Behavior Bite: Yawns, Sniffs, Licks, and Shakes Could Be Signs of Stress! Just because dogs cant verbally tell us what theyre thinking or feeling doesnt mean that they cant communicate with us. Instead of using speech, dogs use body language to give people and other animals clues about how they feel. When a dog yawns, she may not be tired. The dog could be displaying signals that she is stressed, conflicted, or frustrated. When a dog shakes off (when they are not wet) this is another way of “shaking off” stress, and it’s how dogs help themselves calm down. When a dog licks his lips (when there is no food in sight), the dog is telling you or another animal that he is uncomfortable. When a dog sniffs the ground, scratches themselves, or averts their gaze, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the dog is interested in that patch of grass, has an itch, or just felt like looking at something else. The dog might be anxious, worried, afraid, uncomfortable, or trying to keep the peace. These are just a few behaviors that dogs use with each other (and with other animals and their people) to relieve stress, to diffuse a high energy situation, and to avoid conflict. These behaviors are called “appeasement” behaviors (pacifying behaviors) and calming signals. They are used to suppress aggressive behavior that might occur. Appeasement signals are offered to avoid aggression or hostility. Make no mistake about it: All behavior serves a purpose! It’s up to us to become aware of what dogs are communicating! This is how we keep everyone SAFE and happy, and how we become Conscious Companions. Become a Dog Detective! See how many of these behaviors you notice over the next few days. What is your dog trying to tell you? Learn more about these signals in the links below: liamjperkfoundation.org/stress.html bit.ly/SkQsQC 4pawsu/stresssigns.html #DogBitePrevention
Posted on: Wed, 21 May 2014 23:05:41 +0000
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