The Influence of Human Body Language on Dog Behavior

The Influence of Human Body Language on Dog Behavior

Ever wonder why your dog seems to have a sixth sense for when you're feeling stressed or anxious? It's not just coincidence—dogs are masters at reading human body language, even the unintentionally hilarious signals we send. Here’s a lighthearted look at how your body language influences your dog’s behavior:

1. The Confidence Conundrum: Picture this: you’re trying to assert your alpha status with a confident stride and squared shoulders. Meanwhile, your dog, who’s mastered the art of lounging on the couch like a furry emperor, raises an eyebrow as if to say, “Who’s the alpha now, human?” Remember, confidence is key, but so is consistency in your leadership swagger.

2. The Anxiety Tango: Ever noticed how your dog mirrors your stress levels? You’re pacing the room, biting your nails over a looming deadline, and suddenly your furry friend is pacing right alongside you, eyes wide with concern. It’s like a synchronized anxiety dance—cue the dramatic music! To avoid sending your dog into a stress spiral, practice deep breaths and positive vibes, even if it means pretending everything is under control.

3. Eye Contact: The Staring Contest: You lock eyes with your dog, trying to convey love and affection. But wait, why is your dog staring back with an intensity that could rival a laser beam? Note to self: dogs appreciate gentle eye contact, not a staring contest that ends in an awkward blink-off. Keep it friendly, folks.

4. The Voice-o-Meter: Your dog knows the difference between your “good boy!” high-pitched squeal and the “uh-oh, what did you do?” low growl. It’s like having a built-in mood detector that responds to your every vocal nuance. Just remember, positive reinforcement works wonders—save the growls for impressing the neighborhood squirrels.

5. The Training Tango: Picture yourself attempting to teach your dog a new trick with all the grace of a stumbling elephant. Your dog, ever patient and slightly amused, follows your lead with a mix of confusion and curiosity. It’s a comedic routine of hand gestures, awkward poses, and the occasional treat fumble. Embrace the dance, laugh at your missteps, and celebrate every small victory together.

6. Reading Between the Woofs: Finally, there’s no denying your dog’s ability to communicate through wiggles, tail wags, and those infamous puppy-dog eyes. They’re watching your every move, decoding your signals like a furry Sherlock Holmes. Pay attention to their cues too—it’s a dialogue of body language that keeps the laughter rolling and the bond strong.

Conclusion

So, next time you catch yourself in a body language bungle with your dog, remember it’s all part of the hilarious adventure of pet ownership. Embrace your inner goofball, fine-tune your signals, and enjoy the priceless moments of understanding between you and your canine companion. After all, life’s more fun when you’re dancing to the same quirky rhythm.

Let the comedy of human-dog body language continue—it’s a show-stopping performance with unconditional love as the grand finale!

Tips to train a better Recall!

Having a strong recall can save your dogs life. If your dog were about to cross a street to chase a ball and you shouted "COME", would your dogs spin on a dime to return to you? Most owners answer no to this. I can't emphasize enough how important the cue "Come" is.

There are many training techniques I use to teach a dog to “come” when called some of my favorites are:
1) use a long line (first desensitize dog to it), use the running come game.
2) puppy come game
3) Doggie ping pong
4) Hide and seek

Don't forget that if your dog sees a ball, a squirrel, another dog...whatever the distraction may be, you need to think to yourself, "how can I be more rewarding than that ball, toys...etc"? What will make my dog want to choose me?

Find your best positive reinforcer and use it to train this cue. It may be a toy, it may be as simple as a good dose of praise!

Understanding Canine Body Language

 Understanding Canine Body Language

Interpreting your dog’s body language is crucial for effective communication and fostering a healthy relationship. Dogs rely heavily on body signals to express emotions and intentions, often communicating their needs and feelings long before vocalizing.

Key Body Language Signals:

1. Tail Wagging: Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean happiness. The speed and height of the wag, along with the position of the tail, convey different messages. A high, fast wag often indicates excitement, while a low, slow wag can signal uncertainty or caution.

2. Ears: The position and movement of ears provide insights into a dog’s mood. Ears held forward suggest attentiveness or curiosity, while flattened ears indicate fear or submission. Rapid flicking of ears can signal nervousness or alertness.

3. Eyes: Direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge or a sign of trust, depending on the context and individual dog. Dilated pupils often indicate arousal or fear, while squinting or half-closed eyes may signal contentment or relaxation.

