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Communicating with your Dog - Dog Talk
by Janice Kumar
It is
important to understand that dogs are logical, intelligent beings and you can
normally find a reason as to why they are behaving in a particular way.
You may not like the reason, but a reason you can find. You may be surprised to
learn that a recent study on dog behavior has shown that dogs can understand
more than 200 spoken human words. Isn't it time, we tried to understand what it
is saying to us?
When the
dog urinates near a sofa leg or in the corner of the room, it is marking
its territory. It is the dog's way of owning the space and communicating its
intentions. Similarly when the dog nibbles the owner or a human, it is
showing affection. A big yawn, with a tongue sticking out and the mouth
closing with a big noise is an expression of love. On the other hand, raising
the upper lip to to show the teeth is a warning. This warning works
both ways between human and dog and vice versa also. Similarly, looking a dog
in the eye is a direct challenge. A pet dog will normally avoid the
confrontation, but a strange dog will be willing to fight it out.
Dogs fear abandonment. They are social creatures
and like to stay in a family, together. They feel lonely when they have to stay
alone and may show obsessive behavior like tail chasing, whirling, self
mutilation. Sudden defecation, or a sudden limp may be cries for attention.
Similarly a dog may react by sitting on the owners clothes/bed or dive at the
ankles when it sees an attempt by the owner to leave the house without it's
company. The dog requires reassurance and loving and not scolding when it
behaves in this fashion.
It is
important for a dog owner to understand the small signs and nuances of dog
behavior for better communication. When a dog does not understand the owner, it
may cock its head to one side asking for a clarification. And when a dog
wants to avoid doing something you want it to do, it may start scratching
itself or try to divert the dog owners attention some other way. These
nuances have to be understood by the dog owner and will allow the owner to
handle the dog correctly with love and not, with irritation.
Dogs love
to be scratched and petted. It may ask you to continue doing something it is
enjoying by raising its paw and bending it or putting it over its face,
especially when lying in a prone position. A dog enjoying scratching
behind its ear may purr. This purring noise is a sign of happiness.
And when a dog wants to play, it may extend its front legs, arch its body and
yawn. The dog tries to communicate its needs to be loved and to play. It is
important for the owner to react positively to this kind of dog talk for
long term happiness of both the dog and the owner.
The dog also understands when the owner is angry
with it. When it is scolded, it will look away, flatten its ears and
tentatively raise one forepaw. Accept this apology and move on. Life is too
short to hold grudges. Love, forgive and move on.
Disclaimer: The article and
tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no
responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a
qualified professional vet to find a lasting cure for any problem. Please
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