Why does a dog go to sleep right on top of its owner? Why dogs love to sleep with their owner: explanations from experienced breeders

Good owner the animal is often called not the “owner”, but the “parent”, because such people constantly monitor not only the physical, but also psychological health pet. In today's article, you will learn why your dog is constantly licking and swallowing.

People who are not very familiar with dogs and their behavior will not find it strange that a dog often licks and smacks its lips. Sometimes this is due to animal reflexes, and sometimes it can be a sign of stress or illness.

Intense salivation, provoked by behavioral or reflexive reasons, causes the dog to lick itself frequently. Some health problems also result in overactive mucous membranes.

The cause for concern is the constant nature of this habit, which distinguishes the manifestation of the simplest reflexes (hunger, thirst) from possible problem with health.

Video “What to do if your dog is stressed”

In this video you will learn how stress affects your dog and how to treat it.

Reasons for the appearance of the reflex

As is known, primary reflexes manifest themselves at an unconscious level. But without reasons, which, in turn, can provoke a reaction, there are no reflexes.

Hunger and thirst

Like a person, a dog is positively receptive to various tasty odors, only the animal’s sense of smell is many times stronger and more subtle. When an animal feels hungry, the mucous membranes begin to work more intensely, saliva is produced, and the nose becomes more moist. As a reflex, the dog will often swallow saliva and lick its nose to renew the moist coating, which helps enhance the sense of smell.

Causes of the symptom

If all of the above can be excluded, then this behavior may be a sign of a disease or mechanical damage.

Food allergies

The manifestation of allergies after a change in diet happens so often that it can be called a kind of anti-norm. A decrease in food quality or an unusual (for example, dietary) diet can be quite painful for your pet. Experienced breeders and dog breeders warn that a change in nutrition should be introduced gradually, over a period of time. certain period time.

If there is no time to gradually change the diet, you need to take care of the dog’s consumption. large quantity fluids and reducing stress. Put correct diagnosis the presence of itching, dermatitis, swelling of the mucous membranes and tearing will help. Often, due to itching, the pet licks its limbs so much that wounds and ulcers form.

How to fix the problem

If you don't know why your dog is constantly licking, consider everything possible reasons and exclude the unlikely ones. If you become ill, consult a specialist immediately. If possible, carefully examine your pet at home in order to take rescue measures (for example, in case of poisoning) immediately. If you have health problems, mechanical damage and stress can be eliminated, then try to solve behavioral problems by redirecting attention.

Every dog ​​owner needs to remember that his pet will always and everywhere try to take a higher status in the family and lead. Because it is an integral part of their natural needs to occupy a higher position. Because the last one in the flock may not have enough food, adequate shelter, a female for reproduction, etc. Therefore, dogs have instincts that push them to be taller in order to survive and produce their offspring.

Reaching out to the owner with its paws

Dogs understand and perceive leadership in their own way. And you can already notice this just by crossing the threshold of your home. The first sign of leadership that a dog imagines itself may be manifested in the way it greets you. If a dog rises up and puts two paws on a person, this is the first sign of greeting as a leader. This is the same as a person extending his hand to greet another person. Likewise, a dog places its front paws on a person to greet him. But this gesture hides much more meaning for the dog than it seems at first glance. She shows a desire to lead. " I want to be like you - tall and stand on two legs, to be equal to you!»

Nose to nose

Also, in order to say hello, dogs try to reach a person’s nose, since this is a typical gesture for dogs - to greet nose to nose, to sniff. But, since a person’s nose is quite high in relation to a dog, it stretches higher. What happens then? The dog shows that he is also tall and tries. The man allows her to do this. He may even randomly take a step back, move, and also pet the dog, thereby helping to reinforce the dog’s sign of leadership. " I am so strong that I was able to move a man from his place, and he praised me for it! He obeys me!“The dog gains confidence that it is allowed to do this and will continue to fight for leadership in the future, trying stronger methods.

The same gestures can be seen in a dog during a walk when it meets another dog. They begin to throw their paws at each other, push, roll around, and bite each other. And from the outside it looks like a fun game. In fact, they began to compete - which of them is more important. As a result, after a few minutes you will notice how the dog has become more active in the game, and the second one is noticeably losing to the first one.

Take it in your arms

If, during a greeting, a person picks up a dog that is jumping on him for joy, this is a big mistake and a strong reinforcement of the dog’s aspirations to be a leader. But you can’t ignore the dog either. You definitely need to pay attention to the dog. Need to find The right way greet the dog so as not to support or consolidate its imaginary leadership.

