Dog Body Language

Dogs communicate through a combination of body language cues, they may be subtle, but they are there. Recognizing dog body language is key and its importance in preventing dog bites and fights should not be overlooked. The information contained in the remainder of this slideshow is useful for preventing dog fights and also dog bites (to a person, cat, other animal, kid, other dogs). 

Dog body language- T.E.M.P.S.

We as owners often miss building frustrations, changes in body language and the ultimate trigger/ triggers that lead to the outbreak of an incident.  Dogs do not have the option of using the spoken language to tell other dogs to back off. They communicate through body language and when those cues are ignored, they may try to use options like growling and barking. When those don't work, they can progress through increasing threats of violence.

*Often overlooked and not as commonly spoken about is dogs with medical/health condition that are feeling sick or are in pain. These dogs can also be much more likely to exhibit escalating behaviours as a protective, fearful, or coping strategy. Ensure you dog sees their vet on a regular basis.

https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/08/your-dogs-temp/  / https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/08/your-dogs-temp/

Signal Reading

https://www.k9ofmine.com/dog-body-language/  / https://outwardhound.com/furtropolis/pet-parenting/how-to-read-dog-body-language

No one behavioural cue is necessarily indicative of an emotional response, or a potential outcome of a situation. 

You have to look at the dog as a whole picture. 

As you learn your dog more and more, you’ll learn how to read them.

4 F’s of a dog’s fear response

Really take the time to learn your dog, observe them and their interactions, listen to what they are telling you.  Help your dog out. Step in when they look uncomfortable, help them de-escalate a situation, allow them the space to destress. It is okay to help your dog. You have the responsibility to be their advocate.

It's important that you give your dog thorough regular physical assessments at home and have them see their vet for a baseline assessment.

A certified professional dog trainer or certified behaviourist are wonderful options to help you on the journey to learning your dog.

Fight

This is self explanatory, this is when your dogs use their teeth, growling, snarling, etc. 

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/body-language/your-dogs-facial-expressions/

Flight

This is when a dog, when presented with a citation of conflict will try and escape, cower, run away or hide. 

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/7-tips-canine-body-language

https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/blog/understanding-fear-in-dogs

Freeze

This is when a dog will stiffen up, their tail may be up and erect or straight out behind them, they may have stiff eyes and stare off. 

https://www.lovetoknowpets.com/dogs/understanding-dog-body-language

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/body-language/your-dogs-facial-expressions/

Friend (Appease)

This is when a dog tries to show the other dog that they are not a threat, they may lick their lips in a snake like fashion, they may yawn or stretch, they may roll over onto their back and expose their tummy, they may lick the other dog, all these are in an attempt to show the other dog they are not here for a fight. They may even exhibit submissive urination

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/stress/guide-to-stress-signals-in-dogs/

https://www.thesprucepets.com/submissive-dog-behaviors-5189855