Since dogs can’t talk, it’s on their owners to understand the subtleties in their body, personalities, and vocalizations to meet their needs. But how do dogs get their point across?
Obviously, dogs can’t talk, but that doesn’t mean they don’t verbalize their feelings. Vocalizations in dogs, such as excessive barking, whining, and growling, are some forms of communication from your pooch. Does your dog whine when you forget something? Or growl at shadowy figures at night? He just might be trying to tell you something!
Decoding Dog Barks Means Understanding Your Dog
Dog breeds have different barking patterns. Some dog breeds may bark more than others. Barking is also the most common verbal sound that dogs make. Different dog barks mean different things. Thus, it is important for you to differentiate your dog’s barks. Telling what your dog needs through barking may be difficult if you do not know him well enough. But, one can tell what a dog wants to say by combining the bark with other cues, such as tail wagging and assessing the situation.
A Dog May Whine When It Wants Something
Dogs whine whenever they want something. If a dog stands at the door and whines, it means it wants to go outside. A hungry pup may whine in front of a food bowl, or it may whine beside you while you eat. Whining may also indicate fear and separation anxiety. Your dog’s breed, personality, and reaction to certain triggers will inform why they’re whining. Contrary to popular belief, whining is not the same as crying. A dog may whine from excitement, overstimulation, or just boredom.
Growling Indicates Uncertainty or Aggression
We already know that nothing good comes from growling. A dog that growls is showing feelings of fear, resentment, and possessiveness. It may also mean that the canine is experiencing pain or warning you of impending danger. It’s important to know the signs of aggression in your dog, so you can work to curb the behavior. Keep in mind that some dog breeds growl more than others to communicate unease. For instance, Shiba Inus are known to growl more than Greyhounds. Yet, this Japanese dog breed is more vocal in general.
Dogs (and Wolves) Howl for Many Reasons
Being a descendant of wolves, dogs howl. Howling is part of a canine’s instinct, though some dog breeds may not howl as much. A dog may howl to mark its territory or get your attention. Howling is also a response to high-pitched sounds, such as sirens, or another way to communicate with other dogs. Some dogs also howl when in pain. This type of howling, however, is different from other howling sounds. It’s one of those things you just have to hear to understand.
Deciphering Your Dog’s Body Language
The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes that understanding your dog’s body language equates to responsible pet ownership. Here’s what to know:
A Playful Dog Has Tail and Ears Up
A dog in a playful mood usually has its tail and ears up with its mouth open. It will also assume a bent posture by bending its forepaws as if readying itself to run and play. A playful bark further accompanies this physical body language.
A Stiff Body Means a Dog Is Alert
An alert dog is so focused on its target, its entire body goes stiff. Upon spotting something, like a rabbit or another small animal, a dog may even “point”. This is where it lifts its paw, and the tail stands straight out. This body language is especially common in pointer dog breeds, as it would help hunters pinpoint prey.
A Natural Tail Means Contentment
You can distinguish a dog in a relaxed stance when it has a calm demeanor. The dog often keeps its tail down and relaxed. It also has a loose stance with its weight equally distributed on all paws. The dog may hold its head high in a neutral position with ears up but not forward. Additionally, the tongue may be exposed in a slightly open mouth.
Raised Hackles Means a Dog Feels Threatened
Aggressive dogs are harmful to humans, other animals, and their surroundings. A raised, bristled, and stiff tail with stiff legs shows aggression. The dog’s body and ears slightly lean forward, while the forehead and nose wrinkle. Another tell-tale sign of impending aggression is bared teeth.
Down Ears and Tail Mean a Dog’s Scared
You must be cautious of a fearful dog because the fear can easily turn into a defensive-aggressive mode, leading to an attack. When a dog is scared, the body is usually lowered, and the tail is tucked in. A dog’s ears lean backward while the nose becomes wrinkled. Additionally, the pupils may dilate.
Takeaways About Dog Communication
Knowing how a dog communicates is vital to all pet parents. Dog language tells us many things about our beloved canines. It gives us the ability to understand our pooches promoting a better relationship with them. Proper communication between dogs and their humans increases quality bonding moments.