How to greet a dog correctly

We love to show each other signs of attention and respect, greet each other, wish Good morning. The dog also needs to give a few seconds of your attention and say hello to it. Often the problem with a very active dog behavior during a meeting is that the person thinks that it is not necessary to greet the dog. He goes to the refrigerator in the morning, and the dog suddenly starts jumping on him. She jumps not because she wants to eat, but precisely because she wants to say hello, she wants attention to herself, at least basic. Tell her " Hello" And she will fall behind and stop jumping. You need to understand that you need to communicate psychologically on equal terms with the dog that lives with you.

If the dog greets you very emotionally, your friends are at the door. This suggests that you initially trained her to exhibit this behavior and strongly reinforced it. You shouldn’t take her in your arms to celebrate, hug, kiss, sausage, turn over “ I love you, jump on me, lick me" It is with this behavior that you teach the dog to behave the same way with you. As a result, she will demand to greet her in the same way, squeak, bark. Because she will get used to this attention. And this activity is nothing more than signs of dominance.

Barking at the owner is a requirement! If a dog barks at its owner, this is also strong sign dominance. It's about specifically about yapping, and not rude barking (drives away, protects). Her yelping, subtle “woof” is: “Give me something to eat!” Why don't you let me out? I want a toy! Why don't you let me? Come obey me!”

You should initially accustom her to minimal manifestation emotions during greeting. On your part, it will be enough to pet the dog, hug, scratch behind the ear. Excessive display of emotions - this will next problem: demand, petition, etc.

In the end, situations in life can be different, and you should not teach your dog that you can give him so much attention during greeting. After all, it may happen that you come home from work tired, sad, deprive your dog of attention, and it will suffer very much from this. It’s better to let her be accustomed to a minimum of your attention and then you will have a reserve for wider manifestations of emotions and love.

To retrain your dog when crossing the threshold, first of all calm it down, sit it on the floor, hold it, and calmly greet it. Do this every time, and eventually the dog will calmly greet you and stop pressuring you with his signs of leadership.

Useful tips

There are many things and gestures that we do every day without even realizing that we are irritating our dog.

These pets, the smartest creatures on Earth, become ours best friends, but sometimes something can make them angry and cause discontent.

And since the animal cannot talk, we don’t even realize that we are doing something wrong, and this our pet may not like it.

Here are 11 things we do unconsciously and automatically that dogs hate so much:

What dogs don't like

1. Using words more than body language

Man is a creature capable of speaking and conducting dialogues.

We especially love to talk to our pets, who cannot understand the vast majority of what we say.

Over the course of their lives, dogs can learn the meaning of certain keywords, which the owner regularly repeats to them: “You can’t! Walk! Let’s go! Bring a toy!”

Some dog breeds can recognize up to hundreds of different words and commands. But even if your dog knows selected phrases, this does not mean that he understands human language.

What animals rely on is our sign language. Only through sign language can they understand what we mean and what we require from them.

Dogs are real experts and can read gestures human body what you think and feel before you yourself can realize it.

However, if we only pay attention to what our mouths say and not what our gestures dictate, we may be sending mixed, erroneous signals to the animal.

It is worth visiting any dog ​​training school and you will notice how some people say one thing and do another, confusing the dog in the process.

For example, when giving a dog the “sit” command, trainers lean forward and extend their hand. In body language, this means inviting the dog into your personal space.

But when the dog follows this gesture while being verbally commanded to sit, he is reprimanded for the violation.

If you are interested in testing your pet, conduct a small experiment (your dog will only be grateful to you for it).

Try to spend an entire day without saying a word to your dog, but communicating with him only through body gestures.

You will understand how important body language and gestures are in communicating with your dog.

You will be able to communicate with her perfectly without using a single word. A conversation with a pet may well proceed without words using only gestures.

2. Hugging a dog

Surely you like to hug your four-legged friend. Wrap your arms around your fluffy neck pet– it’s always great! This is how we fight stress and lift our spirits.

It may surprise you to know that most dogs hate hugs. It seems to us, as great apes, that hugs are an amazing thing, thanks to which you can express a sea of ​​​​feelings.

Support, love, joy and other emotions can all be expressed through hugs. It is completely normal for us to hug and squeeze something valuable in our arms.

But dogs are not developed enough to understand all this. They don't have hands and don't hug. And it’s not customary for dogs to show their feelings and signify camaraderie in this way.

