Humans often rely on verbal communication, but to truly understand our dogs, we must learn to interpret their nonverbal cues. Dogs communicate their thoughts and emotions through body language, and it’s our responsibility to listen and respond appropriately. By paying closer attention to these signals, we can better address their needs and foster stronger, healthier relationships with our canine companions.
Dogs are sentient beings with complex thoughts and emotions, much like humans. They experience anxiety, jealousy, joy and fear. By observing our dog’s body language and behavior with curiosity, we can gain significant insight into their feelings in various situations. A dog’s ears, tail, fur, eyes and mouth all tell us if they are relaxed or on alert. If we are paying attention, we can often see the signs of a tense situation, before it happens.
A reactive dog that is lunging and barking isn’t being bad without reason; they are responding to their feelings. Their brain signals that they are in a threatening situation, triggering a fight, flee or freeze response. They might feel threatened by another dog or perceive danger to their owner. This heightened fear and anxiety cause their intense reaction. As their guardians, it is our responsibility to help them understand the situation and feel more secure. Dedicating time to building your dog’s confidence will help them better control their impulses, strengthen your bond and reduce reactivity. Positive reinforcement, rather than punishment, fosters a relationship founded in respect and results in a more confident and relaxed companion.
Other common and unwanted behaviors in dogs also convey important information. A dog who becomes destructive when left alone is clearly expressing that they are upset, anxious or understimulated. They self-soothe through destructive actions as best as they know how. To address this, start by leaving your dog alone for just five minutes, gradually increasing the duration. Each time you return, reassure your dog that you will always come back. Ensure your dog gets enough exercise, a bored dog with pent-up energy will be destructive. Mental stimulation can be as effective as physical exercise; leave your dog a puzzle toy or a kong with their favorite treat inside, which they only get when you leave. This way, your departure becomes associated with a positive experience. Additionally, remain calm when you return, avoiding making a big deal of your arrival. This helps your dog manage their emotions and stay calm rather than feeding into their heightened feelings. Always give more attention to the desired behavior – the calm – and less attention to the heightened, unwanted, behaviors.
Every dog is an individual, and it is up to us to “listen” to what they are telling us. Approach unwanted behaviors with a problem-solving mindset and compassion, rather than frustration or punishment. Resources like pranaDOGS.org offer valuable guidance on positive reinforcement techniques and managing reactive dogs. Durango Family Dog Training (Puppy Ph.D.) is also an excellent resource for learning how to train your dog positively. By understanding and responding to our dogs’ nonverbal cues, we can foster stronger, healthier relationships with our canine companions.
Colleen Dunning is development manager at La Plata County Humane Society.
