Step 1 of 31 3% Please sign inFirst name Last name Email address Enter Email Confirm Email Canine Communication: Understanding Dog Body Language (2019) Why Is It important to understand dog communication and read dog behavior accurately? Safety: Dog bites often occur because people are unable to read a dog’s warning signals. By being able to read when a dog may be experiencing fear, anxiety, or stress, you can help keep yourself and the dog safe. Relationship Building: Understanding dog behavior helps improve pet-to-human relationships by allowing us to respond to their behavior appropriately and help alleviate fear, anxiety, or stress when necessary. Communication and Record Keeping: It is important that all the people involved in a dog’s care have a consistent way to describe and record behavior accurately in order to keep their care consistent and their behavior moving in a positive direction. What is behavior? Behavior: Any observable or measurable act or response Animal behavior includes all the ways animals interact with other members of their species, with organisms of other species, and with their environment. Behavior can also be defined as a change in activity in response to a stimulus. For example, your dog might start drooling (a change in activity) in response to the sight of food (a stimulus). The Human Element It is important to remember that all different species experience their world in different ways. Not better or worse, just different; and that’s okay! To begin to understand animal behavior, how to read it and communicate accurately to another person, we need to be able to look at things from the animal’s perspective with an objective point of view and not with our emotions. The animal may perceive a situation, object, interaction, or environment very differently then we do. It is then our response to their behavior and events that happen immediately after their behavior that can increase or decrease how often we will see that behavior again. Subjective vs. Objective When we communicate, the language we use is crucial in order to give an accurate description of the animal and their behavior. Both objective and subjective writing are used at the shelter, but for very different purposes. We should use objective language and avoid using subjective language. Subjective descriptions Using our thoughts and feelings to explain the dog’s state of being. Used in Pet Profiles or other promotional materials. Example: “This dog is happy”. Happy is a thought/feeling that can look and feel differently for different people. It will not communicate the same information to every individual and therefore should be avoided when communicating information about a dog. Objective descriptions Expressing facts or conditions without personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations. Example: “This dog has an open mouth and is showing whale eyes.” This is the language used in reports of incidents and suspected issues with behavior and/or health and must be factual to be helpful. An objective observation allows all individuals to “see” the same thing. Only objective descriptions should be used in behavioral notes and records. alt="subjective vs objective observations video" title="Instructional video - subjective and objective observations compared" Subjective vs. Objective All of the statements below are subjective. Think about how you could make them objective, leaving out feelings and emotions.. 1. When an individual passes the kennel, the dog goes crazy. 2. This dog acts aggressively towards men. 3. This dog is super hyper. Environmental Influences Environment: the surroundings or conditions in which an animal lives or operates. Environment is experienced through the 5 senses: 1. Touch 2. Smell 3. Sight 4. Hearing 5. Taste Always consider the pet’s point-of-view and how they perceive their world through their senses. This includes: spaces, surfaces, items, equipment, and interactions with other animals and people. Response to animal behavior *Though animal training plans and behavioral assessments are not covered in this module, it is important to note the following: Calm and positive responses will help to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress behaviors Helpful tools to utilize: Time – acclimating (getting used to) to your environment assists with an animal’s general comfort. Distance - increasing the distance from an object, person, or animal that is causing undesirable behavior assists with comfort. Rewards – treats should be offered whenever possible to help shape positive behavior and create positive connections with people, situations, or equipment. Steps to reading animal behavior Step 1: Understand the Basic Anatomy and Physiology of the Dog Steps to Reading Dog Behavior Step 2: Identify body postures Body language and communication Dogs using body language to communicate many things to each other. We need to learn how to read their body language in order to understand what they are trying to communicate. Observe the positioning of the following in each of the photos you are about to see: Tail Eyes Ears Mouth Body Posture Listen to Vocalizations (barking, growling, whining) For each photo, we utilize “human language” in quotes to help you better understand the situation. When we observe or communicate body language, we will use objective language to accurately describe what we are seeing. #1. What observations can you make? Use objective language describing what you see. Click below to view our observations. “Let’s Play!” This dog is communicating that they are not a threat and are interested in play behavior. Front legs are resting on the ground with hind end raised. Eyes, ears, tail, and mouth are in a relaxed position. #1 - More examples Dogs are social animals and can communicate with each other and even teach each other. #2. What observations can you make? Use objective language describing what you see. “What did you say?” Dogs tilt their heads to hear us better. They do this to further identify where a sound is coming from. The dog is communicating curiosity with a particular sound or situation. It is also important to be aware that tilting of the head is a potential sign of head trauma. Please consult the veterinary staff if head trauma is a concern. The head tilt is something we like to see in our photo sessions with the pets at the shelter as it is an endearing pose and shows curiosity. #3. What observations can you make? Use objective language describing what you see. This dog is trying to calm his surroundings or deflect a threat (calming signal). The dog yawn is a sign of anxiety or stress. Dog physically yawns (opens mouth wide and closes mouth) The sight of teeth does not always mean the dog is about to bite. But remember, during a yawn the dog is communicating that they feel threatened and anxious and are attempting to offer calming signals to diffuse the situation. Use caution and attempt to decrease or alleviate the threat or anxiety by changing the environment or situation. #4. What observations can you make? Use objective language describing what you see. #4 The Lip Lick “I’m hungry” or “I need some space” If you’re holding a treat, this