Remember this: if a dog puts his front paw on another dog's back, in their language it is considered an act of dominance.

Therefore, regardless of your intentions for hugging and showing friendly intentions, the dog views the act of hugging as a demonstration by the person of his dominance over the animal. After all, in the process of hugging, you put your hand on her back.

Most dogs tolerate hugs patiently, since for them the owner and the person, in principle, means superiority over the animal.

However, some individuals will feel fear and threat from humans.

You can feel this fearfulness and trembling. Some dogs may snap and even bite. After all, it seems to them that you are encroaching on their freedom.

Additionally, the same dog that accepts a hug from one person may react completely differently to another family member who tries to do the same. After all, if she accepts the hug of the first one, it simply means that she sees him as a leader and master.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a dog that truly loves cuddles and cuddles.

Want to check that this is really true? Just pay attention to her behavior when you hug her.

Is she tense? Moves his head away? Avoids even a hint of eye contact? Licks his mouth with his tongue? Or does he keep his mouth shut? Or maybe she presses her ears back to her head? All these signs indicate that the dog is in this moment feels discomfort. She's uncomfortable.

When a dog licks a person hugging him, it does not mean that he is showing his obsession with love for him. This is how she shows submissiveness and nervous behavior.

So the next time you want to hug your dog, pay close attention to all these signs that he is uncomfortable.

What dogs don't like

3. Stroking the dog's face or head

Do you like having your head patted? Hardly.

When someone reaches out to touch our head? Regardless of whether it is done with love or not, in most cases it is unpleasant for us.

IN better case it annoys us, at worst we may even experience discomfort to the point of trembling.

And we really don’t like it when the hands of strangers come close to our face, thereby violating our personal space.

If someone suddenly puts their hand towards your face, most likely the reaction will be that you will want to pull your head back and lean back in your chair. The fact that someone is invading your personal space will undoubtedly stress you out.

However, most people think that dogs enjoy being petted on the head.

However, in reality, although many dogs are okay with this and allowing themselves to be petted by someone they know and trust, most do not enjoy it.

Please note that even the beloved domestic dog may pull away slightly when you touch its muzzle to pet it.

She will allow you to do this only because she considers the person in charge, and not because she likes it.

Remember that dogs also have their own personal space. This is why knowledgeable and responsible parents teach their children to gently stroke the dog's back or rear, rather than patting or petting its face.

If you really want to pamper your dog, don't pat him on the head, just pat him on the back and rub his neck a little.

Believe me, your pet will appreciate such affection much more than a hateful pat on the face!

4. Approach a strange dog, looking him straight in the eyes

We all know how powerful and powerful eye contact can be. It is usually seen by a person as an important sign of trust or attention.

However, don't forget that eye contact also makes you feel nervous and uncomfortable.

Agree, there is little pleasure in when a stranger, without taking his eyes off, looks into your eyes, especially if he is approaching you.

Eye contact is part of establishing dominance for many species. A person can resort to it to express various emotions. His interlocutor can determine by facial expressions whether the look is friendly or not. A dog cannot do this.

When you look a stranger's dog straight in the eyes without blinking, you may smile, trying to become a friend, but most likely the dog perceives you as a dominant or even an aggressor.

They may show submissiveness by looking away, or they may suddenly start barking. In any case, for most dogs, a stranger looking him straight in the eyes is a potential enemy, and such a situation is not entirely comfortable.

If you want to greet a strange dog, approach it with your shoulders slightly angled. Do not approach the dog abruptly, look away a little and speak to him in a quiet, calm voice.

This behavior on your part allows the dog to believe that you are friendly and will not harm him.

This means there is little chance that the animal will react aggressively.

What not to do with a dog

5. Lack of regularity and rules

A dog is an animal that needs and loves rules.

We think that rules make life boring or miserable. But for a dog, rules are really important. She simply needs to live by the rules that the leader dictates to her, that is, she must follow the commands and requests of the person.

Animals are like children. They need a consistent set of rules to follow.

Compare the polite, well-behaved children you know with the spoiled, ill-mannered ones who lack social skills and parenting. They only cause irritation and antipathy.

It's about the same with animals. He needs to be educated. The dog must live according to certain rules. Only then will she be happy. The rules do not imply cruelty or aggressiveness. This means that the dog must be kept in strictness, but at the same time giving it freedom.

In addition, when raising a dog, you should not confuse it.

