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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
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
How confident do you currently feel in decoding what your dog is communicating with you?
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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:
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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.
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Stress Indicator: It’s a calming signal, meaning the dog is trying to calm itself or de-escalate a potentially stressful situation.
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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.
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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.
Displacement Scratching
Key Characteristics of Displacement Scratching:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Still Working below the line....
Sweaty Paws
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.