How to Communicate with Your Dog (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Whether you have a new four-legged friend or have been with your dog for a while, it can be helpful to know what the communication signals mean, so you can adjust your behavior accordingly and be confident about how your dog is feeling. Dogs use vocalizations and gestures through facial and body expressions, just as humans do when they want to express feelings. While some of these gestures are very similar to human gestures, to dogs the meanings themselves can be very different. In this article, you will learn how to interpret your dog's various communication strategies, as well as how to communicate with them.

Step

Part 1 of 5: Understanding Dog Behavior

Step 1. Observe your dog

Studying their habits, behaviors, and movements through supervision will allow you to understand your dog's communication process so that it feels more natural. There are many things that you will eventually be able to understand without explanation. Just as everyone is unique, your dog is unique too.

Be aware that most of the dog's way of communicating or language is not very visible.
By learning how dogs communicate, you'll be able to respond to any problems he raises before the situation gets worse. Not noticing small signs of stress or unhappiness can make your dog feel depressed or aggressive.
Remember that this is a two-way learning process. Dogs must also learn behavioral instructions, and you must be careful when expressing yourself with posture and body language. Dogs don't understand human language either. You should teach your dog what you want when you say "no" or "sit." Saying "sit" over and over again won't allow your dog to understand your instructions, and he'll think you're just saying empty words. However, triggering your dog to sit down and then giving him a treat can cause him to want to sit still. If you do this while saying the word “sit”, then he will link the word with the act of “put your ass on the floor”.
Be aware that a dog's ability to pick up signals can be affected by its breed. For example, if your dog's ears are bent or his tail is stiff, some of the signals you are giving him may not be effective for him.

Step 2. Study your dog's response to eye contact

Consider how you feel when someone looks directly at you instead of using the normal way of eye contact. If you find the person offensive, your dog will feel the same way when he is looked at directly. The dog will feel confused and threatened, because he perceives direct confrontation as a threat. The dog that avoids looking you in the eye in this situation is actually trying to be polite and avoid further confrontation. Alternatively, training your dog to make eye contact when communicating is a great way to keep his focus on you.

The most effective way to train a dog involves positive assistance and clicker training. These are the types of exercise that scientists, veterinarians, and animal behaviorists consider the most consistently proven. Punishment should be avoided because dogs have been shown to have a short memory, and will usually not associate certain situations (such as pooping on the floor) with your discontent. In fact, dogs can't feel guilt. However, masters usually stop getting angry when the dog makes a "guilty expression," so both the dog and the owner understand this incident as stopping the anger. Dogs just learn that you don't like them pooping on the floor when you scold them, but they don't really feel guilty. He's just "feigning guilt" to ease your anger. He can't understand the connection between peeing on the floor and your anger.
Clicker training involves luring your dog into a certain position and showing that he has done the right thing, so that he will be rewarded for his behavior.
Dog behavior is influenced by the most satisfying/least likely wrong option in each situation. If the most satisfying option for him is to chew on your shoes, he will. If you reward him for not chewing on your shoes, he will obey you, even when you're not home. In contrast, punishment or dominance shows the dog who's boss, which will lead him to behave in a certain way when you're not watching him.
Dogs are highly reward-centered, and dominance theory has proven ineffective. Dogs act in ways that are most satisfying and rewarding, not out of a desire to try to "dominate" you or other dogs. Make sure you are the most satisfying person for him and he will be happy to do whatever you tell him to do.
Rolling over and showing your belly is body language to get your attention, and you can help your dog's positive behavior by petting his tummy.
A shown belly can also indicate surrender to a threat.
Dogs who like to ride on people's feet may be stressed, especially if the dog is not confident and is trying to befriend a more confident animal.
Dogs use a variety of body language and postures to indicate discomfort, including excessive/inappropriate sneezing or yawning, licking lips, avoiding eye contact, looking down, looking up, and tense. When your dog is showing discomfort, the best thing you can do is stop what you are doing and not do it again in the future. If you want your dog to feel good about something, make that something satisfying to him. Do this by rewarding the dog and gradually introducing him to anything uncomfortable. Your dog will immediately love the activity!
Dogs can show a lot of emotions through their tails. A swaying tail and ass means he's really happy. The tail wagging slightly means he is alert. A taut and raised tail indicates full alertness, while a lowered tail indicates normalcy. The tail tucked between the legs indicates that the dog is afraid.