And speaking of confusion, animals don't understand exceptions to the rules. For example, they don't understand why they're allowed to jump on you when you're in casual clothes, but not when you're dressed up for an event.

They don’t understand why they are allowed to jump on the couch after a bath, but are strictly forbidden to do this if she returns from the street dirty.

By telling a dog “no”, you are programming it that it cannot be done in any situation without exception.

By breaking the rules you set, you only confuse the animal.

It is simpler and easier for a dog to live when it knows where the boundaries of what is permitted are. And when you take the time to respect these agreed upon boundaries, you will be rewarded for your fruitful work in the form positive results. This builds trust in you as a leader. You create the conditions for your pet to be happy and content.

6. Forcing your dog to interact with dogs or people he clearly doesn't like

Just like people, dogs have their own likes and dislikes. Like us, they identify friends and enemies for themselves.

The dog's behavior makes it clear who it likes and who it doesn't like very much.

You shouldn’t force your dog to communicate with someone if he makes you understand that he doesn’t like this “someone” at all. However, many dog ​​owners refuse to understand their pets or simply do not read the signals their dog gives them.

Typically, dog owners force their pets to interact with people they like, but their animals don’t like. Or do they allow strangers tattling your dog even when he is demonstrating obvious signs that it is unpleasant for her and she has a desire to remain alone or leave.

It is important to note that there is a difference between forcing an animal to do something and rewarding it for good behavior.

The dog should receive a reward for its good behavior. Let it be a piece of meat or any other treat that your animal loves.

However, common sense should always be used when interacting with dogs for the safety of your pet and those interacting with it.

After all, if a dog doesn’t like someone, but its owner still forces it to communicate, it can behave unpredictably. For example, to attack and even bite.

Pay attention to her behavior. If she doesn't like someone or something, she may growl or bare her teeth. If she does this, it is best to take her away from the hated object.

In addition, another very unpleasant situation may happen: your dog’s trust in you as a leader or protector will be undermined. So try to read your dog's body language, it is quite telling.

If a dog doesn't want to interact with someone, don't force it.

7. Walking without being able to sniff or explore the area

Walking is a very important part of every dog's life.

Of course, it is very convenient for the owner when he a pet obediently walks on a leash, obediently listening to human commands.

However, it is also important that the dog spends some time exploring its surroundings. Dogs see with their noses, perceive the world through their olfactory receptors.

Animals place as much importance on their sense of smell as we humans use our sense of understanding to interpret the world around us. It's safe to say that dogs appreciate smells, just as we, for example, appreciate a beautiful sunset.

They need to study at least, spend a few minutes a day sniffing the area.

People focus on walking for the sole purpose of walking the animal solely out of necessity. Therefore, we often follow the same old route, often without any variety, in order to return home as quickly as possible.

Make your dog happy by walking him a little longer than usual. Let her explore smells, let her discover new territories, new places to walk.

Give the animal some freedom. Training his nose will come in handy. Discover a completely unknown route with her.

Several times a week, give her the following gift: explore another area or trail, let the dog sniff a tree, a puddle. Slow down a little, do not jerk your pet if he suddenly lingers near the object of interest.

And to help your dog understand the difference between a walk, where he must be obedient and walk next to you, and a walk, where he is free to explore the area without being separated from you, you can take a special backpack or harness that indicates that you have Today there is a special walk where the dog will be allowed to have a little distraction.

These walks are a great opportunity for your dog to get some of the mental and sensory stimulation and release that makes life interesting and fulfilling.

8. Harsh tugging on the leash

Dogs have an amazing ability to understand human body language.

They are amazing at reading our level of tension, feeling it even through the leash. When you hold the wire or pull hard on it, you increase the level of stress, frustration and anxiety. Your dog, and you yourself, become tense.

Of course, many will say: “I don’t want to tightly control the leash, but I have to,” or “My dog ​​pulls on the leash, not me.”

An amazing amount of energy is transferred from you to your pet through this small strip of canvas or leather. Thanks to the leash, you exchange energy. By holding the leash loose, you let your dog know that everything is fine and that there is no reason to worry or tense up.

With a loose leash, you tell your dog that you are calm and in control, thereby conveying your calm to the animal.

When you tug harshly on your pet's leash, you are sending him a message that you are tense, nervous, and on guard. And your dog responds to you with the same restless reaction.

Remember, just as you don't like it when your dog pulls on you, your dog doesn't like it when you constantly tug on his leash.

If your pet is well-bred, he understands perfectly well that he will not leave you, even if he thinks that he needs it.

