Ok so that may have been click bait…. Obviously Hugo is indeed happy in that video 🤣❤️ BUT tails are a hugely misunderstood part of a dogs’ body. A dog wagging their tail does not always mean they are happy, contrary to popular belief. I have lost count of how many people when I take a history tell me ‘but I don’t understand, he was wagging his tail and then he bit me 🙈’
So what’s in a tail?!
🐶 A tail wagging to the RIGHT generally means the dog is happy and confident. If you want to nerd out with me - that’s because the right side of the body is controlled by the left side of the brain, which is generally associated with positive emotions ❤️
🐶 A tail wagging to the LEFT generally means the dog is more nervous or fearful. This is because the right side of the brain (which controls the left side of the body) is associated with fear / anxiety.
🐶 A stiff tail that is tightly wagging is often associated with a dog about to show repulsion (aggression).
🐶 A tucked tail often with a sloped bottom is a scared dog. They are trying to show appeasement - ie they are not a threat.
🐶 A loose wiggly body with a loose wiggly tail (like Hugo above) is generally associated with positive emotions (he’s happy!)
So happy Thursday everyone, go off and watch some tail movements in your dog, they may surprise you!
#dog #dogbodylanguage #waggytail #vets #vet #veterinary #veterinarian #vetsofinstagram #vetschool #veterinarybehaviourist #clinicalanimalbehaviourist #veterinarybehaviour #dogtraining #dogwelfare @apbc_official @fabclinicians #lifeonfourlegsvet
Recall….
How to improve recall is something I get asked about most weeks. Hugo, as well as being new to the house is also an adolescent- both really important reasons why it’s important to solidify his recall cue. Adolescent dogs, like teenagers can be more easily distracted, impulsive and more likely to take risks!
The key to a good recall is practice. Most of the time we teach a cue like recall as a puppy, then use it when we need to put the dog back on the lead at the end of the walk. This means to the dog, that coming back to you signals the end of the fun (off lead freedom to sniff, play and explore). This is often the reason a dog will stop coming back!
So at the moment I’m practicing multiple times on each walk. I let him have fun, then cue him to come back. He gets a treat and then he can go again. This way coming back = a great thing!
It’s important to practice in lots of different surroundings - with different levels of distractions. What you use to reward your dog is up to you! I’m using food with Hugo as it’s easy and quick (and something he really finds motivating). But for other dogs, play might be more their thing.
If you are having trouble getting your dog to come back, use a long line for management until you solidify the cue. This is important for safety (to stop your dog running into a road etc) and also good dog etiquette. Even if your dog is friendly, lots of other people and dogs will likely appreciate them not approaching uninvited. #goldenretriever #failedguidedog #recall #dogbehaviour #dogbehaviourist #veterinarybehaviour #veterinarybehaviourist #vet #vettech #veterinarian
Getting a kitten used to taking medicine!
