B.E.S. Dog Training Bible. Andrea Arden
allows them to maneuver their ears to precisely pinpoint the location of sounds. However, this ability varies. For example, a Bloodhound’s long, low-set ears have less maneuver ability. Instead, they rely on their keen sense of smell. In contrast, the ears of an Alaskan Malamute are high set and highly mobile.
Taste
In this particular sense, we exceed canine abilities with our 9,000 taste buds compared with their 1,700. The dog’s sense of taste takes a back seat to other senses. However, smell plays a huge part in this sensory experience. For instance, a head cold and stuffy nose compromises your ability to taste food. Dogs rely more on their olfactory sense than their taste buds to evaluate the palatability of food.
Touch
Touch plays a vital role in the social structure of a dog’s life, beginning with a puppy’s interactions with his mother and littermates. Dogs touch for warmth and to solicit food, initiate greetings, maintain social bonding, and engage in some confrontational interactions. They may nuzzle, mouth, nibble, paw, bump, push, or lie next to another dog. The broad actions of touch are similar when used for both friendly and unfriendly interactions. It is the degree, intensity, and contact that defines its meaning. For example, a dog may mouth, paw, and mount his best canine friend in good fun. He might also do this with a confrontational intent.
As social creatures, we share our dogs’ need for physical contact. However, dogs, like people, vary in their response to proximity and touch. We must be aware of how they perceive certain forms of touch. A dog’s reaction depends on many factors, including his sensitivity and mood, as well as who is touching him. Consider which areas of your dog’s body are most sensitive (usually paws and muzzle) and which areas he enjoys having touched. Scratching his ear or rubbing his tummy can be used to reinforce desirable behaviors. A pat that one dog considers enjoyable might seem intimidating to another. Restricting or restraining your dog for a prolonged period is likely to be perceived differently than gentle pressure.
A dog’s aversion to touch can be an underlying cause of behavior issues, such as aggression. Dogs can and should be taught to enjoy human touch for bonding and safety, and so that it can be used as a reward.
PAWS TO CONSIDER
Proximity
Dogs typically approach and remain close to people or other animals when they feel comfortable in their presence, but there are exceptions to this rule. A dog may, on occasion, approach in order to intimidate or test the other animal’s reaction to his presence.
Canine Communication
Developing a better understanding of “dog speak” opens the lines of communication by helping to prevent misunderstandings due to misinterpretation.
Dogs communicate through body language, vocalization, and scents. Each indicator can provide clues about your dogs feelings. But, they are not absolutes. For example, a wagging tail does not always indicate a happy, relaxed state of mind. Typical canine gestures can have different meanings when directed toward dogs or people. If your dog rests his head on your lap, he is indicating a desire for attention and comfort. He may be indicating something quite different when he rests his head across another dog’s shoulders.
Each canine communication signal can have multiple meanings, and dogs generally combine them when signaling their thoughts and intentions. You must pay attention to all body parts, frequency, tone, overall body language, and context to accurately understand what your dog is saying.
Some people are more precise and articulate, and some dogs are better equipped to interpret and use some signals. This can be due to genetics, experience, or physiology. At first glance, Nordic breeds like Siberian Huskies and Pomeranians may seem threatening simply because they normally carry their ears and tails high, and their coats stand off the body. A dog with poor social skills may erroneously conclude that these physical features signal a dominance display, just as we can jump to conclusions based on someone’s appearance. Muscular breeds like Bulldogs generally have a stiffer body posture, and physical tension is a normal aspect of their physical demeanor rather than an indicator of an aroused mental state. On the other hand, a rangy Bloodhound may appear calm and relaxed when he is highly aroused.
Dogs also vary in their ability to interpret body language. For example, some dogs quickly back off when approaching another dog whose body language communicates fear or discomfort. Socially awkward or immature dogs may ignore these signals. They will approach, offer a greeting, or try to engage in play even though the other dog is clearly not interested.
Calming Signals and Body Language
Dogs generally prefer to resolve disagreements without engaging in direct conflict. The following behaviors are referred to as calming signals because they are used to help dogs calm themselves and others in tense situations. Observing these signals will help you to recognize when your dog is stressed.
Mouth In general, a softly closed or slightly opened mouth indicates the dog is relaxed, and a tightly closed mouth indicates tension. Lips that are pulled back to expose teeth can be a snarl, a warning gesture to encourage social distance. In this instance, the lip will be lifted baring the teeth slightly or fully. Many dogs also bare their teeth in an appeasement gesture, often called a submissive grin. Rather than signaling a threat, this expression is meant to deflect hostility. Superficially, it may seem like a snarl, but in this case, the mouth is open and lips are pulled back, almost like a human smile. The dog’s entire demeanor will signal friendliness and submission, in contrast with the body language accompanying a defensive snarl.
Yawning Dogs yawn when they are tired. But, excessive or repetitive yawning may also be a way to relieve stress.
Lip Licking Dogs normally lick their lips to activate scent receptors, or when eating. But, quick flicks of the tongue over the lips may convey the message that the dog is experiencing tension or stress.
Panting Dogs regulate body temperature primarily by panting (to release body heat). But, panting can also indicate anxiety or stress.
Sniffing Dogs normally sniff the ground to obtain information, but they also resort to this behavior to defuse tension. For example, a dog may do this when confronted by another dog, or when called by a frustrated owner who is yelling at him.
Ears For some dogs, ear carriage is a good indicator of intention and mood. Ears perked up and forward indicate interest and concentration. Ears held lower than normal may indicate concern or lack of confidence. However, this is dependent on the shape and size of the dog’s ears. Long, heavy ears are less mobile. Heavily coated ears cannot be seen as easily.
Eyes Direct, prolonged eye contact is generally avoided in the canine community because it is considered a threatening signal. Dogs usually avert their gaze and blink to signal a non-threatening intent. Avoiding direct eye contact with a stressed or fearful dog is imperative for them to feel less threatened. A dog that is extremely stressed or anxious may also exhibit what is known as “whale eye.” The head is still, but the eyes move, showing whites around the edges.