dog may be anticipating and hungry (or licking food off of his nose!) Otherwise this dog is communicating that he may be anxious, stressed, and needs some space. The lip lick can happen very quickly. Be observant. What else can you see in these photos? So if the lip lick means the dog is anxious, stressed, or requires space, is this a safe situation with what we see objectively in the dog’s body language? Why? #5. What observations can you make? Use objective language describing what you see. Click below to view our observations. #5 The Whale Eye “I’m uncomfortable; back off!” “Whale eye” is a term used when a dog averts its head slightly and you can see the whites of its eyes. It is communicating anxiety, stress, or arousal. Use caution. What added safety concerns exist if toys or food are involved with a dog exhibiting whale eye? #6. What observations can you make? Use objective language describing what you see. Click below to view our observations. #6 The Growl “Stop! I don’t like this!” Growls, like the one pictured, may be symbolized by bare teeth and the growling sound. A dog uses the growl as a warning sign to stop the action you are doing. If the action does not stop, the next step may be to bite or lunge. Lighter toned growls without bared teeth may mean the dog wants something or may be in pain. Always use caution when you are near a growling dog! If growling is heard in each of these situations, what could we change in the environment or what could we do differently next time to avoid or change this situation? #7. What observations can you make? Use objective language describing what you see. Click below to view our observations. #7 The Tail Wag “I’m happy and content.” If a dog is wagging its tail and the rest of his body is loose or is moving along with the wagging, you are dealing with a dog that is comfortable with their surroundings and situation. More about the dog's tail... #8. What observations can you make? Use objective language describing what you see. Click below to view our observations. #8 The Body Shake “I’m wet!” or “Let’s start over.” May be used for dogs to dry off. If the dog is not wet, they often do the body shake when they are trying to relieve tension or show that they are moving on to a different activity. It is like a doggy reset button. It’s important to note what occurred immediately before a shake off. This will help us gain more information on the animal and what they consider tense or stressful. Note the positions of the mouth, ears, back of neck, legs and tail. The label after each describes what the combination of body part positions generally indicates. The mouth - slightly open The ears - back against the head Hackles - raised Tail - straight and slightly up Back legs - set Unknown - vocalizations Conclusion - safe to approach or not? Alert dog (subjective). Mouth - slightly open, showing some teeth Ears, back against head Hackles - raised Legs - all four legs set Tail - tucked under Safe to approach? Playful dog. Relaxed dog Objective observations: Tail is low, ears are in normal position, mouth is open, stance is not tense. Subjective observations: The dog is relaxed and comfortable. Submissive dog Very fearful dog Knowledge check. Choose only the best answer to each question.1. Dog bites often occur because people are unable to read a dog’s warning signals.choose onefalsetrue2. It is not important that all the people involved in a dog’s care have a consistent way to describe and record behavior accurately in order to keep their care consistent and their behavior moving in a positive direction.choose onefalsetrue3. Any observable or measurable act or response is called...A. a change B. a behavior C. a stimulus D. none of the abovechoose the best answerABCD4. Which type of description or observation is more useful in deciding how to deal with dog behavior?A. any observation B. subjective observations C. objective observations D. invictive observationschoose the best answerA.B.C.D.5. Which of the following is an example of an objective observation?A. Expressing facts or conditions without personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations. B. Using our thoughts and feelings to explain the dog’s state of being. C. both of the above D. none of the above choose the best answerA.B.C.D.6. Choose the statement below that is objective.A. The animal is scared. B. The animal had his tail tucked under, ears back and was slumped in the corner. C. This dog is messed up! D. none of the abovechoose the best answerA.B.C.D.7. You see a dog whose front legs are resting on the ground with hind end raised. Eyes, ears, tail, and mouth are in a relaxed position. What behavior will generally follow this display?A. will attack B. wants to be alone C. wants to play D. none of the abovechoose the best answerA.B.C.D.8a. What is this dog communicating through this body posture?A. I am scared - get me out of here!B. I am curious.C. I am hungryD. I am sillychoose the best answerA.B.C.D.8b. What type of language is used in the possible answers presented above?choose oneobjectivesubjective9. A dog yawning may be a sign ofA. stress B. anxiety C. both of the above D. none of the abovechoose the best answerA.B.C.D.10. The lip lick may well be an indicator that the dog is hungry.choose onefalsetrue 11. The look below is called ... A. the stink eye B. the whale eye C. the skunk eye D. none of the abovechoose the best answerA.B.C.D.12. What might the look in question #11 mean?A. anxiety B. stress C. both of the above D. none of the abovechoose the best answerA.B.C.D.13a. A growling dog always indicates that the dog is angry.choose onefalsetrue13b. If a dog is wagging its tail and the rest of his body is loose or is moving along with the wagging, you are most likely dealing with a dog...A. that is comfortable with their surroundings and situation. B. that is concerned about what is going on around it. C. that may be dangerous. D. none of the abovechoose the best answerA.B.C.D.14. The above answer selections are all written in an objective style, as should all official reports on pet behavior at the shelter.choose onefalsetrue15. Why might this dog be shaking? A. The dog is wet B. The dog is trying to relieve tension. C. The dog is "resetting". D. All of the above E. none of the abovechoose the best answerA.B.C.D.E. 16. What do you observe about this dog? A. tail straight B. body stiff C. lips curled D. all of the above E. none of the above choose the best answerA.B.C.D.E.17. Choose the objective descriptor(s) for this dog. A. ears back B. tail tucked C. tongue out D. head bowed E. all of the abovechoose the best answerA.B.C.D.E.18. The sight of a dog's teeth means that the dog will certainly bite.choose onefalsetrue19. Which of the following observations would be more helpful in diagnosing a dog's issues.A. Sparky greets me at the cage by sitting quietly and waiting until I open the door. He walks well on the leash and follows simple. commands. B. Good dog - lots of laughs. C. Nice dog. D. Stupid dog.choose the best answerA.B.C.D.20. You should exercise caution around a yawning dog.choose onefalsetrueTotal % correctNameThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
