Body Language For Dogs

Body language, especially when you are working with your pet, is an essential aspect to master. You may be trying to send positive messages like “I am approachable,” “I am pleased with your behavior!,” “I am proud of you!,” “Come play!,” or “You can trust me”. However, unless you adopt the correct signals, you won’t succeed.

Your bent over posture is a welcoming move to your pet. Likewise, open arms and a seated position are also usually inviting forms of body language. Then, sped of movement may be taken as signs of enthusiasm or gentleness.

Just be gentle and slow. Timid and nervous dogs should not be approached from the front; rather you should approach them from the side without making it a sneak attack from behind. The side approach is considered as non-offensive and neutral.

Leadership requires a firm body language. That is why a softer body posture like bent and rounded shoulders will not communicate messages of leadership as this posture mean approachability and submission. You should stand tall and straight to communicate leader-like confidence without being offensive.

When your posture shows intimidation, threat or even leadership in an aggressive way, you will be sending clear negative messages. Your pet would see you saying, “You are really in trouble now, buster!”

You may note that these types of body language, in fact, are non-existent in our civilized human-dog communication system but are prevalent among dogs in the wild when they need to use their instincts to survive.

Using an appropriate body language is important. Approached with negative, threatening, or intimidating body language your dog may show its anger and irritation through barking and even become aggressive. So, approaching him in a neutral direction would be a good idea.

Rehearse as if you are going to perform on stage. Practice in a mirror. See if you can stimulate the message in your body language. Try to see both positive and negative effects coming out of your postures and gestures. Your body language will be an alternative to verbal orders.

In addition to pet advice, this writer also regularly contributes articles on decorative shelf brackets and cast iron shelf brackets.