Training Dogs – Myth Two

You and your dog both need to speak and understand “dog language”

Wrong

There are times when you will need to understand why your dog is whining, or barking, e.g. you need to understand if it’s whining simply because it has missed you, or because it has no water and desperately needs a drink.

You need to determine if it is barking because it is just fed up and wants a bit of attention or because it’s trying to tell you there is someone currently in the process of breaking in through an upstairs window. What you don’t need to do is start barking, growling or whining in order to communicate with your dog.

Now we understand that there is no truth in this particular myth, let’s take a look at the various ways your dog will communicate with you, and which will help you understand it.

Using His Tail to Tell You His Mood:  With its bottom in the air and its tail wagging, your dog is probably trying to let you know that it would love to play with you and have some fun. If his tail is right between his back legs, going under his tummy it probably means that he is scared of something or somebody, and if this is the case, you should do your best to find out what is worrying him.

Tail Wagging: Not always an indication of a dog being happy and playful. It can also mean he is feeling aggressive. Depending on how he is wagging his tail, will help you determine his mood. If his tail is held up high and wagging rapidly, this could indicate that he is feeling aggressive.

Hackles Raised: This is an aggressive stance and indicates that your dog is frightened or is ready to fight whatever has caused this reaction in him.

Rolling Over: In dog terms this is normally a submissive sign that occurs when your dog is amongst other dogs or humans. It can also mean they just want their tummy rubbing!

Other communicating signs from your dog to watch out for include sniffing, crouching, position of ears, eyes wide open or narrowed.