Today, on the internet, we observe dogs in videos that give multiple signals of discomfort and that are unfortunately considered cute “oh he yawns, he must be tired” or “he turns his head because he sulks”. Or only will to make buzz? One is excusable because we always have to learn and it is quite possible not to know everything from the beginning. The other one is distressing and is similar to a lack of respect towards the dog! We will therefore talk about appeasement signals in this article.
APPEASEMENT SIGNALS IN DOGS
WHAT ARE THE DOG’S CALMING SIGNALS?
These different signals must be better known in order to better communicate with our dogs when they are in a stressful emotional state.These different signals are maintained throughout the life of the dog, but they are innate from birth as the fact of yawning for example.Here are the main important signals to know:
The yawnThe truffle lickRaise a pawTurn the headClinch the eyesArrives in curveHalterSome will be more subtle to spot as facial tension, sniffing following a request to call, shaking, etc.The signals of appeasement (or communication) are different behaviors that the dog will therefore emit and use to express his discomfort, his desire to play, etc.A good reading of the canine behavior could therefore avoid potential numerous accidents and bites. Dogs communicate with each other via these signals and can also interact with us in this way. Let’s take an example: You want to pet your dog by bringing your hand close to his head and he blinks or licks his nose. Your dog may not have appreciated this moment, so be careful about what your dog wants to tell you!
DOG’S CALMING SIGNALS
PREVENTING DOG BITES
Why is it so important to know your dog’s calming signals?
Simply because these signals are part of canine communication and they are warning signals before a potential bite.A dog that growls is not a bad dog, on the contrary! It’s even proof of a well-balanced dog that communicates its discomfort, so it’s extremely important to NEVER punish your dog if it growls. If you punish your dog for growling, he will understand that if he growls, he is being scolded, so he will stop growling and may bite without warning the next time.Dogs always have a good reason to bite, even if these reasons may seem incomprehensible to us, but this does not mean that we should never say anything to a dog that growls, but it is up to us to analyze the situation and the “why” the dog growled according to the situation?
THE SIGNALS OF APPEASEMENT IN THE DOG
Is it because we put our hands in the bowl? Did we check on the dog in his basket while he was sleeping? Was a dog friend too insistent during a game? A dog does not growl or bite for pleasure, so we must remove this preconceived idea from our heads.
So please, take an interest in the dog’s behavior and the way it communicates. Whatever the breed, whatever the temperament, a dog remains a dog and his need to communicate remains the same! It is up to US to understand his behavior and his way of expressing himself in order to better cohabit together in a serene manner. Learning these signals is the basis of communication and trust between you and your dog!
