Page 321 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

TR AINING Y OUR DOG 321

Reading a dog’s body language
Being able to interpret your dog’s body language means you
will have a clearer idea of what he is feeling. You cannot
train a dog effectively until you have learned to read the
signs that tell you when he is happy or when he is scared.
When dogs are stressed, it is impossible for them to
concentrate on learning. If your dog is not responding well to
training, it is important to stop the session right away and
try to analyze what is wrong.
A relaxed dog shows no signs of tension and will hold
his tail roughly level with his back and gently swinging. The
ears will most likely be forward and the expression calm. A
frightened or anxious dog tucks his tail in between his back
legs and pulls his ears back. You may also notice that the
dog is tensing his body or cowering. Other signs of fear or
anxiety include excessive panting, pacing, or a sudden
disinterest in food. A scared dog needs help to work through
his worries and should never be punished, as this will only
increase his anxiety.
You can also learn a lot about canine body language by
observing what happens when your dog meets another.
If your dog raises his hackles along his back and carries his
tail straight up in the air, it means that he is worried and is
trying to make himself appear as large as possible. This body RELAXED DOG
language normally changes as the dogs exchange greetings A happy, confident dog will move in a relaxed manner. Any sign of
and, if the other dog is friendly, the initial tension passes. tension, evident in a stiffening of the body, is a warning that he feels
uncomfortable. Pay attention to his tail carriage. A tail held erect may
However, raised hackles may also be the prelude to trouble suggest overexcitement or aggression, while a tucked-under tail
if both dogs decide they do not like one another. suggests fear and anxiety.

YAWNING LICKING NOSE TURNING HEAD AWAY
Dogs have many subtle ways of showing A dog that repeatedly licks his nose or Dogs sometimes indicate unease by turning
that they are feeling anxious or afraid. Signs lips, even though there is no tempting food their head or whole body away to break eye
include yawning or acting sleepy when the nearby, may be trying to communicate fear, contact and distance themselves from what
dog has no reason to be tired. anxiety, or stress. they perceive as a threat.

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