K9 Calming Signals

Dogs don’t want stress, struggles and fights and most will do their best to avoid conflict.  They are social pack animals that need each other.  They need the group to succeed and so it pays to cooperate.

Calming signals are a way to take the heat off or reduce conflict. The purpose them is to help each other get along and stop behaviour escalating to a fight.

When a new dog comes into the company of other dogs he may give a whole succession of calming signals to those dogs around him letting know that everything’s cool and he’s not here to challenge anyone or take over rank.  They can also be used to help assure another dog who is looking anxious by showing them they are friendly.

Looking away – In displaying these signals their body will be loose and there will lots of breaking eye contact and ‘look aways’.

Diversion – Pretend sniffing is a way to reduce attention or to say ‘hey I’m not playing right now’.  There may not be something to sniff but he sniffs anyway.  Drinking can be used in the same way, a way to take a break.

Tongue flicking – is where a dog reassures another by licking the other dog around their mouth.

Shaking – An overall body shake is their way of saying he’s a bit uncomfortable, let’s bring it down a little.

 

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)