What is dog language? The language of a dog is the set of signals that include:
- sounds
- gestures
- postures
- smells
The set of signals emitted by the dog gives us information on how the individual feels at that moment.
In this way we can adapt our behavior to avoid conflict and promote understanding.
It is very common to see dogs communicating in “voices” that are ignored by their handlers. Something that, on many occasions, is the result of ignorance.
Training and learning the language of dogs before incorporating it into the family is not something that many do. According to data collected by the Affinity Foundation, only 16% of dog tutors go to a professional to understand their dog.
Learning the language of another species is something that some people may show an affinity with, but it doesn’t come as standard. You have to get involved.
Dogs ceased to be considered “things” by demonstrating their ability to feel and get excited.
Neuroscientist Gregory Berns showed this in his experiments with dogs trained to spend a few minutes in an MRI machine . With them, we were able to verify, in vivo, how the dog’s brain reacts very similarly to how ours does when faced with known stimuli or loved ones.
Another series of studies focused on signals that show discomfort in dogs, has toured the world after Turid Rugaas reached thousands of people with his book on calming signals. These signals were rejected by many dog trainers, as there was no scientific proof of their communicative intent. Years later, the proof came and science confirmed Turid’s intuition.
Dog trainers who use behavioral techniques in their training and who completely ignore the dog’s communication appear on every corner, even on television shows .
We cannot deny that both behavioral reinforcements and punishments are effective for the subject to learn. However, it is not the most ethical way of teaching and today we know that it is not the one that best takes advantage of the innate abilities of dogs.
Science has shown, not only that a happy brain learns better and tires less. But, when training a pet, it is of the utmost importance to consider its emotional and mental state.
In other words, if you don’t make sure that your canine student is having a good time, you are doing it wrong. Even if it works and the dog learns what you are teaching in an annoying way for him.
Many people do not offer their dogs the support they demand with their language in certain situations.
Surely you have heard more than one in the park , proclaiming that the dogs already understand each other, and that it is not necessary to intervene.
In many cases this affirmation is behind ignorance and carelessness.
As we have said, only 16% of people with dogs go to a professional to learn how to educate what will be their canine companions for life. A very low percentage, given the difficulty involved in coming to terms with an animal of a different species from our own.
The consequence of this is that misunderstood dogs develop an insecure attachment to their guardians and low self-esteem when they see that their communication efforts do not work.
Many behavioral problems, such as separation anxiety or reactive behaviors that end, in many cases, with another animal being abandoned; have their root in this misunderstanding of canine language.
Consider these three things
- Look at the whole body: It is very common to think that a dog that wags its tail is happy. However, an angry dog can wag its tail. We must, therefore, look at the rest of the body; eyes, ears, head, body posture, etc.
- Keep in mind the context: A dog that wags its tail at the arrival of an unknown dog would be unlikely to be happy at the encounter. If the one approaching is his tutor, probably the emotion expressed by the movement of the tail is different.
- Individualize: Each dog is unique. Their age, characteristics and previous learning confer their particular “dialect”.
The surest way to enjoy a happy relationship with your dog is to spend time learning his language. This is the best step to be a good caretaker for your dog.
Referencias:
Berns, G. et al. 2012 Functional MRI in awake unrestrained dogs. PloS one
Gazzano, A., et al. 2014. Calming signals in dogs: from myth to scientific reality? Veterinaria (Cremona), 28(1), 15-20.
Rugass, T. 2005. On talking terms with dogs: Calming signals. Dogwise publishing
