Do You Listen to What a Dog Tries to Tell You?

Now that spring is here, and summer is just around the corner, everyone seems to be out walking their dog. However, not all dogs are interested socializing. Many are scared when another dog or human approaches them.

For example, when a dog comes over to sniff you, it doesn’t necessarily mean they want you to pet them. It simply means they are sniffing you to see who you are, where you have been, and perhaps who you have been with. It does not mean they want you to get down on their level and pet them. They might see it as being aggressive toward them.

It is important to be aware of their language before you step in or allow your child to step in and try to pet the dog without their permission. Learning how to communicate with them is important before you make an innocent mistake and someone gets hurt.

According to Tufts University-Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, there are communication signals to be aware of:

• Scratching or sneezing could certainly mean they feel itchy or sneezy, but when they suddenly get down and start scratching, it could also mean they are trying to avoid contact with you. Yawning is also a clue that they feel tension or uncomfortable with the situation.
• Closed fist. Putting your closed fist in front of their nose might seem like you are doing the right thing to get the attention of the dog or that you are friendly and just want to pet them, a very innocent gesture in your mind, however not in theirs. They may, however, feel very uncomfortable with a fist in front of them and think of it as an aggressive signal to them to be on their guard. They may back up from you or move their head away from you. If this happens, they are trying to tell you they don’t want you to touch them. Remember, not every dog wants to have a stranger pet them.
• Tail wagging. Is not always a sign that a dog is happy. Look for these signs:

While their tail is wagging. Is their body carriage stiff, ridged? Are their ears pinned back? Do they have a fixed stare, or are their eyes blinking rapidly? Is their mouth pulled back tight with the teeth showing, 'listen to the teeth no the tail?'

A rigid stance means the dog is ready to fight, while pinned-back ears and rapid blinking indicates anxiety, and a fixed stare signals either aggression or fear that can lead to aggression.

However, it is also possible if the dog’s body is calm and its eyes are happy and relaxed, it may be ok to pet it because, in this case, a wagging tail is a good sign. Also, if their teeth are not showing while their tail is wagging, that is another good sign.

Did you know a dog must learn that a hug is good? Young children try to hug dogs (whether they know them or not). However, putting your arm over them is a sign of dominance. Again be aware of what you are doing when approaching a dog.

So, enjoy your walk, but don’t be so quick to approach a dog or allow your child to either, without checking out the signals. In fact, another idea is to ask the dog's owner if their dog bites, and if they are ok with you or your child petting their dog, this could save a lot of embarrassment and distress for the dog, the owner, you, and your family.

Happy Walking, and enjoy the sunshine!