Post by Alisa on Sept 15, 2006 10:18:19 GMT -5
Reading your puppy’s body language.
Re-Posted from PEDIGREE.COM I thought this was a good article for new puppy owners.
One of the reasons puppies make such good companions is the remarkable way they can communicate with people. Our puppies see us as an extension of their own canine family, and are very quick to interpret our moods as well as communicate theirs.
Your puppy can communicate through a series of signals, including the way he carries his tail and a variety of facial expressions. Understanding how your puppy communicates will help you to correctly understand the message your pup is trying to give.
Your puppy’s tail
One pattern of behavior that's characteristic of puppies and familiar to almost everyone is tail wagging. Most people would recognize that loose, free tail wagging indicates pleasure and a general friendliness. Exaggerated tail wagging, which extends to the entire rump, is most often seen in subordinate puppies – as well as puppies with very short tails.
The tail, however, is also an indicator of other emotions. A tail waved slowly and stiffly, in line with the back, usually indicates anger. If the tail is clamped low over the hindquarters, it may be a sign of fear. Anxious or nervous puppies may stiffly wag their drooping tails as a sign of appeasement.
It's important to note, though, that the normal tail carriage of the dog has been modified through breeding and docking. For example, some breeds – such as the Whippet and the Italian Greyhound – naturally carry their tail in the clamped-down position. In general, however, a puppy’s tail held at higher than 45 degrees to the spine expresses interest and alertness.
Your puppy’s facial expressions
The facial expressions of your pup will tell you a lot about his mood – whether he's anxious or excited, frightened or playful or any one of a vast range of emotions he may express. Your puppy’s ears will prick up when he's alert or listening intently, but will be held back or flattened against his head when expressing pleasure, submission or fear. These facial expressions help you to understand your puppy’s mood, however, it’s important to watch for other body signals at the same time. For example, the narrowing or half-closure of your puppy’s eyes indicates either pleasure or submission, but when his eyes are wide open, this may be a sign he intends to be aggressive.
As you become more familiar with your puppy you will more readily understand what he is communicating to you, and this understanding strengthens your bond and enriches your relationship.
Re-Posted from PEDIGREE.COM I thought this was a good article for new puppy owners.
One of the reasons puppies make such good companions is the remarkable way they can communicate with people. Our puppies see us as an extension of their own canine family, and are very quick to interpret our moods as well as communicate theirs.
Your puppy can communicate through a series of signals, including the way he carries his tail and a variety of facial expressions. Understanding how your puppy communicates will help you to correctly understand the message your pup is trying to give.
Your puppy’s tail
One pattern of behavior that's characteristic of puppies and familiar to almost everyone is tail wagging. Most people would recognize that loose, free tail wagging indicates pleasure and a general friendliness. Exaggerated tail wagging, which extends to the entire rump, is most often seen in subordinate puppies – as well as puppies with very short tails.
The tail, however, is also an indicator of other emotions. A tail waved slowly and stiffly, in line with the back, usually indicates anger. If the tail is clamped low over the hindquarters, it may be a sign of fear. Anxious or nervous puppies may stiffly wag their drooping tails as a sign of appeasement.
It's important to note, though, that the normal tail carriage of the dog has been modified through breeding and docking. For example, some breeds – such as the Whippet and the Italian Greyhound – naturally carry their tail in the clamped-down position. In general, however, a puppy’s tail held at higher than 45 degrees to the spine expresses interest and alertness.
Your puppy’s facial expressions
The facial expressions of your pup will tell you a lot about his mood – whether he's anxious or excited, frightened or playful or any one of a vast range of emotions he may express. Your puppy’s ears will prick up when he's alert or listening intently, but will be held back or flattened against his head when expressing pleasure, submission or fear. These facial expressions help you to understand your puppy’s mood, however, it’s important to watch for other body signals at the same time. For example, the narrowing or half-closure of your puppy’s eyes indicates either pleasure or submission, but when his eyes are wide open, this may be a sign he intends to be aggressive.
As you become more familiar with your puppy you will more readily understand what he is communicating to you, and this understanding strengthens your bond and enriches your relationship.