well-being, as well as yours, by simply engaging in purposeful play for only five minutes. It’s a great way to bond with your furry friend (and reason to offer them a few delicious dog treats!)
14 Signs Your Dog Doesn’t Love You (Even if You Think They Do)
If you’ve got a happy or playful dog, you’ve probably seen her bow. She looks at you, stretches out her front paws, and dips her chest to the ground while leaving her rear in the air (often, with a wagging tail!).
But why does your dog bow? If you think about it, you’ve probably seen your pup do this while she was looking at you, and when she’s happy. That’s because this behavior is either a sign of greeting or one that says, “Hey, I’m ready to play!” Chances are, you won’t see a scared or unhappy dog making this posture.
According to Rover, the dog bow can be sign of greeting. Maybe you’ve noticed that whenever you come home or get out of bed, she’ll run up to you, then bend low. She’s not just stretching her legs after a nap, she’s saying “Hello, I’m happy to see you”! What’s even sweeter is that this show of affection isn’t just for anyone – it’s reserved for those she loves the most.
Another reason your pup bows is to say, “Let’s play!” You may notice that she does this when she’s full of energy, perhaps even with a toy in her mouth, as if she’s challenging you to a chase. It may even be accompanied by barks, play rumbles, and of course, that wagging tail!
Dogs also bow to other dogs as an invitation to engage in play, showing that their intentions are all fun and games. Rover suggests that if you begin to get concerned that your pup and her furry friend are playing too rough, look for “play bows” as a sign that they’re both enjoying the romp.
If your dog bows to you, take it as a huge compliment. It means she feels safe, she’s happy to see you, and she’s ready for some affection or a fun game!