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1 minute long - Why you wanna learn DBL....common problems that can be fixed through a better understanding of dog body language.
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DoggyLingo:
Understand. Connect. Bond.
This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of dog body language, enabling participants to interpret and respond appropriately to canine behaviors. Through a blend of theory and practical examples, participants will gain insights into the nuanced ways dogs communicate their emotions, intentions, and needs through their body postures, facial expressions, and vocalizations.
Why bother to learn about
Dog Body Langauge?
Dogs primarily communicate through body language. By understanding their signals, you can better comprehend their emotions, intentions, and needs. This improves your ability to interact effectively with them, enhancing communication and building trust.
Meet Your Instructors
Masina Kakese & Q
Vancouver, BC
Owner - Q&A Dog Training
Emily Challis & Dozo
Vail, CO
Owner - Curipawsity Dog Training
Hi, I'm Masina Kakese, a certified professional dog trainer and human coach specializing in working with dogs with Big Feelings in Vancouver, Canada. If there’s one thing I’m passionate about educating others on, it’s understanding dog body language. Dogs are constantly communicating with us and with each other through signals, some subtle and some not so subtle. We expect dogs to learn our language, so it’s only fair that we learn theirs. By understanding their body language, we can build a stronger bond with our besties and set them up for success. I hope this course gives you the skills to decode their signals and deepen the connection you have with your dog. Knowledge is key! – Masina
Hello! I'm Emily Challis a multi-certified dog trainer from Vail, CO. I am so excited to share my knowledge of dog body language with you all! Understanding how dogs communicate has been a game-changer for me in my business and my relationship with my dog, Dozo. I hope everyone can have a relationship with their dog like I do with Dozo, something that is only possible through learning to understand their communications and allow them to have preferences. Friendship with a dog is one of life's greatest gifts and I hope that you are able to open up another level of connection with your dog using the skills you learn in this course. Happy learning! - Emily
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Section 1: Dog Body Language
In this section you will learn how to spot the many different signals dogs may display when they are starting to feel stressed. You will be learning about DBL including: calming signals, facial expressions, body posturing, physiological responses, and some vocalizations. This knowledge will aid you in making effective decisions for your dog based on their signals and the signals of other dogs you encounter.
Familiarize yourself with the Stress Escalation Ladder originated by renowned Norwegian dog trainer, Turid Rugaas.
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*present all behaviors by category rather than at once. Show Full ladder of escalation at END of sections (Accordion)
Info: Displacement Behaviors
Presentation: Accordion
Displacement Sniffing
Key Characteristics of Displacement Sniffing:
Contextual Behavior: Displacement sniffing usually happens in situations where a dog feels some form of stress or social pressure. For example, if two dogs are meeting and one feels uneasy, it may start sniffing the ground as a way to avoid direct confrontation.
Stress Indicator: It’s a calming signal, meaning the dog is trying to calm itself or de-escalate a potentially stressful situation.
Temporary Distraction: The dog may use sniffing as a way to momentarily distract itself or others from the situation, almost as if taking a brief mental break.
Avoidance: This behavior can also indicate that the dog is trying to avoid eye contact or a direct response, signaling that it doesn’t want to engage in whatever is happening at that moment.
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Explain Video*
Displacement Scratching
Key Characteristics of Displacement Scratching:
Contextual Behavior: Displacement scratching usually occurs in situations where a dog feels uneasy, uncertain, or socially pressured. For example, a dog might scratch itself when faced with a difficult decision or when confronted by another dog or person in a way that causes discomfort.
Stress Indicator: Scratching in this context is not necessarily related to an itch or skin irritation but is instead a physical manifestation of the dog's inner emotional state. It serves as a way to release nervous energy.
Avoidance: Displacement scratching can also act as a way for the dog to avoid engaging directly with whatever is causing its stress. It’s a way for the dog to momentarily distract itself from the situation.
Incongruent Timing: The scratching often occurs at odd or unexpected times—like during a training session when the dog is unsure of what is being asked, or during an interaction with another dog where there’s a social tension.