A dog that is kept on a tight leash and constantly tugged on is more likely to bark or react aggressively in even the most normal situations than one that is handled more gently.

It has been proven that a dog who walks on a loose leash is more likely to be calm and compliant. Agree, it’s a simple thing for a person to understand. Dog owners just need to learn that the less you yank your dog, the more enjoyable your outdoor walks together will be.

9. Strong stress of the owner

Tension on the leash isn't the only time your dog can tell how you're feeling.

You can tell when the person you're with is feeling tense, even if you don't realize it. Dogs have a similar ability to determine what state their owner is in at the moment.

A dog's paws and body give him a number of different signals: read about what you can tell by looking at your pet. The dog's front legs are extended forward, the front part of the body is pressed to the ground, the back is raised, and the head is near the ground. This pose is called playful bow, and, accordingly, a dog.

The dog stands confidently on straight legs, perhaps moving forward slowly, maintaining the same confident appearance. This means that the dog ready to fight with you, because he feels his dominance in this situation. If a dog is dominant, he will always use this posture to demonstrate power and the intention to fight for it.

If the dog's stance acquires some inclination, this means that the dog ready to rush into battle immediately.

When the dog, on the contrary, doesn't want to get into conflicts, she shows that she is ready to submit: she lies on her back or side and allows you to see her stomach. This is a gesture of humility that helps avoid conflicts. Important nuance: If the dog is clearly relaxed in this position, and the leader is nearby, then this is demonstration of recognition of the leader as the main one. By turning over with its belly up in front of its owner, offering to scratch its belly, the dog actually shows that recognized the owner as the leader.

Be sure to read:(a description of dozens of signals that a dog gives, in fact - a dog-Russian dictionary)

A dog may place its head on a dog's neck or place a paw on another dog's back. This - dominant dog gesture, leaders or those wishing to become leaders. Such a gesture shows who is in charge in the pack.

If, while communicating with a person or on a walk, a dog takes the owner’s hand or leash in its mouth, this is bad sign. Most likely a dog does not see his master as a leader.

To attract the owner's attention, dogs can use different gestures: putting their paw on their knee, putting their head under their palm, waving their paw in the air while sitting opposite the owner.

If the hair on the neck and back stands on end, this means that the dog ready to show aggression. When a dog bristles bottom part back, she tells us: “I’m angry, don’t touch me!” The hair standing up on the shoulders and neck means that the dog is ready for an instant attack.

When sitting, the dog slightly raises its front paw. This means that she feels unprotected, worried and alarmed.

The dog rubs its nose and muzzle with its front paws, rubs its chest on the ground, rolls over, then rubs its back on the ground. This can often be observed after feeding, and also when the owner prepares food for the dog. This is how the dog shows that he is looks forward to positive emotions or is already enjoying them.

Having satisfied its natural needs, the dog paws at the ground and grass. The fact is that there are special glands on a dog’s paws that give each animal an individual smell. This is how the dog leaves marks on the ground and grass, by which other dogs will understand that he has been here.

Dog "tail tongue"

The dog wags its tail. This sign of excitement. The degree of arousal can be assessed by assessing the speed of the wobble. A wagging tail replaces a dog's smile. People smile when they see a nice person or remember something special. In the same way, dogs begin to wag their tail at another dog or person when they meet. In addition, the dog can wag its tail when it sees other living creatures. It could be a horse, a mouse, a cat. What a dog does not consider alive, it will not give a wagging tail. You place a bowl of food in front of your pet, and the dog begins to wag its tail - it shows that grateful to you. However, having found a bowl already filled in the room, the dog will not wag its tail; it will immediately begin to eat. This fact is proof that tail wagging is part of communication.

People don't talk to walls and dogs don't wag their tails at objects.

If in a game the dog seems to attack you, barks, jumps, growls, but at the same time wags its tail widely, this gesture allows you to understand that all the dog’s actions are just a game, the dog is telling you "You're nice to me!"

If during training the dog weakly, slowly wags its tail, this is a sign that it wants to understand what it needs to do, but she doesn't quite succeed. You will see that the dog has understood its task as soon as the amplitude and speed of the wag increase.

Horizontal, but not rigidly fixed position of the tail - sign of attention. This means that the dog is interested in something, it believes that something interesting is happening nearby.

A tail raised in a position between vertical and horizontal means: “I’m in charge here!”, this is a leader's gesture.

A tail raised up and slightly bent back indicates that the dog feels confident dominant, positions herself as the most important and feels her power.