Part 2 of 5: Reading Dog Body Language

Step 1. Learn how to interpret your dog's posture

The way your dog positions his body can tell a lot about his mood and emotions. Most of these signals aren't obvious, and you'll need to take a while to learn all the expressions. However, know that the results will be worth the effort.

Step 2. Recognize when your dog is feeling happy and loving

Dogs show confidence and a desire to play through posture and body language signals.

Self-confidence: a dog who feels confident will stand up straight, raise his tail (perhaps wag it slightly), tense or relax his ears, and generally appear relaxed. His pupils will shrink because he is relaxed.
Bowing down: the dog is facing you with the head and torso near the floor, the front paws exposed, and the buttocks and tail up. This shows that he wants to invite you to play. This position in English is called "play bow". It can be mistaken by owners as an attack stance but it clearly denotes playtime.
Hip swing: The hip swing is another clue to play. Dogs will swing their hips around other dogs and push them to the floor with their backs (dogs with duller teeth/no teeth will usually lose in this kind of play). When a dog's butt is thrust at you, it means he trusts you. Also, depending on your dog, it may mean he wants you to scratch him. Shaking the buttocks is a sign that the dog is feeling friendly and happy.
If your dog is stretching with the buttocks up, forelegs extended, and head close to the floor, he's probably feeling happy.
If your dog raises his paws to touch your knees or other parts of your body, this means he wants attention, is making a request or requesting permission, or is showing a desire to play. This body language begins when the dog is still small, indicating at first that it wants its mother's milk, although eventually it is similar to when a human reaches out for a handshake – it is about getting to know and making friends with the other person.
Raising the soles of the feet in the air is usually done by puppies as an invitation to play.
If your dog's tail is in a neutral position (parallel to the body or slightly lower), this means he is likely feeling safe and friendly.
If your dog's tail wags loudly and stands up, he's on a whim and wants to annoy you or his canine companion! It can also be a signal to repel other animals.
If your dog is wagging his tail slowly while watching you, then he is relaxed but alert and anticipating, ready to play.

Step 3. Recognize feelings of discomfort or worry

Knowing when your dog is feeling uncomfortable or insecure can help you meet his needs and provide him with comfort and reassurance when needed.

Moving quickly can indicate nervousness, but also interest or boredom. If your dog is used to exercise and play, watch for other signs of nervousness that may accompany his rapid movements.
Dogs that feel threatened may raise their hairs. This tactic, which involves raising the coat of hair across the dog's back, is an attempt by the dog to make himself look bigger than usual. This doesn't necessarily mean he's being aggressive, but it could indicate that he's "very alert" and prepared for whatever might happen. A frightened dog may bite, so make sure you are very careful with dogs that raise their hairs.
A frightened or uncomfortable dog may crouch or crouch, although a small squat may indicate nervousness or a desire to comply. Other positions that show something similar include a bent back, slightly bent legs and a lowered tail (but not clamped between the hind legs), all the while looking at what worries him.
A dog that raises one paw while keeping the rest of the body away from other people, objects, or animals is an insecure dog. If he moves backwards, he is in doubt and confused. If his head is tilted to one side, it means he is listening to something or is confused and waiting for further information.
A tail that wags slowly when it is lowered slightly means the dog is confused and asking for an explanation, or is investigating a new, harmless object.
If the dog's tail is slightly down and doesn't move, he is alert and paying attention to something. If his tail is down and moving very little, he may be feeling insecure.
If his tail is down and moving a little, this may mean he is feeling sad or not feeling well.

Step 4. Recognize the signs of aggression

Aggression may lead to dog fights or unwanted attacks. Recognizing early signs of aggression can help defuse the situation before it gets worse.

Dogs with their tails lowered or clamped between their hind legs exhibit anxiety, fear, and insecurity. The dog may still wag his tail in this situation, so the owner can think he is happy. This position also indicates that he needs to be reassured or protected.
A dog that suddenly stops moving while doing something means he is not sure of himself, and he wants to be left alone. Or, it could be that he was preparing to attack. Another common trick is: don't pick up a bone that is being bitten by a dog!
If your dog leans forward in a very tense position, he may feel aggressive or threatened. This appears in response to what he perceives as a threat or challenge. The tail will usually be tucked between the hind legs, or wagged in an unusually fast motion.
When a dog is considering an attack or feels threatened, the whites of its eyes will likely show when it perceives the threat.
A dog showing signs of aggression but then wagging his head and shoulders may mean that he has stopped feeling tense to some extent, for example being alert when anticipating events that did not happen in the past.