Info: Calming Signals
Presentation: Tabs
Yawning
Key Characteristics of Yawning as a Calming Signal:
Stress Indicator: When a dog yawns in a stressful or tense situation, it’s often a sign that they are trying to calm themselves down or diffuse the tension around them. For example, a dog might yawn during a visit to the vet, when meeting new people or dogs, or in an unfamiliar environment.
Social Communication: Yawning can be used by a dog to communicate to others (both dogs and humans) that they are feeling uneasy and wish to avoid conflict. It’s a non-threatening way of saying, “let’s stay calm.”
Self-Soothing Behavior: Yawning helps the dog to manage their stress levels by engaging in a simple, repetitive action that can help them feel more in control of their emotions. It’s a self-soothing mechanism.
Incongruent Timing: Similar to other displacement behaviors, yawning as a calming signal often occurs at times when the dog is not tired. This out-of-context yawning is what differentiates it from a regular yawn due to sleepiness.
Lip Licking
Key Characteristics of Lip Licking as a Calming Signal:
Stress Indicator: Lip licking frequently occurs when a dog is feeling uneasy, stressed, or unsure about a situation. For example, a dog might lick its lips when faced with an unfamiliar person, during a vet visit, or when confronted by another dog in a tense situation.
Social Communication: Lip licking is often used by dogs to communicate to others (both humans and other dogs) that they are not a threat and are trying to avoid conflict. It’s a non-aggressive way of expressing discomfort or uncertainty.
Self-Soothing Behavior: Similar to other calming signals, lip licking helps the dog to manage their emotional state. It’s a small, repetitive action that can help the dog feel more in control and calm in stressful situations.
Incongruent Timing: When lip licking occurs outside of obvious contexts like eating or drinking, especially in situations where the dog might feel threatened or uneasy, it’s likely being used as a calming signal.
Looking Away
Key Characteristics of Looking Away as a Calming Signal:
Stress Indicator: Dogs often look away when they feel uneasy, overwhelmed, or unsure about a situation. This could happen during interactions with unfamiliar people or dogs, during a tense moment, and often is seen when we try and take photographs of our dog.
Avoidance Behavior: By looking away, the dog is trying to avoid direct eye contact, which can be perceived as confrontational or threatening in canine communication. It’s their way of saying, “I don’t want to engage in conflict.”
De-escalation: Looking away is a way for dogs to de-escalate a situation. They use this signal to calm themselves and to communicate to others that they want to avoid further stress or tension.
Non-threatening Communication: This behavior is a clear sign that the dog is trying to be non-threatening and is often accompanied by other calming signals like lip licking, yawning, or lowering their body posture.
Contextual Behavior: Dogs may look away during moments of social tension, such as when being approached too quickly, when they feel crowded, or when they are being introduced to something unfamiliar or intimidating.
Turning/Pulling Away
Key Characteristics of Turning/Pulling Away:
Avoidance Behavior: When a dog turns or pulls away, it’s actively trying to remove itself from a situation that feels threatening, overwhelming, or uncomfortable. This can include turning their head sharply to one side, pivoting their body away, or physically moving away from the source of their discomfort.
Stress and Anxiety Indicator: This behavior is often seen in situations where the dog feels cornered, threatened, or uncertain. For example, a dog might pull away when a stranger reaches out to pet them, during a stressful grooming session, or when approached too quickly by another dog.
Non-Confrontational Communication: By turning or pulling away, the dog is signaling that it does not want to engage and is not looking for confrontation. It’s a way for the dog to de-escalate potential tension and create distance.
Body Language Accompaniment: This behavior is often accompanied by other signs of stress or discomfort, such as a lowered tail, flattened ears, lip licking, or yawning. The entire body language of the dog typically indicates a desire to retreat or avoid the situation.
Intensity Levels: The intensity of the turn or pull away can vary. A subtle head turn might indicate mild discomfort, while a full-body pull away or retreat suggests a higher level of stress or fear.
Moving Slowly
Key Characteristics of Moving Slowly:
Calming Signal: When a dog moves slowly, it’s often a deliberate action meant to convey calmness and non-aggression. The dog is signaling that it doesn’t want to provoke or escalate any tension in the situation.
