02/08/2023
UNDERSTANDING AND ENJOYING QUALITY COMPANIONSHIP WITH YOUR FURRY PET.
- Close attention to your dog's body language and behavior is all you need to understand and communicate with your furry pet.
However, dog behavior and communication varies among individuals, breeds and backgrounds.
1. *Basic behavior and communication of your pet and meaning*
i. Body Language: Common body language your dogs use to convey their emotions and intentions include:
- *Wagging tail*: A dog with a wagging tail usually means it is happy, excited, or friendly.
- *Forward-facing ears*: When a dog's ears are forward-facing, it usually indicates that it is alert, attentive, or interested in something.
- *Raised tail*: A raised tail often suggests that the dog is confident, dominant, or excited.
- *Tail pinned under hind limbs*: When a dog pins its tail under its hind limbs, it commonly shows fear, submission, or nervousness.
- *Ears pinned back*: If a dog's ears are pinned back against its head, it typically signals fear, anxiety, or aggression.
- *Barking*: Barking indicates various things such as a warning, excitement, fear, or a greeting. Different types of barks may have different meanings.
- *Growling and snarling*: Growling and snarling are warning signs that dogs use to communicate that they feel threatened, uncomfortable, or defensive. It is important to recognize these signals as a way to prevent potential aggression.
- *Eye contact*: Direct and prolonged eye contact can be seen as a challenge or threat in dog language. A confident and friendly dog may maintain soft eye contact, while a fearful dog may avoid eye contact.
- *Scent marking*: Dogs have a strong sense of smell and often use their urine or f***s to mark their territory and communicate their presence to other dogs.
- *Play behavior*: Play is an important social behavior for dogs. It can involve chasing, wrestling, and mock fighting. Understanding the difference between play and aggression is crucial for interpreting dog behavior.
- *Submissive signals*: Dogs display submissive behaviors to show deference or appeasement. These can include a lowered head, a tucked tail, a crouched posture, or rolling over on their back.
- *Vocalizations*: Besides barking, dogs may use other vocalizations such as whining, howling, yelping, or whimpering to communicate their needs, desires, or distress.