They say a lot with their Body Language

Here’s a list of signals that are often misunderstood

Our canine companions have a very complex body language with many signals that have different meanings in different situations. When you have a close bond with your own dog, you learn to read your dog’s behavior. However, when you are with someone else’s dog it may not be so easy. It is important to learn the common cues, not only for your own wellbeing but also for the wellbeing of others around you, as well as the wellbeing of the dog you are interacting with.

Below are some dog body language signals that are often misinterpreted because they can have multiple meanings

• Tail wagging: this is probably the one signal everyone knows best. When a dog wags his/her tail we know it is a sign of excitement and joy, right? But, does every tail wag have the same meaning? of course not. If your dog displays a “vibrating tail” (small high–speed  movements) it means your dog is going to do something, like run or maybe fight with another dog in close proximity. If the tail is held in a high position while “vibrating” it is usually an active threat.
  
  
  • A slow wag with the tail at half–mast is less social than most other tail signals, generally speaking, this is a sign of insecurity.
    
    
  • A broad wag is friendly. This is the closest to the popular concept of the happiness wag, especially if the tail seems to drag the hips with it.
    
    
  • A slight wag, with each swing of only small breadth, is usually seen during meetings as a tentative, “Hello there.”
    
• Growling: Yes, dogs bare their teeth and growl when they’re feeling aggressive, scared, or defensive, but it’s also totally normal body language for them to express a play growl, too. If your dog is playing tug–o–war with you and gives a low rumble, don’t be alarmed as long as the rest of her body language says “I’m having fun!”. We often have owners contact us and say their Bulldog is aggressive, when we ask them to take a video of the dog’s interaction with them or another dog, the video we receive is of a dog who is in full play mode, giving playful growls during rough play. This is totally normal behavior; it doesn’t mean your dog will bite you or that your dogs are attacking each other. With the way many bulldogs breathe it simply sounds a little more intense, but there is no need for alarm.
  
  
• Flat Ears: If a dog flattens her ears against her head, it can mean multiple things. If it’s a dog you just met, rather keep your distance. Along with lip–licking, this can be distinct body language of fear or uneasiness. This is especially likely when seen with a low or tucked tail.
  • If the dog has pinned ears, bared teeth, and a high, vibrating tail, she’s showing signs of aggression.
    
    
  • If the pup’s ears are back and her expression is soft (Perhaps you’re stroking her head or she’s approaching with a wagging tail), don’t worry. This body language just means she’s relaxed and happy to be soaking up your affection

• Eye Contact: As a general rule, you should never make direct eye contact with a dog you just met, this is often interpreted as a threat. However, dogs are known to make eye contact with their humans when they want to communicate something. They will even gaze lovingly into the eyes of people they trust. according to Dina Fantegrossi, a former vet tech, a study published in the journal in 2015, Science delighted dog owners when it revealed that oxytocin, a hormone associated with nurturing and attachment, increases in both our dogs’ brains and our own when we look at one another.
• Panting: We all know our dogs pant to cool down, right? but did you know that panting can also be an indicator that your dog is feeling stressed? if your dog doesn’t seem hot or tired, pay attention to their body language. If it’s an unfamiliar dog, give her space and refrain from making sudden movements that could startle her. If it’s your dog, consider what might be stressing her out and try to remove her from the trigger.
  
  
• Yawning: this is not just an indicator that your dog is tired. Dogs also yawn when they feel anxious, confused or stressed. They can also stretch their mouths open wide in anticipation of something exciting, like a walk or a car ride. Sometimes, dogs yawn as a non–threatening calming signal when meeting new friends. Another fun fact about canine yawning body anguage: it’s contagious between humans and dogs! It’s a phenomenon that may indicate that our companions are capable of empathy.
  
  
• Lip Licking: Like yawning, lip–licking is a calming signal that pups use to show each other that they mean no harm. This body language can also indicate fear, nervousness, or stress. If your pooch is in a situation where he keeps licking his lips, consider whether something is making him uncomfortable. If it is, perhaps you should change the environment.

As responsible dog owners, it is our responsibility to get to know our dogs well enough to be able to read their body language. It helps us  understand them, but it also helps us to keep them safe and to keep those around them safe.

Love them enough to understand them.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

——————————————————————————————

Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.