4. Mouth and Lips: A relaxed, slightly open mouth with a relaxed jaw indicates a calm state. Lip licking or showing teeth without growling can signify anxiety or discomfort. Yawning, when not tired, can indicate stress or unease.

5. Body Posture: A dog’s overall posture provides valuable clues. A relaxed dog stands with weight evenly distributed, while a tense or stiff body suggests alertness or readiness to react. Lowered body posture can indicate submission or fear.

Interpreting Context:

Understanding body language requires considering the context of the situation. For instance, a dog that freezes during play may signal discomfort or overstimulation rather than enjoyment. Similarly, a wagging tail in the presence of a perceived threat could indicate readiness to defend rather than friendliness.

Communication Tips:

• Observe Consistently: Pay attention to your dog’s body language in various situations to identify patterns and understand their emotional state.

• Respect Boundaries: Respect your dog’s signals and give them space when needed. Avoid forcing interactions or ignoring signs of discomfort.

• Learn Together: By understanding your dog’s body language, you can build trust and respond appropriately to their needs, enhancing your bond and communication.

By becoming fluent in your dog’s body language, you can enrich your relationship, prevent misunderstandings, and ensure a positive environment for both you and your canine companion

Chewing

What can you do to encourage your puppy to chew on appropriate chew toys and not your shoes?

To encourage a dog to chew on an appropriate chew toy you should not buy toys that resemble inappropriate items. Always encourage playing with the appropriate toys. Have the family play fetch with appropriate toys.

Dogs like scents, try soaking nyla bones in broth to entice proper choices by the dog. If chewing certain items is a problem, you may consider spraying inappropriate items with a chew deterrent.

If you find your puppy chewing an inappropriate item, without force, remove the item while firmly saying “no” and simply trade your dog for an appropriate item. Do not draw attention to the inappropriate item.

What about the Chocolate?

What about chocolate?

What happens to all that candy left on the counter after the holiday party? I have heard it a thousand times, “Don’t give your dog chocolate, it will kill him”, How true is this and do you need to rush him to the vet after he gobbled one Milk Chocolate Hershey kiss?

What are Toxic Levels?

The fact is that chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. It does depend on the size of dog, allergic sensitivity and concentration of chocolate, but in general- it takes a good amount of theobromine to be toxic. Milk Chocolate is the least toxic per ounce while Bakers Chocolate has the most toxins per ounce.

Roughly 100mg/kg -150mg/kg can be toxic. At 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose, this means that roughly 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to a 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems. A Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Candy Bar is roughly 1.5 oz.

For specifics, you can contact your local Animal Poison Control Center and your veterinarian.

Signs of Toxic Levels:
Hyper excitability
Hyper irritability
Increased heart rate
Restlessness
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Treatment
There is not a specific treatment for theobromine overdose. It stays in the dogs system for about 18 hours. If you catch the ingestion within the first hour or so, depending on the amount consumed, your vet may choose to induce vomiting, administer charcoal, prescribe an anti-convulsant, oxygen, IV meds and or fluids….to protect the heart and prevent dehydration. .

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic amount of chocolate contact your vet immediately! They can help you determine the proper treatment for your pet.

Follow the old rule, be selfish with your chocolate, and do not share it with your dog!

What about Tug-o-War?

Tug-o-War is a fun excercise for young pups, however it can lead to aggresive behaviors if not managaed.

Leash Reactivity

I have worked with many dogs who react badly around other dogs when on leash, but off leash are angels. This is called Leash Reactivity. It doesn't mean your dog should be labeled as "Dog Aggressive". I've met many dogs that are leash reactive, and I have to tell you that a very common denominator between all these dogs, is how we naturally handle them. Typically, to change our dogs patterns, we have to change our own patterns. When we choke up on the lease because another dog is coming we are setting our dog up and sending the message that "I am worried about what is coming". As your companion, your dog wants to protect you and immediately puts up his guards to do so when this message comes across. Again, I emphasis using positive distraction techniques. Not only will it keep your dog focused...it will keep you focused on your dog. Set your dog up for success! Over time, your dog will learn to stay calm.

Enjoy YOUR time: If start to feel anxious when greeting new people and dogs, your dog will notice and will react to it with the same anxiety plus some of her own. When you are concerned, put on your poker face, stay outwardly calm and your dog will follow your lead.

Group obedience is a great way to treat Leash Reactivity. It gives your dog a great chance to socialize and learn to focus on you while having positive experiences on leash.

Remember- if you are talking about aggression, talk to a professional trainer.