The position of the tail below horizontal, but not between the legs, indicates that everything is in order with the dog, it relaxed.

A tail drooping toward the hind legs can mean different things, depending on the dog's body position. The dog is standing, its legs are straight, the tail moves slightly back and forth - dog depressed or not feeling well. If the hind legs are slightly bent, the dog feels unprotected. This often happens if the dog finds itself in an unfamiliar environment or situation.

Tail pressed between hind legs, reports: “Don’t hurt me, I’m afraid!” Often this behavior can be seen if a dominant dog or person is nearby, it means that the dog has accepted his lower social status.

Some dog breeds have body language that differs from the “generally accepted” one: for example, the tail is pinched between hind legs in good condition.

When a dog bristles its tail, it demonstrates his aggression. The value is interpreted depending on the position of the tail. If the dog holds his tail straight, he says: “I will fight if you are ready!” A tail raised or slightly bent back says something else: “I’m not afraid of you! I will fight and prove that I am in charge!”

For dogs that look like wolves, a high, kinked tail has the same semantic meaning as the bristling hair on the tail described above. This is n warning of possible aggression.

Turid Rugaas

For species that live in packs, the ability to communicate with each other using specific signals is very important. This allows them to interact properly while hunting, to raise offspring, and, perhaps most importantly, to coexist peacefully with each other. Conflicts are dangerous - they cause injury to animals and weaken the flock, which the flock cannot afford, because this will lead to its extinction.

Dogs live in a world of sensory information: visual, olfactory, auditory perception. They easily perceive the smallest details - a short signal, a slight change in the behavior of another animal, the expression in your eyes. Pack animals are so receptive to signals that a horse can learn to pay attention to the constriction of your pupils, and a dog can learn to respond to your whisper. There is no need to shout commands, say them in a low and angry voice, this is what Karen Pryor calls “swatting flies with a shovel.”

Dogs have about 30 calming signals, maybe even more. Some of these signals are used by most dogs, while other dogs have an incredibly rich vocabulary. This varies from dog to dog.

Problem

Dogs use this communication system with us humans simply because they know the language and assume that everyone else understands it.

By not noticing that your dog is making calming calls to you, and perhaps even punishing him for it, you risk causing harm to him. serious harm. Some dogs will simply stop using calming signals as a result, even when interacting with other dogs. Others may become so desperate and frustrated that they become aggressive, nervous, and depressed as a result. Puppies and young dogs may even go into shock.

Basic knowledge

Dad calls the Prince, and in the course he learned that the voice should be strict and commanding so that the dog understands who is in charge here. The prince senses the aggression in his dad's voice, and, being a dog, instinctively shows his dad a calming signal so that he stops being aggressive. The Prince will probably start licking his nose, yawning, turning away - which will really anger Dad, because he will think the Prince is stupid, stubborn and disobedient. The prince is punished for using calming signals to the pope. Here is a typical example of what happens in daily practice to many dog ​​owners.

We need to learn dog language so we can understand what our dogs are telling us. This is the secret to a happy life together.

How dogs use calming signals

Yawn

A dog may yawn:

when someone leans towards her;

when the family shouts and quarrels;

when the dog was taken to the veterinarian;

when someone walks straight at the dog;

when the dog is excited with happiness or anticipation - for example, near the door when you are about to go for a walk;

when you tell your dog to do something he doesn't like to do;

when your training sessions have gone on for too long and the dog is tired;

when you said "NO" to a dog who does something you don't approve of;

and in many other situations.

Threatening signals (moving directly towards the dog, reaching out to it, hovering over it, gaze in the dog's eyes, quick movements, etc.) will always force the dog to use a calming signal. There are about 30 different calming signals, so even though many dogs will yawn, some dogs may use a different calming signal.

All dogs know all these signals. When one dog yawns and turns his head away, the dog he is "talking" to may lick his nose and turn his back or do something completely different.

These signals are international and universal. All dogs around the world have the same language. A dog from Japan will be understood by an Elkhound from an isolated valley in Norway. They will have no problems with communication!

Licking

Licking is another commonly used signal. It is especially often consumed by black dogs, dogs with big amount fur on the face and others whose facial expression is various reasons difficult to see compared to lighter colored dogs, visible eyes and a long muzzle. But everyone can use licking, and all dogs understand it, no matter how fast it is. Subtle, quick nose licking is easier to see if you are looking at the dog from the front. The easiest way to see it is to sit quietly somewhere and watch the dog from the side. Once you learn to notice licking, you will be able to see it while walking your dog.

