There are many nuances to canine body language. Answering the Elemental Question, “How is this for you?” the dog continually shows us a great deal about their mental, emotional and physical state.
Here is a quick review of why these specifics are invaluable to anyone training a dog:
- Balance Simply put, a dog who is in emotional and mental balance will reflect that in his physical balance unless structural defects, injury or pain prevent adoption of a balanced stance. Always seek to keep the dog in balance as much as possible.
- Geometry The overall shape of the dog’s body matters. Look for even small degrees of compression or expansion, which can be fleeting as the dog’s confidence waxes or wanes.
- Stretching or Leaning When a dog stretches or leans to reach a treat or person, she is telling you she does not feel comfortable coming closer but is willing to breach the feeling of safety, usually for a treat, but sometimes to investigate or for a social interaction.
- Splayed Stance A splayed stance is a clear sign that the dog is out of balance, and may be unaware of their own bodies — this can signal a fairly high degree of anxiety.
- Quality of movements Physiological arousal is reflected in the quality of the dog’s movements. Watch for:
- Stillness A lack of the normal small movements throughout the body, and particularly in head, ears, eyes and muzzle. This stillness can be momentary (perhaps just a split second) or more prolonged. In any case, it is a warning that the dog has shifted from feeling relaxed to being on alert.
- Large motor movement Some dogs increase large motor movement when they become aroused. This can be reflected in bigger movements or even activation into “zoomies.” When the amplitude of a dog’s movement(s) change, pay close attention.
- Abruptness A dog’s movements can become faster or more abrupt as arousal increases.
- Fine Motor Control Increasing arousal can result in a loss of fine motor control. This is often most readily recognized in the dog’s lack of precise control of lips, muzzle, jaws. Treats and toys may be taken much harder than usual.
When we are skilled observers of canine body language, we can fine tune our interactions to keep the dog feeling comfortable and safe, and in the Think & Learn Zone.
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