Understanding your dog’s behavior is key to having a healthy, happy relationship with them. Dogs are complex creatures and even if you think you know what they want, there could be underlying factors at play that may not be obvious without taking the time to get to know them better. Here we will discuss some of the common behaviors and signals dogs use to communicate with us as well as ways to decode what these behaviors might mean.
One of the most common canine behaviors is barking. Barking can indicate a variety of emotions from excitement or alarm to attention-seeking or boredom. To decode barks, take into account the context in which it is happening as well as any vocalizations that accompany it such as growling or whining. For example, an excited bark when greeting someone versus an alarmed bark when spotting a stranger are easily distinguishable and should be responded to differently.
Another indication of how your pup feels is their body language – things like their posture, tail position, ears, eyes and mouth can all tell us something about how they’re feeling and what they’re trying to communicate. A wagging tail generally indicates happiness while a tucked tail can signal fear or anxiety. Similarly raised hackles (fur along their neck/back), stiff legs and dilated pupils signify arousal whereas relaxed shoulders/ears show contentment.
Finally, scent marking is a way for dogs to communicate information regarding identity and status with other animals in the vicinity (especially of the same species!). Urine marking in particular usually serves as a warning sign from higher ranking members of the pack stating boundaries not meant to be breached –so make sure you keep your distance if you spot this behavior!
By understanding these signs we can begin to build better relationships with our four-legged friends by providing appropriate responses that reinforce good behaviour –which ultimately strengthens our bond! So take time today to observe your pup –you may find out something new about your best buddy!