Sometimes this is no more than a very quick lick, the tip of the tongue slightly sticking out of the mouth and only a short time. But other dogs see it, understand it and react to it. Any signal always causes a response signal.

Turning away/turning the head

The dog may turn its head to the side slightly or completely, or completely turn its back and tail towards the person the dog is calming. This is one of the signals you see most often in dogs.

When someone comes straight towards your dog, your dog will turn away in one of these ways. When you appear angry, aggressive, or threatening, you will also see a variation of this signal. When you lean towards a dog to punish him, he will turn his face away from you. When your training sessions are too long or difficult, your dog will turn his face away from you. When a dog is surprised or catches someone off guard, it will quickly turn away. The same thing happens when someone stares at the dog or acts in a threatening manner.

In most cases, this signal will cause the other dog to calm down. This is a fantastic way to resolve conflicts and is used all the time by all dogs, whether they are puppies or adults, high or low ranking in the pack, etc. Let your dog use it! Dogs are experts at sorting out relationships and avoiding conflicts - they know how to deal with them.

Playful bow

Falling on the front paws in a bow can be an invitation to play if the dog moves its paws from side to side, as if flirting. Often the dog will stand still in this position and use this signal to calm someone down. These signals often have dual meanings and can be used in different ways - often the invitation to play is itself a calming signal because the dog is potentially doing dangerous situation less stressful and moves it into a safer direction.

Recently, in a group class with various puppies, one of them was initially afraid of the others. They left him alone, respecting his fear. Finally, he dared to approach the others. When he did, he immediately bent over in a playful bow as the other dogs looked at him. It was funny combination of light fear of other puppies and desire to take part in the game.

When two dogs approach each other too quickly, you will often see them adopt an inviting play posture. This is one of the signals that is easy to spot, especially because they stay in this position for a few seconds, so you have plenty of time to notice it.

Sniffing the ground

Sniffing the ground is a commonly used signal. It can often be seen in groups of puppies, when you and your dog are walking outside and someone approaches you, in places with a lot of activity going on, in noisy places, or when the dog sees objects that are unfamiliar to it and which seem scary to her.

Sniffing the ground can be anything from quickly moving the nose down toward the ground and back up again, to sticking the nose into the ground and sniffing persistently for several minutes.

Is someone approaching you on the sidewalk? Look at your dog. Did she lower her nose to the ground even a little? Has she turned sideways to the approaching person and is sniffing the side of the road?

Of course, dogs sniff often enough to “read the paper” and entertain themselves. Dogs are programmed to use their nose and this is their favorite activity. However, sometimes this is a reassuring signal, depending on the situation. Therefore, pay attention to when and in what situations sniffing occurs!

Slow approach

High speed looks dangerous to many dogs and they may try to stop someone who is running. This is partly a hunting behavior triggered by the sight of a person or dog running. If someone runs directly at the dog, this poses a threat and triggers a defense mechanism.

A dog that is defenseless will move slowly. If you want your dog to feel safer, you must move more slowly. When I see a dog responding to me with a calming signal, I immediately respond by slowing down.

Does your dog walk very slowly when you call him? If so, pay attention to the tone of your voice - does it sound irritated or stern? This may be enough for the dog to want to calm you down with slow motion. Have you ever been rude to a dog when it approached you? Then this could be the reason why she doesn't trust you. Another reason to reassure you may be that the dog was put on a leash immediately after being called. Look at your dog the next time you call him. Does she give you a reassuring signal when she approaches? If it is slow, you may need to change something in your behavior.

Fading

“Freezing” is what we say when a dog freezes while standing completely still, sitting or lying down and remains in this position for some time. Presumably, this is due to hunting behavior - when the prey runs, the dog attacks. When the victim stops, the dog stops too. This can often be seen when a dog is chasing a cat. This behavior, however, is used in several different situations. When you become irritable and aggressive and appear threatening, often the dog will freeze and remain still so that you will become good again. Other times she may walk slowly, freeze, and then walk slowly again. Many dog ​​owners believe that they have very obedient dogs, they sit, stand and lie completely motionless. Maybe they are just using calming signals? Very often a dog will stop and remain calm when someone approaches. If your dog wants to stop or go slower in this situation, allow him to do so. Also, if your dog finds himself in a conflict situation with a person or another dog, and unable to escape, freezing may be the only way to calm the other party.