Part 3 of 5: Understanding the Signals from the Dog's Face and Head

Step 1. Understand the position of the dog's ears

While we can't do much with our ears, dog ears can tell us a lot of things. Be aware that dogs whose ears were pinched as children may not be able to move their ears fully, so they may not be able to show much emotion.

A dog whose ears are tilted forward or upright means that he is concentrating on playing, hunting, or focusing on a particular thing. This ear position can also indicate curiosity and a desire to do something, because the dog will move his ears in the direction of the sound he hears. This position must be done by a dog when he is getting ready to chase something.
A dog's ears pressed flat against the surface of his head indicate that he is feeling scared or threatened. Ears leaning forward in a position close to the head can also indicate aggression.
Dog ears that point back but are not pressed against the head can indicate feelings of unhappiness, anxiety, or uncertainty.

Step 2. Understand your dog's eye signals

Dog eyes can express many things like human eyes, and just as you can interpret someone's eye language, you can also interpret your dog's eye language. Here are some common eye signals dogs give:

Eyes wide open: this means the dog feels alert, cheerful, and ready to do something.
Sharp-eyed: the dog feels dominant and exhibits defiant behavior.
Avoiding eye contact: showing politeness, avoidance, or obedience.
Blinking: the dog wants to play.
Small eyes: the dog may feel aggressive and ready to attack. He may also stare intently.

Step 3. Understand your dog's face

Dogs often show their feelings through facial expressions. Understanding facial expressions can help you interpret your dog's feelings and communicate with him.

Smile: whether you believe it or not, dogs can smile. While you'll have a hard time distinguishing a smile from a grin, checking for body language and other signs of wanting to play or behaving aggressively can help you determine if your dog is happy or feeling aggressive. If these other signs indicate that the dog is happy, it means he is smiling, and he is happy and relaxed.
Yawning: the meaning of yawning in a dog depends on the context, just as it does in humans (humans can yawn because they are tired, need oxygen, feel stressed or embarrassed, or see someone else yawning first). For dogs, yawning is just as contagious as it is for humans. If you yawn in front of your dog, he may assume you're feeling stressed (if so, he'll move away from you and give you some personal space), or respond in a friendly manner and yawn with him. Dogs also yawn to relieve tension, show confusion, or when they feel threatened, especially when they encounter new situations, animals, or dogs.
Mouth position: a dog with his mouth pulled back, closed, or only slightly open, indicates that he is under a lot of stress, fear, or pain. He may also be breathing heavily. If his mouth is pulled back and open, he is being neutral and obedient. An alert and neutral dog will either close his mouth or only open it slightly, hiding his teeth.
Lip licking: if your dog licks his lips while yawning, he may be feeling stressed, stressed, or facing a challenge. This is a common body language that puppies display around adult dogs, but this behavior should not continue as an adult. In adult dogs, licking can also indicate sexual behavior, which is done when the dog finds chemical signal residues in grass, carpet, and other dogs' genitals. A dog that licks another dog's lips shows respect.
Visible Teeth: Dogs with open lips and exposed teeth exhibit aggressiveness and a desire to bite. However, this does not mean that every time the teeth are exposed, the dog is feeling aggressive. You should also consider other elements. If the teeth are visible and the dog's muzzle is not twitching, this is a warning and a sign of dominance and territory-defending behavior. If a dog's lips are pursed, its teeth are visible, and its muzzle is twitching, as it growls, this means it is angry and ready to fight. It may also bite.

Part 4 of 5: Deciphering Dog Vocalizations

Step 1. Listen to your dog

Barking, growling, crying, and howling have their own language indicators (and you need time to learn these), but they are also an important part of understanding your dog's overall behavior. Many people think of barking as an ordinary bark. However, when you start to really listen to your dog, you'll realize that there are big differences in the types of vocalizations they make.

Be aware that a lack of barking or other sounds can indicate that the dog is alert and ready to eat. He doesn't want his prey to know his presence. He may also sniff the air, stoop, tense up, tilt his ears back and forth for sound, close his mouth, and open his eyes wide. Also, the absence of sound could indicate that an obedient dog is asking for permission

Step 2. Recognize your dog's barking

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, and watching and listening to them can help you learn how to differentiate between barks in different situations.