Stress Management: Dogs may move slowly when they feel uncertain or anxious about their surroundings or interactions. For example, a dog might approach another dog or person slowly to avoid appearing threatening.
Non-Confrontational Communication: Moving slowly is a way for dogs to communicate that they are not a threat and are trying to avoid any confrontation. It’s a sign of submission and an attempt to soothe themselves or others around them.
Avoiding Tension: In situations where a dog senses potential conflict, such as during introductions to unfamiliar dogs or people, moving slowly can help de-escalate the situation. This behavior can help prevent the other dog or person from feeling threatened or anxious.
Context-Dependent: Dogs may move slowly in a variety of contexts, such as when they are unsure about approaching something new, when they feel overwhelmed, or when they are trying to assess a situation before fully engaging.
Blinking
Key Characteristics of Blinking as a Calming Signal:
Stress Reduction: When a dog blinks slowly or repeatedly in a situation where they might feel anxious or unsure, it’s often a sign that they are trying to calm themselves down. Blinking helps the dog to relax and manage their emotions.
Non-Threatening Communication: Blinking is a way for dogs to signal that they are not a threat. By softening their gaze with slow blinks, dogs communicate that they have no aggressive intentions and wish to avoid conflict.
Soothing Behavior: Blinking can be self-soothing for dogs. It’s a way to break direct eye contact, which can be perceived as confrontational in the animal world, without turning away completely. This helps maintain a calm interaction.
Combined with Other Signals: Blinking is often seen alongside other calming signals, such as looking away, lip licking, or moving slowly. Together, these behaviors indicate that the dog is trying to create a peaceful environment or de-escalate a potentially stressful situation.
Contextual Use: Blinking as a calming signal is context-dependent. Dogs might blink slowly when being approached by an unfamiliar person or animal, during a stressful situation like a vet visit, or when they are unsure about a command or situation.
Info: Stress Reactions
Presentation: Accordion?
Panting
Key Characteristics of Panting:
Temperature Regulation: The primary reason dogs pant is to cool themselves down. Since dogs don’t sweat like humans do, they rely on panting to evaporate moisture from their tongue and respiratory system, which helps to lower their body temperature. This type of panting typically occurs after exercise, in hot weather, or when a dog is in a warm environment.
Stress and Anxiety Indicator: Panting can also be a sign of stress, anxiety, or fear. In situations where a dog feels uneasy—such as during a vet visit, a thunderstorm, or when exposed to new environments—panting may become more pronounced. This stress-related panting is often faster and more shallow compared to normal cooling panting.
Excitement or Anticipation: Dogs may also pant when they are excited or anticipating something enjoyable, such as going for a walk, playing, or greeting their owner. This type of panting is usually accompanied by other signs of excitement, like a wagging tail and energetic behavior.
Pain or Discomfort: Panting can indicate that a dog is in pain or experiencing discomfort. Dogs may pant more than usual if they are injured, sick, or feeling unwell. If panting is excessive and doesn’t seem related to heat or exercise, it could be a sign that something is wrong, and a vet should be consulted.
Age and Breed Considerations: Some breeds, especially those with short noses (brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs), are more prone to panting due to their respiratory structure. Older dogs may also pant more frequently, sometimes due to underlying health issues like heart disease or respiratory conditions.
Dilated Pupils
Key Characteristics of Dilated Pupils:
Response to Light: One of the most common reasons for pupil dilation is a response to low light conditions. Just like in humans, a dog’s pupils will dilate in dim lighting to allow more light to enter the eye, improving their ability to see.
Arousal and Excitement: Dogs’ pupils may dilate when they are excited, curious, or highly aroused. This can happen when they’re playing, spotting something interesting, or engaging in a favorite activity like fetching a ball. The excitement increases adrenaline levels, which in turn causes the pupils to widen.
Stress or Fear: Dilated pupils are also a clear sign of stress, fear, or anxiety. When a dog feels threatened or scared, their pupils may dilate as part of the "fight or flight" response. This physiological reaction is designed to help the dog take in more visual information and prepare for quick action.
Aggression: In situations where a dog is feeling aggressive or defensive, their pupils may dilate as they prepare to respond to a perceived threat. This type of dilation is often accompanied by other signs of aggression, such as growling, stiff body posture, or baring teeth.
