Communication

Body language and vocalization. These two key points are ways in which dogs communicate with each other. Some choose to use their bodies more while others prefer using sounds. Many people have a preference as well. I mention this comparison because my two dogs are very different in the fact that both are able to communicate their feelings in a clear and concise manner, but they do it in a completely different manner. Shimmer, my older mixed breed, often begins with low or soft vocalizations. If those aren't respected or adhered to, she increases vocalization and only if that does not work does she resort to vocalizing while snapping and showing her teeth. It is seldom that she shows her teeth in displeasure. Often than not, she will use a stare or her entire body will stiffen and she will move to the side. On the other end of the spectrum, we have my young border collie, Vengeance. His go to communication tool is a slight lift of the lips, showing his teeth, or a snap in the right direction. Occasionally, if that doesn't work, he will vocalize as well. But, his vocalization is the tool he reaches for if showing those canines doesn't work.

Many of you may be reading this and possibly thinking, "Gosh, that sounds quite scary. Are you sure they should be doing that?" I believe that communication, in an effective manner, is one of the key components of owning dogs and allowing them to socialize. This is why I made the comparison to humans earlier. We, as people, have a preference as well. If someone sits very close to us on a bus that isn't very crowded, we may move our body away or withdraw a little if we feel uncomfortable. Our space has been invaded and our body language clearly shows that. Some people are more forward and will happily get up and move or even say, "Excuse me, could you give me some space?" These behaviors are in no way rude or unacceptable. They are what is necessary to live with other beings. The same thing goes for dogs. While dogs don't have the ability to speak like we do, they do vocalize. Unfortunately, it sounds a lot scarier and mean to us humans. The wonderful part in this though is that dogs that have been properly socialized and taught bite inhibition as well as polite communication skills are able to voice their discomfort without causing a scene or a fight.

I'm using this opportunity to share a video below. A friend recently adopted a young dog who was hit by a car. He is currently still intact as he was believed to be neutered but it seems the shock of the accident caused him to tighten up and "hide" his testicles quite well. So, we have an intact, young male puppy whose history is unknown. There is little knowledge of what kind of interactions he has had with other dogs or what amount of communication he has learned. This video illustrates the interaction between, Mason, the newly adopted dog, and my two dogs, Shimmer and Vengeance. The reason Vengeance is already showing teeth in this clip is due to the fact that Mason regularly attempts to mount him. We're assuming that at this moment it could be a combination of Mason not understanding why he is performing the behavior he is performing due to his hormones. Another likely explanation is that it is an attempt to play and seek attention but unfortunately this is the incorrect way to receive attention from my dogs. Mason has quickly learned that mounting is a big no-no among Vengeance. If Vengeance wanted to, he could easily inflict damage. There is no doubt that teeth are teeth and every dog has the ability to bite if they wish to do so. However, due to the extensive amount of socialization that he has received, Vengeance mainly lifts a lip or lightly growls. If that does not work he will snap, but it is an incredibly inhibited behavior because he reaches just far enough to make his point clear but not far enough to even graze Mason's fur. You'll also notice Shimmer in this video clip using her vocalizations. Mason has quickly learned that she will not tolerate any sort of silly behavior and that he must be careful in his choices when interacting with her. This is likely due to him being intact. Shimmer is often much stricter with intact males and what she allows them to do around her.

"The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said." -Peter Drucker

 

Luckily, many dogs are highly skilled in respecting communication and hearing the unspoken. If your dog isn't able to communicate as well as you'd like, evaluate what signals your dog gives. Is he giving the right ones? Which ones does he use? When does he use them? What about when other dogs try to communicate with her? Does she understand? Does she react correctly?

Sometimes it just takes time to sit back and watch dogs interact. Once you begin to read and understand dog language yourself, it is much easier to teach your dog what is acceptable and what isn't. Dogs are incredibly social animals. A dog that is socialized and raised correctly has no problem interacting with a variety of dogs. It is up to you, as the owner, to make sure they have the correct tools to do so.

An excellent book I recommend that covers a lot of the basis of communication not just dog-on-dog but dog-on-human as well is a book called "The Culture Clash" written by Jean Donaldson.

Remember that dogs have every right to communicate the same way we as people do. When your dog speaks, please, make sure to listen. They're constantly giving feedback and it's up to us to use that.