For centuries dogs have been using distressing signals to their humans and to each other. Unfortunately the humans look at these signals and decode using human emotions. While dogs do have emotions, they may not feel them the same way humans do. This is where the confusion and miscommunication come in. When an owner sees their dog sit and look away while being reprimanded, they may assume that the dog is disregarding them. “Whatever”. But to a dog, sitting and averting the eyes is a calming mechanism, a way to get the person yelling to take a breath and not be so scary. Listed below are five coping skills dogs use in everyday life.
Play Bow
Most people recognize the play bow, front down backside up, maybe with a tail wag or a butt wiggle. This is a sign for dogs to let each other know, “Hey, wanna have some fun?” The play bow most people identify with will also be accompanied by paws hopping from side to side. This is an indication of a dog wanting to actually play. A still bow is a signal of calm; the bowing dog is letting another dog know that everything is chill and he needs to take a breath.
Sniffing
Dogs sniff, some breeds more than others. Hounds are born with their noses glued to the ground. However, sniffing is also a confrontation deterrent. Watch the dog on a walk. They may have their head high, happy vibes shooting out of them. Another dog is spotted coming toward them. Their head lowers; nose goes to the ground as they pass. This is a dogs way of saying, “I just want to walk, there is no threat here, I just want to walk.”
Sitting
Ever noticed dogs seem to sit at the most inopportune times? It’s because it is a coping mechanism for an overwhelming situation. Dogs will sit and may even turn their back on the circumstances they are in, to get a grip on the situation.
Go Between
While at the dog park an owner may have witnessed the following. Two dogs roughhousing. The play becomes a little more aggressive than the crowd is comfortable with. A third dog will pass between the two as a “buffer” if you will. The altercation has deflated back to playing. What happened? The third dog was using a calm energy to tell the other two “Can’t we all just get along?”
A human can use the same method. If the dogs are getting a little too rough (Not fighting, it isn’t wise to walk between two dogs fighting) an owner can walk in between and calmly call or treat one of the dogs to follow along. Once the situation has been diffused, play time can resume.
Arc
Canine etiquette dictates that dogs should not meet each other face to face, nose to nose. They must come at each other from the side, giving each other a decent arc so sniffing is the first thing allowable. Humans should keep this in mind when introducing dogs, don’t bring them face to face, but come in from the side. Forcing dogs to meet isn’t a good idea. Let them dictate what they feel is appropriate.
Thinking like a dog, it is what every human should aspire to.
For centuries dogs have been using distressing signals to their humans and to each other. Unfortunately the humans look at these signals and decode using human emotions. While dogs do have emotions, they may not feel them the same way humans do. This is where the confusion and miscommunication come in. When an owner sees their dog sit and look away while being reprimanded, they may assume that the dog is disregarding them. “Whatever”. But to a dog, sitting and averting the eyes is a calming mechanism, a way to get the person yelling to take a breath and not be so scary. Listed below are five coping skills dogs use in everyday life.