Pain or Discomfort: Dilated pupils can also indicate that a dog is in pain or experiencing discomfort. This could be due to injury, illness, or an underlying medical condition. If you notice dilated pupils along with other symptoms like whining, limping, or changes in behavior, it’s important to consult a veterinarian.
Drug Reactions or Medical Conditions: Certain medications or medical conditions can cause pupil dilation in dogs. For example, medications that affect the nervous system or certain eye conditions can lead to changes in pupil size. If dilation seems unusual or persistent, it’s advisable to seek veterinary advice.
Dry Shake Off
Key Characteristics of a Dry Shake-Off:
Stress Relief: One of the primary reasons dogs perform a dry shake-off is to relieve stress or tension. This behavior often occurs after a situation that was overwhelming, stressful, or uncomfortable, such as after a vet visit, meeting a new dog, or hearing a loud noise. The shake-off helps the dog reset and release built-up energy or anxiety.
End of an Interaction: A dry shake-off can also signal that a dog is trying to end an interaction or move on from a particular moment. For example, after a slightly tense encounter with another dog or after being handled, a dog might shake off as a way of saying, “That’s over now, and I’m ready to move on.”
Physical Reset: Beyond emotional reasons, a dry shake-off also serves as a physical reset. It helps dogs realign their fur, redistribute natural oils across their skin, and remove any debris that might be clinging to their coat. It’s a quick way to get their body back in balance.
Social Cue: In a social context, a dry shake-off can be a way for a dog to communicate with other dogs or people. It’s often seen after play sessions, where the shake-off indicates that the dog is taking a break or signaling that they are done with the rough-and-tumble play.
Transition Behavior: Dogs often perform a dry shake-off when they transition from one activity to another. For example, a dog might shake off after waking up from a nap, after a grooming session, or after getting out of the car following a ride. It’s a way to shift gears mentally and physically.
Sweaty Paws
Key Characteristics of Sweaty Paws:
Temperature Regulation: Dogs have sweat glands located in their paw pads, which help with minor temperature regulation. On hot days or after vigorous exercise, a dog’s paws may become slightly sweaty as their body tries to cool down. However, this is not their primary method of cooling, which is why it’s often less noticeable than panting.
Stress or Anxiety: One of the most common causes of sweaty paws is stress or anxiety. When a dog is nervous, scared, or stressed, their autonomic nervous system is activated, leading to increased moisture in their paw pads. This can happen in situations such as vet visits, car rides, thunderstorms, or meeting new people or animals.
Excitement: In some cases, dogs might also have sweaty paws when they are excited. For example, when anticipating a walk, playing, or greeting a favorite person, the adrenaline rush can lead to temporary sweating in the paws.
Fear Responses: In situations where a dog feels threatened or afraid, such as during a loud noise or an unfamiliar environment, their paws might sweat as part of the "fight or flight" response. This can be a subtle sign of fear that may accompany other behaviors like trembling, hiding, or trying to escape.
Physical Evidence: You might notice your dog’s sweaty paws if they leave damp footprints on a hard surface, such as tile or hardwood floors. Additionally, if you touch their paws in stressful situations, you might feel the moisture.
Shaking/Trembling
Key Characteristics of Shaking and Trembling:
Cold or Chilling: One of the most common reasons dogs shake or tremble is due to cold temperatures. Just like humans, dogs can shiver when they are cold as their bodies attempt to generate heat. This type of shaking is usually temporary and stops once the dog is warmed up.
Fear or Anxiety: Shaking and trembling are often signs of fear or anxiety. Dogs may exhibit these behaviors in response to stressful situations such as thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, or unfamiliar environments. This kind of shaking is usually accompanied by other signs of stress, such as panting, pacing, whining, or a tucked tail.
Excitement or Anticipation: Dogs may also tremble when they are excited or highly stimulated. For example, a dog might tremble in anticipation of going for a walk, seeing a favorite person, or playing with a beloved toy. This type of shaking is typically positive and occurs during moments of intense joy or excitement.