Sit/raise paw

I have very rarely seen dogs raise their paw as a calming signal, but in a few cases it was definitely used to calm another dog.

Sitting, or even a stronger signal, sitting with your back to someone - such as the owner - has a very calming effect. This is often seen when one dog wants to calm another that is approaching too quickly. Dogs may sit with their back to their owner when he or she sounds too stern or angry.

Arc approach

This signal is often used as a calming signal, and the main reason why dogs can react so strongly to oncoming dogs is because they are forced to approach someone in a straight line. Their instincts tell them that it is wrong to approach someone in this way, and their owners tell them to do otherwise. The dog becomes restless and takes a defensive position. And we end up with a dog that barks and lunges at other dogs, and ultimately becomes aggressive.

Dogs, if given the opportunity, will walk in circles around each other. This is what they do when they meet on off-leash walks and can do things their own way. Allow your dog to do this when he walks with you.

Some dogs approach in a large curve, some only need to deviate slightly from the straight line. Let the dog decide for himself what is right and safe for him, then after a while, if you want it, he can learn to walk closer to other dogs.

Allow the dog to walk in a curve around the oncoming dog! Don't force him to walk in the side-by-side position when you walk straight ahead - give him the opportunity to move in a curve past the oncoming dog. If you let go of the leash and let your dog decide how to behave, you will likely find that he chooses to walk by rather than throw a tantrum.

For the same reason, do not walk straight at the dog, but approach it in a curve. The more nervous or more aggressive dog, the wider the curve should be.

Other calming signals

Now you know about several of the most common calming signals. There are about 30 of them in total, and many still need to be described. I'll mention a few a little more briefly so you can notice them in the future: "Smile" - either pulling the corners of the mouth up and back, or showing the teeth, as in a grin.

Lip smacking.

Tail wagging is a dog showing signs of anxiety, a desire to reassure or anything that has little to do with joy, tail wagging is not an expression of joy, most likely the dog wants to calm you down.

Urinating under itself - a dog that shrinks and crawls towards its owner, while urinating and wagging its tail, gives three signals of calm and fear at once. She wants to reach your face and lick the corners of your lips.

Showing a round and friendly face with flattened ears to look like a puppy. (No one will hurt the puppy - that's what the dog believes in).

Lie on your belly on the ground. This has nothing to do with submission; submission is when the dog lies down with its belly up. Lying belly down on the ground is a calming signal.

There are a number of calming signals that are used in combination with others. For example, a dog may urinate with its back turned to someone. This is a clear sign of calm, for example, for an annoying young dog.

Some dogs act like puppies, jumping around and fooling around, throwing sticks, etc. if they spot a threatening dog nearby. This behavior can, and does, have a calming effect.

Meetings

When two unfamiliar dogs meet, they will almost never exhibit clear submissive postures or what humans define as dominant behavior. Typically, a meeting between dogs occurs approximately according to the following scenario:

King and Prince spot each other about 150 meters away and head towards each other. They start sending signals to each other as soon as they see each other. The Prince stops and stands motionless (“freezes”), and King walks slowly, continuing to glance at the other dog out of the corner of his eye.

When King approaches, the Prince begins to actively lick his nose, turns sideways and begins to sniff the ground. Now King is so close that he has to adopt even more calming positions, so he begins to move around the curve and away from the Prince - also slowly, and now he also licks his nose. The prince sits down and looks in the other direction, turning his head strongly.

Now both dogs have "read" each other's signals so well that they already know whether they want to continue and greet each other, or if it could turn out to be so serious that it is better to stay away from each other.

Never force your dog to meet others

Allowing dogs to use their tongue during the encounter will help them feel safe. Sometimes they'll approach each other and hit it off, other times they'll feel it's safer to keep their distance - after all, they've already read each other's signals from a few hundred meters away - there's no need to meet face to face.

In Canada, trainers who attended my lecture suggested a new name for these calming signals: “Peace Language.” This is indeed true. This language provides dogs with the ability to avoid and resolve conflicts and live in peace with each other. And dogs know this very well.

Start watching and you will see for yourself. Most likely, things will turn out much worse for you better relationship with your dog and other dogs too, once you begin to understand what the dog is really telling you. It's wonderful that you will begin to understand things that you had no idea about before. This is as exciting as any learning new thing can be.

Welcome to the world of dogs and learning a whole new language!

Turid Rugaas

Translation from English Natalya Orlova, Irina Isaeva, 2006

Article from the site http://www.bedlington.ru