Dogs, much like humans, communicate through a range of signals.
Often, we only realise something is wrong when our dogs start behaving in ways that are impossible to ignore. However, much like human communication, many messages are conveyed long before the situation escalates.
Consider a conversation where one person dominates, talking over the other and missing subtle hints of disinterest—such as a glance at a watch or a stifled yawn. When these cues are overlooked, frustration builds, and the person being ignored might eventually just walk away.
The Consequences of Ignoring Canine Signals
Now, imagine if you couldn’t escape these uncomfortable situations and had to endure them repeatedly.
Over time, you might stop trying to signal your discomfort altogether, knowing it won't make a difference. This scenario is mirrored in our interactions with dogs. When their polite, small signals are ignored, they might eventually give up on subtlety and resort to more obvious, sometimes aggressive, behaviour to be heard.
This is why a dog might seemingly "bite out of nowhere" after apparently tolerating unwanted attention for a long time. The reality is, the dog was likely uncomfortable all along; we just weren't paying attention.
Common Canine Calming Signals
Yawning Dogs often yawn when they feel stressed or uncertain. This isn't necessarily due to tiredness but rather a way for them to calm themselves and signal to others that they are not a threat.
Lip Licking When a dog quickly licks their lips, especially in the absence of food, it can be a sign of discomfort or anxiety.
Turning Away or Turning the Head A dog might turn their head or entire body away from a person or another dog to avoid confrontation and to signal peaceful intentions.
Slow Movements Moving slowly or deliberately can be a calming signal used by dogs to show that they are not a threat and to calm themselves or others.
Blinking A dog may blink slowly or avert their gaze as a way to defuse tension and show that they mean no harm.
Sniffing the Ground Sniffing the ground, even if nothing is there, can be a way for a dog to take a break from a stressful situation and calm themselves down.
Sitting or Lying Down In some cases, a dog might sit or lie down as a calming gesture, especially if the situation feels overwhelming or tense.
Play Bowing Although often associated with play, the play bow can also be a calming signal, indicating a friendly intent or defusing tension.
Wagging the Tail Slowly A slow, gentle wag, particularly when paired with other calming signals, can indicate a dog's desire to show non-aggression.
Paw Lifting Lifting a paw can be a subtle sign that a dog is feeling uncertain or is trying to calm themselves or others.
These signals, as documented by Turid Rugaas, are excellent things to look for when assessing how your dog might be feeling and communicating with you.
A New Way of Seeing Dogs
If you're new to the subtleties of canine communication, be prepared—this awareness will change your perspective forever.
You'll begin to notice dogs trying to communicate in ways that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Those "cute" videos of dogs online might start to make you cringe as you recognise the subtle signs of discomfort that are being ignored. But this knowledge is invaluable.
By learning to understand and respond to a dog's language, you open up a whole new level of connection. There's nothing quite as rewarding as seeing a dog's eyes light up when they realise you truly understand them.
Why Some Dogs Skip the Subtlety
It's important to remember that dogs will do what works for them. A dog that has been ignored or misunderstood in the past may skip the subtle signals altogether. This might mean they go straight to barking, growling, or even snapping.
The Canine Ladder of Aggression, developed by Kendal Shepherd, is a visual guide illustrating the escalating stages of a dog's aggressive behaviour. It begins with subtle signs like yawning or turning away and progresses through growling and snapping to more severe actions like biting, helping us to understand and prevent aggression.
How a dog can react to stress or threat, Shepherd (2002, 2009), used with permission from BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine, 2nd edition (2009).
In some cases, dogs may develop "learned helplessness," where they stop trying to communicate altogether, freezing instead of giving any signals when they're uncomfortable.
Communication: A Two-Way Street
Communication is a process that starts small and can intensify if the initial signals are ignored.
A dog that lives with people who are good communicators will find that their early, subtle signals are enough to get their message across. However, if they live with poor communicators, they may learn that only more intense signals, such as showing their teeth, will work.
Over time, these stronger signals may become their default response, and the earlier, more polite attempts at communication are abandoned.
By becoming more attuned to the smaller, quieter signs that our dogs give us, we can foster a stronger, more trusting bond with them.
This not only helps prevent misunderstandings but also ensures that our dogs feel heard and respected, enhancing the quality of life for both of you.
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