While your puppy can't tell you how they feel verbally, a lot can be interpreted from its body language. Psychology-based dog training teaches you to read that body language, as there are some obvious and not-so-obvious signs to watch out for. The question is, how confident are you that you can understand your dog's body language?
Fortunately, the aforementioned dog behaviour courses can be taken online and at your convenience, which is excellent news for anyone wanting to enter the animal care industry or become a better owner. We'll tell you how to access that training shortly, but not before we look at common signs associated with certain canine emotions.
Dog’s Body Language: When Dogs Are Happy...
A happy dog is typically relatively easy to spot, as they'll be relaxed, open-mouthed and with their tongue hanging out. Other signs include loose, relaxed shoulders, possibly with their rump raised in the air in what's known as a 'Play bow'. Then there are other classic signs like a wagging tail and an exposed belly that point towards a contented pooch.
Dog’s Body Language: When Dogs Are Stressed...
As you'll learn when taking dog obedience training, there are some obvious signs that your dog is stressed. These behaviours include lowered ears, over-preening, and sometimes acting overly submissive and subdued. You might also see some unusual pacing around the home and even yawning when they're not tired, which is usually accompanied by over-drooling.
Dog’s Body Language: When Dogs Are Aggressive...
A critical emotion to detect in your dog is aggression, manifesting by your canine shifting its weight onto its haunches in a 'ready to attack' pose. This might be accompanied by a fixed stare, or something known as ‘whale eye’ where much of the white of the eye is showing. When experienced with growling and bared teeth, you should give your dog some room to calm down.
Spotting Those Subtle Animal Signs
Ok, so some of the examples we’ve provided are obvious, of course, as you don’t need to take dog behaviour training to know that a happy dog wags its tail or that an angry one may growl, but many of the signs you’re looking for aren’t going to be quite so clear-cut.
The fact is that the more time you spend getting to know your dog, the more likely it is you’ll be able to spot even the most subtle of non-verbal hints your dog is giving you. The good news is that adding to your knowledge is easy and affordable, and your learning can fit your day-to-day obligations.
Learn New Skills Online On Your Terms With OCA!
If you're looking to add to your knowledge to make yourself a better owner or enter the animal care industry profession, it's now easier than ever. At OCA, we offer a range of affordable, CPD-approved micro-learning courses like our Dog Psychology, Behaviour & Training Course that can even be paid for in manageable instalments.
This is just one of many we offer in animal care and, indeed, across a wide range of industries and sectors. Far from being boring, our video-based training for our dog training courses is known for its stimulating nature - something you can find out more about by visiting us online at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au.
However, if you'd like to speak to a member of our friendly team about your animal care training needs, call us at 1300 611 404 today. Join one of our dog training courses today!
