Decoding Dog Body Language: Understanding Calming Cues
Dogs are social creatures, and communication is paramount for them. In the wild, conflict can lead to injury or even death, which would weaken the pack's strength. To maintain harmony, dogs have developed what we call "calming signals." These signals are essentially the dog's body language, conveyed through a series of actions that convey different meanings. Dogs have an acute sense of perception, allowing them to quickly pick up on even subtle changes in behavior or a shift in the eyes, and respond accordingly.
There are over thirty types of calming signals in dogs, with even more forms of communication. If you're a pet owner looking to understand your dog's calming signals, it's helpful to start with the more common ones. For instance, when a dog yawns after being scolded by its owner, it's not a sign of disrespect or a deliberate provocation. On the contrary, it's a way for the dog to express its discomfort and anxiety, hoping to soothe the owner and ease its own emotions. This is akin to how some people may take a deep breath, yawn, or chew gum before an exam or a speech, all in an effort to calm themselves.
Tilting its head is another common calming signal. When a dog turns its head away from its owner, it's a sign that the dog feels stressed and wants to avoid the source of stress. It's also a way for the dog to communicate to the owner, "I'm feeling a bit anxious and scared, please stop and calm down." This type of calming signal is also familiar in human life; for example, when people encounter something they fear, they might cover their eyes with their hands or turn away to alleviate their tension and fear.
Licking their noses is another calming signal in dogs. For example, when a dog encounters an unfamiliar dog on the street and someone tries to take a photo, the dog may start to lick its nose. This indicates that the dog feels uneasy and uncomfortable around strangers, much like how humans may lick their lips or pick their nails when anxious. Dogs also have a calming signal called "acting busy," which involves constantly sniffing the ground. If a dog encounters an unfamiliar dog in the wild, it may keep sniffing the ground to signal, "I'm not aware of you, so please don't worry," thus avoiding conflict. It's also a way to say, "I'm busy right now, so please don't disturb me," indicating a desire to avoid social interaction. If the other dog persists, the dog may then emit warning signals, such as growling or showing its teeth.
The physical actions of dogs convey their intentions, but sometimes, these may just be habitual behaviors. As owners, it's important to invest time in understanding these behaviors so that we can quickly interpret what our dogs are trying to communicate. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary expert.
