Speak, Rover! What your dog’s trying to tell you

By Niro Rasanayagamhttp://media.newsadvance.com/newsadvance/images/uploads/L0226niro.Rasanayagam_.jpg
Published: July 7, 2008

Dogs are highly social creatures. Like humans, they use body language as a main form of communication to convey their needs and feelings.

Particularly, if you believe your dog has a behavioral issue, pay attention to his body language as he might be trying to tell you something. Understanding what he wants to convey is the first step to correcting his behavior.

While I’m no dog whisperer, I’ve learned a lot about my dogs simply by observing them and by working with our veterinarians and trainers. Here are some tips from the experts on canine body language and some common behavioral problems and how to correct them.

Tail postures
Tail wagging means excitement, usually in happiness, but not always. When a dog wags his tail along with his entire body, he’s happy and excited. However, if he wags only his tail in short, fast strokes and his body is alert, it’s usually a sign of fear or aggression. Dogs often do this when meeting other dogs for the first time because they are uncertain of the new dog. Also, dogs often do these short, fast strokes just before they dart or make a move towards whatever is causing their excitement, so be alert.

My dog, Elliott, has an endearing quality of peeling his ears back against his head when he sees anyone he loves. Perhaps yours does, too. It means your dog is glad to see you. However, if a dog’s ears are peeled back and his tail is tucked between his legs, the dog is afraid. A tucked tail means fear, and a fearful dog tends to be an unpredictable dog.

Licking
Many dogs, including mine, love to lick their human and animal companions as a sign of affection. While this is cute, incessant or continuous licking is usually a sign of dominance, so don’t encourage it.

Spinning and hyperactivity
If a dog has a habit of spinning in circles, it indicates stress or anxiety. If a dog is hyperactive, while it may be normal for her age and breed, it is a clear indication she needs more mental and physical activity.

Hyperactive dogs would benefit greatly from obedience training. Anxious or fearful dogs would also benefit greatly from obedience work because of the positive attention it brings them from their human companions — all of which help build their confidence and reduce fear.

Jumping
Never encourage a dog — even a puppy — to jump on you when she wants your attention. Only greet or pet the dog once she is calmly beside you with all four feet firmly on the ground, preferably in a sitting position. Most dogs that jump on their human friends do so as a sign of affection, but if the dog is also mounting or mouthing while jumping it is a sign of dominance.

Mounting and marking
A dog that persistently mounts other dogs and even humans is exerting his dominance. A dog in the habit of leg lifting or marking, particularly if it’s indoors, has not forgotten his housebreaking skills; he is exerting his dominance and saying he is the leader in no uncertain terms. Both mounting and marking are habits that can be fixed best by neutering the pet.

Growling
Dogs can growl in pleasure, especially when romping with their two- and four-legged friends; this is normal. But a deep belly growl, especially if accompanied by raised hackles along the spine, is a sign of warning and aggression. Never encourage tug-of-war games with dogs prone to this type of aggressive behavior.