Animal communication with humans can be so subtle and complex that humans can sometimes miss it entirely.
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| Although not verbally, your pet speaks to you all of the time. Check out these tips for following your pet’s body language so you can understand each other better.
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Do you have a dog or a cat you struggle to understand? Animal communication with humans can be so subtle and complex that humans can sometimes miss it entirely.
“We humans are always expressing ourselves to our pets by simply being ourselves. They learn to read the subtleties of our body language to know when we’re annoyed, happy or sad,” explains Francine Crocker, a certified canine obedience instructor and animal behaviorist.
Both dogs and cats use body language to change the reaction of another individual OR to avoid conflict. “In both dogs and cats, the tail plays a big role in communication,” Crocker explains. “In cats, broad swishing indicates annoyance. A severely agitated cat will move its tail rapidly.” In both dogs and cats, a lowered tail indicates submission. A tail that is wagging loosely below the horizon indicates friendliness.
Harrison Forbes, an animal behaviorist and host of “Pet Talk,” believes that pets have universal body language. However, he says, “each dog usually has its own more subtle versions of body language cues. As owners, we need to learn these cues in order to bridge the gap between owner and pet. Does your dog go to the door to be let out to go to the bathroom, or does he sniff and circle nervously? Does he whimper and pace and come to you when he’s nervous or does he hide?”
While some body language is specific to each pet, many cues are common to all pets. Learn how to better “talk with your animal."
How Is Your Dog Feeling?
If he’s feeling stressed …
His ears will be back and down, pinned flat against his neck. His mouth will be wide open with his lips drawn back. He may be breathing heavily. His shoulders will be lowered and he may be hunched forward. His tail will be tucked and he may be trembling. Tip: If you are greeting this dog, stand sideways. By yawning and sighing, you will help him relax and feel safer.
If he’s feeling happy …
His body will be curved in a C-shape. His head will be lowered and turned away with his nose down, his ears lowered but relaxed, and his eyes soft. His lips will also be soft, and he may lick his nose and lips. Tip: When approaching this dog, get lower, turn sideways, and use a quiet voice. Don’t loom, hover or stare.
If he’s feeling aggressive …
His head will be lifted and he may have a frozen stare, watching with his peripheral vision. His ears will be back and lowered with his tail low. His whiskers may be erect and his mouth will be tense. Tip: If this dog is approached suddenly, he will react in self-defense with a rapid series of fast bites.
If he’s feeling relaxed …
His head will be erect and his ears will be up. His mouth will be slightly open. His tail will be wagging and his weight evenly distributed over all four feet.
If he’s feeling excited …
His eyes will be large and staring ahead. His ears will be up and forward, his lips will be lifted to display his teeth, and his tail will be up with a bristled, stiff wag.
How Is Your Cat Feeling?
If she’s feeling stressed …
She will groom or lick herself obsessively. She also may be aggressive toward other cats or people. Also, if her meows increase, she may be stressed and trying to vocalize it. Tip: Most stressed cats simply want to spend time with their owners. Others want more attention, such as a massage or a play session.
If she’s feeling aggressive …
She will sweep her tail in a wide motion trying to get someone’s attention. Tip: You should establish dominance over your cat. Get a squirt bottle full of water and keep it close at hand. Every time the cat is aggressive, warn her and immediately squirt her. The cat will learn quickly to cease at the warning. Eventually the behavior will cease altogether.
If she’s feeling happy ...
She will knead with her paws on a person or a place surrounding her. She will demonstrate this for up to 10 minutes to show happiness.
If she's feeling relaxed …
She will sprawl on her side or back, possibly rolling around.
If she’s feeling excited …
She will press her face or the top of her head against a person’s body.
How Can You Interact With Your Pet More Effectively?
As humans, we need to be sure to send clear messages to our pets. “Our body posture and tone of voice are most important in sending messages to our pets as to how we feel and what we want,” Forbes says. “Too often, we send mixed signals that leave our pets in a constant state of confusion. It’s our duty to provide consistent and fair treatment to our pet to help him or her ‘figure us out’ and do the best we can to bridge the communication gap to have the best pet/human relationship possible.”
When observing or approaching an animal, it is always important to assess the animal's body language to determine his or her attitude. This will help prevent you from getting caught off-guard by an animal’s reactions to your presence.
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