Think you can you recognise a happy hound from a fearful fido?
Test your ‘Be Dog Safe’ knowledge with our quick quiz!
Test your ‘Be Dog Safe’ knowledge with our quick quiz!
People are often are told if their dog shows their belly, it’s a sign they want some attention/they trust you but this isn’t always true.
In this case, this little lady is showing that she’s uncomfortable by displaying the following:
- Tucked tail
- Stiff, tucked in forepaws
- Sidewards look
- Whites of her eyes on show
- Head tilted away
People are often are told if their dog shows their belly, it’s a sign they want some attention/they trust you but this isn’t always true.
In this case, this little lady is showing that she’s uncomfortable by displaying the following:
- Tucked tail
- Stiff, tucked in forepaws
- Sidewards look
- Whites of her eyes on show
- Head tilted away
Which of these dogs are enjoying their human interaction?
Sadly, none of them.
Their body language is the equivalent of most teenagers when their parents show affection in front of their friends – that ‘get off me mom’ uncomfortable look.
See how they all look stiff, have tension in their faces, are avoiding eye contact, looking away, panting, licking their lips (with no food present, that we can see).
Sadly, none of them.
Their body language is the equivalent of most teenagers when their parents show affection in front of their friends – that ‘get off me mom’ uncomfortable look.
See how they all look stiff, have tension in their faces, are avoiding eye contact, looking away, panting, licking their lips (with no food present, that we can see).
Which of these dogs would you pet?
As the saying goes “Let sleeping dogs lie” so the answer is none of them. Imagine the fright you’d get if you were asleep and somebody touched you!
As the saying goes “Let sleeping dogs lie” so the answer is none of them. Imagine the fright you’d get if you were asleep and somebody touched you!
What’s this little guy trying to tell us?
Like humans, dogs yawn when they’re tired but when they yawn out of context, it’s a sign they’re not very comfortable. We call this a stress yawn. It can mean they want to be left alone or want whatever’s happening at the time to slow down or calm down.
Like humans, dogs yawn when they’re tired but when they yawn out of context, it’s a sign they’re not very comfortable. We call this a stress yawn. It can mean they want to be left alone or want whatever’s happening at the time to slow down or calm down.
What would you do a dog growls at you?
If your own dog growls at you, please speak to an APDT or IMDT registered trainer for advice. Remember – if you punish your dog for growling, the next time, they may skip to a bite as you have taught them you do not want them to warn you!
If your own dog growls at you, please speak to an APDT or IMDT registered trainer for advice. Remember – if you punish your dog for growling, the next time, they may skip to a bite as you have taught them you do not want them to warn you!
Last Question! How do you say hello to a dog you don’t know?
Please ask the dog’s owner first if you can pet him/her then stay standing and allow the dog to approach you. There’s no need to stick your hand out for them to sniff (this can actually be intimidating to dogs). If they approach and seem interested, move your hand slowly and give them a rub on the side or chest, stop after a second or two and see if they lean in for more. If they choose to walk away, don’t be offended and give yourself a pat on the back for respecting the dog’s wishes!
Please ask the dog’s owner first if you can pet him/her then stay standing and allow the dog to approach you. There’s no need to stick your hand out for them to sniff (this can actually be intimidating to dogs). If they approach and seem interested, move your hand slowly and give them a rub on the side or chest, stop after a second or two and see if they lean in for more. If they choose to walk away, don’t be offended and give yourself a pat on the back for respecting the dog’s wishes!
