You're a vital social companion for your dog, and whether they're trying to get your attention or not, it's critical that you understand their behavior. Understanding how they express themselves and what their behaviors signify is crucial to a good relationship with your dog.
In an unexpected event, your relationship with your dog is just as important as the way you interact with it. Understanding your dog's behavior will make it easier for you to communicate with them and help you to assist them in an emergency. This is the basis of a healthy connection between you and your dog.
Dog You Know #1: When they are Relax
When your dog is relaxed, you can observe that their tail is slowly wagging in a downward position but not in between their legs. Their ears are usually down, but this depends on the breed of your dog. You had better observe when they are relaxed and what position of ears they have when they are in that current position. Their foreheads are not furrowed, crinkled, or creased. Mouth open. Most dogs sit, lie down, or are in a sleeping position when they relax.
Dog You Know #2: When they are Playful
The characteristic "bow" pose is seen when your dog is being playful. Engaging with them while displaying this body language is an excellent way to guarantee that they are receiving adequate physical and mental stimulation.
You can see your dog's tail lift up high and wag while they're having fun. They can also change positions quickly and have exaggerated postures, such as when wrestling or chasing. Their ears are pricked up, and they may bark to demonstrate their eagerness. Their mouth is open, and their tongue is out.
Dog You Know #3: When they are Alert
Your dog can be alert when something has caught their attention. Their tail would be in an upward position. As for their posture, their body may be tense and leaning towards them, their eyes fixed on the direction of whatever has made them curious. The ears are upright and slightly forward; some dogs have dropped ears even when alert, but their eyes and forehead are furrowed or creased. And when they are alert, you can often observe them having a fully closed mouth.
It's preferable to pay attention to what makes your dog alert and who or what has captured their interest because this might lead to them being fixated and preying on their target. To avoid this, we must stay with them and assess the situation to see if we need to reprimand them.
Dog You Know #4: When they are Fearful
When a dog is afraid, it tucks its tail between its legs. As an indication of nervousness, they may lower their bodies and tilt their heads away from whatever is frightening them. They may also elevate one forepaw, yawn, and lick their lips. Their ears are drawn back, and a faint whining can be heard.
If your dog appears to be terrified, try to relax first since the more tense you are, the more anxious they will get; removing them from the trigger will not alleviate their problem. What they most need is to face the trigger and let them feel comfortable until they can calm down and consider that trigger as normal. You have to correct their frame of mind by letting them feel at ease and natural. This will solve a long-term behavioral pattern. It's important to recognize your dog's indications of anxiety or distress before you put them on a new toy or implement a new training regime that they may find difficult to master.
Dog You Know #5: When they are Aggressive
When dogs are aggressive, there are two reactions. One is them being defensive and the other is being offensive. You must know how to differentiate these two to know how to respond accordingly in each situation.
When dogs are displaying defensive aggression, they are typically fearful and may attack if provoked. They may lean back if they stand in a crouching stance with their tail tucked down between their thighs. Their ears are drawn back and flattened against their heads, and they are growling. Because their pupils are dilated, they are unlikely to make direct eye contact with you. They may also pull their mouth corners back, revealing their teeth.
When dogs show complete aggression, it means they are entirely prepared to attack. To prevent situations from spiraling out of control, you must maintain control over your dog. If you want to tell if they're being aggressive, look for their tail to be up and bristling. They can also lean forward on their front legs while standing upright. Growling sounds can be heard, and their ears are pointed as far forward as possible.
Your interaction with your dog is just as fundamental as the way you deal with them in an emergency. Understanding your dog's behavior can make it easier for you to communicate with them and support them in the event of a crisis. This is the foundation of a positive relationship between you and your dog.
[photos below]
Comments