How Well Can You Detect And Decode Dog Body Language?
- Brainz Magazine
- Aug 8, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: May 14, 2024
Written by: Janette Ghedotte, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Do you have a pet dog at home? If so, your dog is not just a pet; most likely, it is a beloved family member. You may be surprised to learn that your four-legged best friend is a body language expert. Your dog uses its extraordinary senses to not only read your body language but also to read what is happening at the moment.
By living with you and watching your body language, your dog knows your moods, daily routine, habits, and intimate secrets. Your dog knows you more than you realize. The good news is your privacy is safe and protected because your dog cannot talk to “spill the beans.”
Although dogs do not use words, their body language speaks volumes and reveals important information. Your dog is an expert in decoding you, but how well can you decode your dog? Probably not as well as you think. On average, people notice about 50 percent of body language clues; the odds of noticing dog body language are worse. Why? Because, unlike humans, dogs are unable to give verbal hints.
How to correct dog behavioral problems
Dog and body language experts know how. To bring out the best in your dog, it is important to contact experts who understand dog behavior and body language. Janette Ghedotte of Accurate Body Language interviewed dog behaviorist Michael Burkey of Michigan Dog Training, who has decades of experience as a:
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Former Police K9 Officer
Search and Rescue K9 Handler and Trainer
Obedience and Rally Competitor
Michael Burkey translates dog body language, offers insights, and provides effective methods to train people to improve dog obedience and behavior. If you have behavioral issues with your dog, Michael Burkey has solutions. Here are three common problems between people and dogs involving greeting or proxemics.
1. A dog who jumps or… humps others?
Yikes! Quite embarrassing, isn’t it? Whether you are inside your home or walking your dog around the neighborhood, most dog owners want their pets to be well behaved without jumping on, humping, or invading the personal space of others. When intruding dogs get too close, most people back away. This natural reaction reinforces the undesired target behavior because the dog thinks it is the alpha since the person retreated. The human’s submissive reaction gives power to the dog in the canine pack order.
When it comes to dogs, size matters. The bigger the dog, the bigger the potential risk of injury if your dog jumps or humps on others. Dog owners’ response of, “Sorry, my dog is just friendly!” won’t be enough of an apology if the offending dog soils or damages someone’s clothes or skin. Even worse, dog jumping or humping behavior may cause the person to lose balance, trip, or fall, resulting in potential injury. If these target behaviors continue, people will avoid your dog… and you.
Are you not sure what to do to correct these problems? Michael Burkey and Janette Ghedotte provide effective solutions to keep you in control and your dog’s paws on the ground.
Solution: Step Forward
Instead of stepping backward, Michael Burkey recommends doing the opposite: calmly step forward. That’s right. Use body language proxemics to your advantage. Flip the switch by walking forward. This will cause the dog to step backward. Confident leaders control the situation, claim space, and expand out. When you move towards the invading dog, then you are the bold leader going into the dog’s territory. Calm, confident leadership advances forward and does not yield backward.
Next, give a verbal command or hand gesture for the dog to “sit.” Show a treat above the dog’s nose to entice the dog to sit. When the nose is up, then the paws and butt are down. Once the dog is seated, then reward with the treat and your verbal praise. Once you take control and claim your authority, the dog will see you as the leader of the pack.
2. Strangers want to greet your dog
Have you ever had strangers want to pet or touch your dog before you said OK? Not everybody or every dog wants to be approached. Some people make the mistake of thinking all dogs are friendly or that all dogs will like them. Dogs, just like people, have different personalities, temperaments, and behavioral issues. Here’s what to do if you and your dog do not welcome a stranger’s touch.
Solution: Tell them what you want
If you see people approaching your dog, tell them what you prefer. Be diplomatic, straightforward, and clear. Sometimes, it might be OK to have them greet or pet your dog. Other times, you may be too busy or want to be left alone. And, if you have behavioral problems with your dog, you may worry that your dog will react negatively. If you do not welcome someone giving your dog attention, then you might say:
“Thank you for your interest in my dog; right now, we’re focused on our walk.”
“Now is not the best time to greet my dog.”
“My dog needs to walk without distractions.”
“It’s best not to greet my dog right now.”
Get better results by politely telling people your expectations from them regarding your dog.
3. Petting on top of a dog’s head
Michael Burkey said it is a myth that dogs love the top of their heads being petted. Not all dogs like this. Why? Because some dogs get stressed if they are unsure where their hands are going or what the human is doing. Dogs need to see your hands.
People mistakenly think their hands are safe when they are up and over the head and away from the teeth. This gesture can be perceived as social pressure if the dog does not know, like, or trust you. When dogs are stressed, they can react negatively. Play it safe with solution 3 instead.
Solution: Build trust first
It is important to have mutual rapport, trust, and safety when greeting dogs. Only pet dogs when you have the following:
The owner’s permission
Both the dog and the human are calm and stable
The dog is OK with being touched
The owner told you where it is safe to pet the dog
When all these are checked, then Michael Burkey recommends that you bend slightly at the knees instead of hovering over the dog. Allow the dog to see and sniff you first. To protect your fingers, slowly show a closed hand rather than have your fingers extended.
Once the dog is comfortable with you, it is better to stroke under the dog’s chin rather than on top of the dog’s head. If the dog likes being touched under the chin, then you have built up enough trust. Be respectful and do not assume that you can pet the dog all over its body. If a dog has sensitive body parts or is injurious, it is always safer to ask the owner where else is it OK to pet the dog.
Calm, confident body language is key for both humans and dogs
Overall, it is important to have ease when humans and dogs interact. Pay close attention to your own as well as the dog’s body language. You want to convey calm confidence because dogs will sense any anxiety, fear, or distressed energy that you may have and then will react negatively. Remember, dogs are body language experts. They will respect you when you have earned their trust as a calm, confident pack leader.
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Janette Ghedotte, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Truth & Deception Detection Expert Janette Ghedotte is a MA LLP Clinical Psychologist, Founder, and CEO of Accurate Body Language.
Accurate Body Language is the KEY to cracking the code, unlocking the vault of nonverbal communication, and revealing the secrets of human interaction.
With over 20 years of corporate business, marketing research, advertising & strategic brand positioning, and clinical psychology experience, Janette specializes in understanding the complexities of human behavior, interpersonal relationships, and verbal, and nonverbal body language communication.
