Calming signals in dogs
A dog’s calming signals are all the gestures and facial expressions it uses to communicate with other dogs or with us. It is very useful to understand these signals in order to better understand your pet. They make it easier for you to understand what your dog is trying to tell you.
Understanding your dog’s body language
Understanding and analysing your dog’s body language is essential to better understand its behaviour and to create a better experience with it. Calming signals can help you anticipate aggressive or non-aggressive behaviour. Understanding your dog also means better respecting him and avoiding deviant behaviour when it is his only means of communication with you. Indeed, many aggressions are due to a lack of knowledge about the language of dogs. If the warning signals given by the dog are not understood in time, the dog may have no choice but to flee or attack in order to defend itself.
Knowing the different canine appeasement signals
In order to avoid unnecessary aggression, it is important to learn about the different appeasement signals in canine language. There are many such signals, but some are more common than others, and it is on these that you should concentrate.
The yawning dog
Contrary to what you might think, yawning is not a sign that dogs use to express their fatigue. In fact, when a dog turns its head away or yawns, it is showing you that it is tired of a situation.
It is a sign that he is tired or bored. Indeed, in a training session where you repeatedly ask your pet for commands, a yawn will mean that he is fed up and would like to do other things. You can also use yawning with your dog to let him know that you don’t want to do what you are doing and that you have had enough.
The dog turns its head
Turning the head is one of the most common appeasement signals used by dogs. When a dog feels uncomfortable, it can show this by turning its head. If your dog does this when you take a picture of him, he is probably telling you that this situation is making him feel uncomfortable. Similarly, if a dog or person approaches him too roughly, he may turn his head to express his displeasure and immediate discomfort.
If a dog feels threatened by your presence, you can use this signal yourself to show the animal that you are not trying to annoy it.
The dog moves away
If the dog walks away or wags its tail, it probably wants to show you that it is not looking for conflict and wants to cancel the response to the aggression. By walking away, it is showing you its passivity. Also, if the dog is uncomfortable with a situation where a child is petting it too roughly, it may move away to show that it does not like it.
The dog licks his lips / nose
This is one of the signals you have to know how to interpret. A dog that licks its nose or lips is a sign of discomfort. It is important to know how to spot it, even though it may seem rather difficult. If your dog licks his nose quickly and repeatedly, it means that he feels threatened and if you do not react, the next step is to bite, which is the only way for the dog to let you know that what you are doing is disturbing him.
The dog runs in circles
A dog that runs in circles is usually a bored dog. Indeed, if you notice this behaviour in your dog, it may be because he is not getting enough outings or is bored. In this case, to alleviate the situation, you can try taking her out more often or playing with her to limit her boredom.
The dog frowns
Squinting, turning away or frowning is a way for the dog to show its passivity. Indeed, it is a signal they often use in the presence of other dogs, accompanied by a movement of the head to show that they do not wish to be aggressive. In addition, you should avoid looking a dog in the eye as it may understand this as a threat. Similarly, if a dog makes eye contact with you, you can use this signal to indicate that you are not seeking conflict with him.
