Understanding dog behavior is essential for a harmonious relationship. While we often rely on verbal commands, dogs primarily communicate through body language, particularly calming signals. These subtle cues are their way of managing stress, diffusing potentially tense situations, and expressing discomfort. Recognizing and responding to these signals can dramatically improve your connection with your canine companion and prevent misunderstandings.
What are Calming Signals?
Calming signals, also known as displacement behaviors, are a range of actions dogs use to avoid conflict, relieve their own stress, and communicate to others that they mean no harm. They are not necessarily a sign of fear or submission; rather, they are a way for dogs to navigate social interactions peacefully. These signals are instinctive and used within their own species, and understanding them allows humans to participate in this communication.
Common Calming Signals and What They Mean:
- Turning the Head Away: This is one of the most common calming signals. When a dog turns its head to the side, they are attempting to break eye contact and reduce intensity. It signals they are not challenging you or others. If you approach a dog head-on and they turn their head, it’s a good indicator to approach slower or give them space.
- Licking the Lips or Nose: While dogs lick their lips after eating, this signal often occurs when they are stressed or uncomfortable. The lick can be a quick flick of the tongue or a more prolonged action. It often occurs during intense play, when being approached or when feeling unsure.
- Yawning: While dogs do yawn when tired, a yawn can also be a calming signal, especially in situations where they feel anxious or uncertain. A yawn in the middle of a petting session can indicate the dog is feeling slightly pressured.
- Walking Slowly or Turning Sideways: When a dog approaches slowly or with a curving body, they are communicating their intention to avoid direct confrontation. This action also signals they are not a threat. When walking straight toward a dog, and they start to curve around you, it’s a sign to slow your approach.
- Freezing: A dog that suddenly stops moving can be using a calming signal. They are attempting to assess the situation and avoid any potential conflict. It might look like hesitation and should not be mistaken for obedience or lack thereof.
- Sniffing the Ground: While dogs do sniff for pleasure and information, they will also use it as a calming signal, especially in an awkward or tense environment. This behavior is intended to diffuse tension and create a pause in the action.
- Play Bow: While usually an invitation to play, the play bow can also be used to de-escalate an already intense play situation. It communicates that the play is intended to be friendly.
- Blinking or Soft Eyes: When dogs soften their gaze or blink slowly, they are showing that they are not challenging or threatening. This is a signal that suggests they feel calm and secure. Intense stares can be seen as a threat and therefore softening the gaze is important.
- Splitting Up: If dogs are playing too intensely, a calmer dog may step between them, thus ending a potentially tense interaction and dispersing the energy.
Why Understanding Calming Signals Matters:
- Improved Communication: Recognizing calming signals allows you to “listen” to your dog’s non-verbal cues, enhancing your communication and strengthening your bond.
- Preventing Aggression: Many aggressive behaviors start with subtle calming signals that have been ignored. By reacting to these signals, you can often diffuse potentially aggressive situations before they escalate.
- Reducing Stress: When you respond appropriately to your dog’s calming signals, you’re creating a more relaxed and less stressful environment for them.
- Enhanced Training: By recognizing when your dog is stressed, you can adjust your training methods to be more effective and less stressful.
- Safer Interactions: Knowing calming signals helps you interpret dog behavior when meeting new dogs or interacting with dogs in public, making your interactions safer and more positive.
How to Respond to Calming Signals:
- Give Space: If your dog is giving you calming signals, they likely need some distance from the trigger. Step back and allow them some time to relax.
- Speak Calmly: Maintain a calm and quiet tone when interacting with your dog, especially if you notice they are exhibiting calming signals. Avoid loud or harsh tones.
- Avoid Direct Eye Contact: When dogs use signals to diffuse the situation, avoid direct stares and engage in a softer approach.
- Move Slowly: Avoid sudden or jerky movements, which can be stressful. Move slowly and deliberately around the dog.
- Change the Environment: If the situation is stressful, see if you can change their environment. Perhaps moving away from another dog, or simply finding an area with less stimulation will make them feel more relaxed.
- Positive Reinforcement: If your dog performs calming signals and then relaxes, respond by offering a low energy reward, such as gentle petting.
Conclusion:
Becoming fluent in dog body language, specifically recognizing calming signals, is key to building a trusting relationship. It’s not about anthropomorphizing your dog, but about understanding their unique way of communicating. This ability will lead to better communication, reduced stress, and a stronger bond between you and your furry friend. By paying attention and responding appropriately, you create a positive and secure environment, allowing your dog to thrive.