A loud, high-pitched, fast bark means the dog is being aggressive or wants to defend its territory.
Short but regular barks are intended to warn members of the pack (both wolves and humans) of potential danger. This barking may be followed by a growl or hiss.
A short, sharp bark is usually a greeting from your dog.
High-pitched barks are usually done by dogs when they want to play. Short, high-pitched barks are a sign of friendliness, and may be followed by a whimper or a small bark.
A sudden high-pitched, sharp barking may indicate that your dog is in pain.
The occasional low-pitched bark is another sign used to warn an opponent to back off.

Step 3. Interpret your dog's growl

The growls made by strange dogs can be scary, but not all growls are aggressive. Dogs may growl during play, or as an alternative form of verbal communication to barking. However, you should always be careful with all dog growling, as even a dog that growls during play can be too exaggerating and get carried away, and he may bite a human who intervenes or gets close to him.

A low, low growl indicates that something he is grumbling about should back off. This growl is a sign of assertiveness in a dominant dog.
A low-pitched growl that ends with a short bark is the sound a dog makes when it responds to a threat. This growl could be the start of a strike to bite.
A moderate growl, followed by a bark, indicates that the dog is nervous and may be aggressive. You have to approach it with care.
A low-volume growl, or 'short bark', is a hint that your dog may be anxious or suspicious of something.
A low-pitched growl like a grunt is a sign of satisfaction. Soft growls are usually growls during play; do the analysis taking into account the context and general position of the dog's body. Growling during play is usually followed by barking.

Step 4. Understand why dogs howl

Knowing why your dog howls can help you respond to his needs. There are several types of howls with different meanings.

Long, continuous howls indicate homesickness or loneliness. If your new puppy or dog is separated from the pack and then into your family, he may howl at first. You can reduce the feeling of loneliness by accompanying him.
A short howl with a gradually increasing pitch usually indicates that your dog is happy and/or excited.
Howling is a hunting signal and is often made by hunting dog breeds, even if the dog has never been trained as a hunting dog.
The howling of a siren is a response to a howling or other continuous sound. You may notice your dog howling in response to sirens/alarms passing through your house. If a dog howls at night, it may be responding to another dog howl that is inaudible to human ears.

Step 5. Learn how to tell the difference between a cry and a whimper

The whimper is another type of vocalization made by dogs. Just like barking, howling, and growling, crying or whining can indicate different things in different contexts.

A short cry followed by a short bark indicates that your dog is curious, curious, and excited.
Short whining is usually a sign of fear or anxiety.
A low-pitched cry indicates that your dog is a bit anxious or submissive.
Repeated high-pitched whining can indicate a desire for attention, excessive anxiety, or severe pain/discomfort.

Part 5 of 5: Demonstrating Human Communication

Step 1. Avoid accidental signals

Dogs can understand language to some extent, but you should still pay attention to how you present yourself to your dog and be aware that some of your body language may be causing him stress, fear, or worry, even if you don't realize it. Always keep in mind that your dog is watching you, studying, and trying to predict your routine, habits, and tastes.

Averting your eyes while keeping your arms apart will tell your dog that you don't want to touch him anymore, and he may respond in a negative way.
Yawning can indicate that you are under stress and that your dog may be avoiding you. It's better to cover your mouth when you yawn if he seems to be responding negatively to your actions.

Step 2. Keep the dog from experiencing discomfort

Some actions that we consider normal or loving cannot be confused with “human language” with “dog language”. Avoiding activities that make your dog uncomfortable can help strengthen your relationship with him.

Looking into a dog's eyes can make him perceive you as a threat. Some dog trainers used to believe that a dog avoiding gaze was disobedient, but it has now been proven that aversion is a dog's way of showing politeness or obedience.
Punishing or reacting negatively to signs of fear in a dog will only increase his fear and not foster behavior that is better from our perspective. Don't mistake signs of feeling uncomfortable for fear or guilt.
Many dogs don't like being patted on the head. However, this is something a dog must learn to tolerate. Never pat a foreign dog's head until you get to know him better, but if you live in an urban environment where people may want to pat your dog on the head, give your dog some practice (and treats) to let him know that head pats are a must..
Dogs also usually do not like hugs and physical cuddles. Nature has programmed the dog to believe that being in close proximity to another creature means: it is being trapped as prey, or it is being mated. Since neither of these actions will produce a happy response, dogs who are not used to being hugged and given physical interaction may respond by running away, wrestling, and biting. If your dog is like this, be patient and get used to it gradually. Make sure children who hug dogs always keep their faces away from the dog, and keep an eye on the dog's reactions so you can intervene immediately if necessary.
Dogs are social creatures and need contact, so don't let them feel completely isolated. The dog's first nights in your home are important. Try to keep him company (for example by placing his cage in your room), then gradually move him to his permanent sleeping location. This will reassure the dog that all is well. Don't share your bed with your dog unless you want him to continue sleeping in it, as this can create permanent hope in his mind.

