Clear Communication With Your Dog
Clear communication is key in any relationship. Cohabitation with our dogs requires having very close-knit interrelationships between each pack member, and this requires very clear physical and non-physical communication.
How do we find a way to clearly communicate with a different species? How can we be sure that they understand us, and we are interpreting their communication correctly?
Correctly interpreting this type of communication ultimately comes down to a handful of different skills being used at once.
These skills are:
Timing
Reading your dog
Verbal Markers
Body Language
Tools
Situational context
Understanding canine and breed motivations
When you are building a working bond with your dog, it is crucial to have clear communication with them. In essence, you are building a secret language between you and your dog, that is full of small details only the two of you can distinguish. These tiny details may seem insubstantial, but in reality it is the foundation of communication that you and your dog will carry throughout the rest of your relationship.
By combining all of these techniques, along with basic obedience, you’ll be able to easily communicate anywhere and in any situation with your dog. Nothing describes the feeling of being accurately able to communicate something to your dog in a crucial moment, or having them come and communicate an important need to you.
Building your bond starts with clear, established communication. If we do not speak the same language, we can still love, but we will struggle to work effectively together. Our dogs are the same way. However, if you do put in the effort to communicate effectively with your dog, you will find that you have the building blocks for the best possible working relationship.
FAQ
What are some easy-to-notice body language cues for me to look out for?
Body language cues can be very complex, and context is always important when assessing your dog. There are also certain breeds that will have things like curly tails, which may make it harder to discern small changes in body language cues.
Generally good/positive movement is bouncy & light, and signs that you may want to interfere are increasing stiffness, or unequal play. This can look like one dog constantly getting on another dog, while the other dog is clearly trying to create distance between the two.
How can I tell when my dog is about to be aggressive?
If your dog is having aggression issues with other dogs, it is important to stop allowing those interactions for the time being, and find a trainer that can work with you for the safely of your dog, yourself, and others and their dogs.
How can I tell when my dog is too excited?
Many people mistake excitement for aggression. Although it can escalate to aggression, excitement usually looks bouncier than true aggression, and the barking that accompanies physical symptoms of excitement tends to be high-pitched.