Pain or Discomfort: Trembling can be a sign that a dog is in pain or experiencing physical discomfort. This could be due to an injury, illness, or chronic condition such as arthritis. Dogs in pain may also show other symptoms like limping, vocalizing, reluctance to move, or changes in behavior.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause shaking or trembling in dogs. These can include neurological disorders, poisoning, kidney disease, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If shaking occurs frequently and without an obvious cause, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any serious health issues.
Old Age: Older dogs may tremble or shake more often due to a decline in muscle control, joint pain, or other age-related health issues. This type of trembling can be subtle and may occur more frequently when the dog is at rest.
Nausea or Gastrointestinal Issues: Dogs may tremble when they feel nauseous or have an upset stomach. This can be due to eating something that doesn’t agree with them, motion sickness, or a more serious gastrointestinal problem.
Whale Eyes
Key Characteristics of Whale Eyes:
Visible Whites of the Eyes: The most noticeable feature of whale eyes is the visibility of the whites of the eyes. This usually happens when the dog is looking sideways while keeping their head relatively still. The sclera becomes more prominent, especially on the side of the eye closest to what the dog is focusing on.
Tense Body Language: Whale eyes are often accompanied by other signs of tension or discomfort, such as a stiff body, raised hackles, a closed mouth, flattened ears, or a lowered tail. These signals indicate that the dog is not at ease with the current situation.
Sideways Glance: Dogs often give a sideways glance when displaying whale eyes, meaning they are watching something out of the corner of their eyes rather than facing it directly. This can be a way of keeping an eye on a perceived threat without fully engaging with it.
Fear or Anxiety: Whale eyes are typically a sign that a dog is feeling fearful, anxious, or defensive. The dog might be worried about something in its environment, such as another animal, a person, or an object that it finds intimidating.
Warning Signal: In some cases, whale eyes can be a precursor to more defensive or aggressive behavior. The dog might be communicating discomfort and warning that they could escalate to growling, snapping, or biting if the perceived threat does not back off.
Hackles
Key Characteristics of Hackles:
Location: Hackles are located along the dog’s neck, from the base of the skull down to the middle of the back. The fur in this area becomes noticeably raised, creating a ridge or line of bristled hair.
Emotional Response: Raised hackles are often a sign of heightened emotional arousal. This can include various states such as:
Fear: A dog may raise its hackles when it feels threatened or scared. It’s a defensive response aimed at making the dog appear larger and more intimidating to potential threats.
Aggression: Hackles can also be raised when a dog is feeling aggressive or confrontational. This behavior often accompanies other signs of aggression, such as growling, barking, or showing teeth.
Excitement: In some cases, hackles might be raised due to excitement or heightened interest, such as when a dog is playing or experiencing a strong stimulus.
Piloerection: The physical process of hackles raising is known as piloerection. This is an involuntary response controlled by the autonomic nervous system and is part of the dog’s instinctual behaviors.
Not Always a Threat: While raised hackles can indicate aggression or fear, they are not always a sign of a threat. Some dogs may have their hackles raised in response to excitement or curiosity, and it doesn’t necessarily mean they are about to act aggressively.
Info: Focus
Presentation: Whatever you think is best
Hard Stare
Key Characteristics of a Hard Stare:
Intense Eye Contact: The primary feature of a hard stare is the direct, unblinking, and sustained eye contact. The dog will focus intently on the target, often without moving or breaking the gaze.
Tense Facial Expression: During a hard stare, a dog’s facial muscles are typically tense. The eyes may appear slightly narrowed or wide, with the dog’s pupils potentially dilated, depending on the intensity of the situation.
Stiff Posture: The dog’s body is usually very still, often with a stiff or rigid posture. This lack of movement, combined with the focused gaze, creates a sense of tension and potential readiness to act.
Ears and Tail Position: The ears might be forward or slightly pinned back, depending on the dog’s level of alertness or aggression. The tail could be held high and rigid or may also be completely still, adding to the overall tension in the dog’s body language.
Accompanying Behaviors: A hard stare is often accompanied by other signs of aggression or defensiveness, such as growling, a low rumbling in the throat, a raised lip, or showing of teeth. However, the stare itself is usually the initial warning before these behaviors escalate.