Your Dogs Body Language

Body language, it is one of the most important parts of communication and can usually compose more than 50% of what someone is trying to communicate. In order to communicate well, it is always a good thing to understand what different types and what they mean. Understanding body language not only applies to humans, it can also apply to protection dogs as well. Being able to understand  this is the key to understanding your protection dog. Dogs all have their own language that allows them to communicate things such as their emotional state and their intentions to whoever is around them.

Since dogs cannot speak verbally, their body gestures do the talking for them. Most of what your protection dog wants to tell you is sent through their facial expressions and body posture. After learning the basic types of body language, spend some time observing your dog in certain situations with people and other dogs. Here are some examples of different types of dog body language that your protection dog might do and tips on how to identify them. One type is relaxed and approachable, this is when your protection dog is relaxed, unconcerned and not threatened by anything. When your dog is in this state, their head is held high, ears up, and tail down and relaxed. Alert and checking out their environment is another possible type of body language. If your dog had detected something interesting or unknown, they are are usually paying close attention and determining if there is any threat, or if any action should be taken. The body language they will display is ears forward, eyes wide, mouth closed, slight forward lean on toes and their tail moving slightly side to side. Dominant aggressive is when the dog is expressing their social dominance and also threatening that if they are challenged, they will act. The body language to look for is a wrinkled nose and forehead, ears forward lips curled, teeth visible, stiff leg stance, body leaning slightly forward and a stiff tail. Fearful and aggressive, this is when your dog is facing a situation or individual that is threatening, and if they are pressed they may attack. Look for a lowered body, ears back, pupils dilated, wrinkled nose, corner of mouth pulled back and tail tucked. There are many more types of body language that your dog will convey to you. Understanding your dog body language will help protect you and your dog from dangerous situations. Also it will ultimately help you to communicate with them in a way that others cannot. To learn more visit, www.cck9.ca