Step 3. Clarify intentional commands

Communicating directly and clearly, consistently, and precisely when giving orders can help your dog understand what you want from him. Most dogs want to please their owners, so these dogs will try to adapt their behavior to meet your expectations.

Always repeat commands in the same words and tones so that your dog recognizes his name and understands that he must always listen to you.
Adjust the pitch of your voice as you convey different emotions to your dog. Dogs have instincts that help them tell when we are happy or angry with them. If you smile and praise your dog in a happy tone, he'll know he's doing something right. On the other hand, if you scold him in an angry tone, he will know that he has done something wrong. This is a factor you should consider when training it.
Remember that dogs often forget. However, he will remember things he was trained to do, where some objects and people are located, who you and your friends are, compliments, and surprising things (good or bad) that have happened..
Yelling at the dog, moving wildly, or waving a "weapon" (such as a broom) at the dog will only make you look crazy. This behavior will not change the dog's behavior, but it will make an insecure and frightened dog even more upset. Save your energy and stay calm. Communicate intelligently and reasoned.
Keep this in mind when you want to improve your dog's behavior. If you come home and find the couch shattered, know that yelling at the dog won't do anything, as he won't be able to relate the state of the couch being crushed to your reprimand.

Step 4. Develop mutual communication

Two-way communication with the dog will help both of you to maintain a healthy relationship. Keeping lines of communication open and showing your dog that you understand will help you know when to intervene if he does something wrong.

Do some research to find out how dogs communicate with each other. Comparing your communication strategy with your dog's communication style can help lead to more effective ways of communicating

Tips

Take the time to learn how dogs get their message across. As a unique animal, while most of what is written here is true, the dog probably exhibits his own type of message delivery. Only by spending time with him will you get to know him fully.
Make sure you repeat the command in the same tone or the dog will get confused.
Make sure you are always expressive when speaking.
You should pay attention to the behavior of dogs around other species (besides humans and fellow dogs). When you bring other pets into your home, such as cats and rabbits, the dog's reaction is an important clue to the new animal's chances of success. If your dog reacts negatively, be prepared to intervene so that things don't happen and the safety of the new animal is guaranteed. Introduce the animal gradually under close supervision, and be patient. You'll need to do all these tricks to introduce a new pet to a dog that is already comfortable in its territory.
Remember, every dog is different. If your dog's personality is more passive, the outcome of your communication with him may be different than described in this article.
There are many other small signs that dogs use to indicate anxiety, stress, interest, or other moods. Recognize these signs to help you predict your dog's reaction.
Be consistent about what you allow your pet to do. For example, decide whether or not the dog can get on the couch, and stick with your decision.
If your dog lives in an apartment or house that doesn't have a yard to pee in, start training your dog to defecate on "command." This is especially useful during bad weather or busy mornings. It can also be useful to teach your dog to ring the bell hanging from the doorknob when he needs to go to the bathroom.
Never lift a dog in a way that makes him or her uncomfortable.
Do not feed the dog while you are also eating. If possible, don't feed him in the room where you eat. This will prevent him from begging for food crumbs. Also make sure you are consistent in doing this, just like when you decide whether or not he should get on the couch.

Warning

Be aware that crying or whining can indicate pain or injury. Don't ignore prolonged crying or whining if the cause is unknown. Have your dog checked, and if you still can't find anything out of the ordinary and he's still showing signs of displeasure, see your vet immediately.
When approaching an unfamiliar dog (whether on the street/anywhere), understand that you should always be higher than his eyes, but not display threatening body language, as he may become afraid and attack you. Talking to your dog in this position can help keep you safe.
As explained in the steps in this article, be aware that a moving tail doesn't necessarily mean the dog is happy or friendly. Dogs can wag their tails for a variety of reasons (just like humans can smile/show their teeth). If you're not familiar with the dog, make sure you're always on the lookout for other signs that might indicate that he's not in the mood to interact or is running away.
Don't force your dog to do anything and don't communicate with him in a way that could hurt or offend him.