The Art of Communication: Calming Signals

In order to effectively communicate with one another, dogs use a system of body language and subtle cues called “calming signals” to ease anxiety, avert potential conflict, and simply relay their emotional state in any given situation. Credit is given to renowned dog behaviourist Turid Rugaas for deciphering these seemingly innocuous yet very significant body cues dog use (both with other canines and with the people in their lives). Our ability to learn, observe, and read them can go a long way in improving our relationships with our dogs.

Dogs live in a sensory world where the smallest changes in expression and behaviour are detected immediately. They are able to transmit information with a simple glance, a lip lick, a body turn. And, in turn, other dogs are able to pick up on these cues and adjust their behaviour accordingly. The difficulty arises when dogs use this same method on people. A communication breakdown usually occurs because we fail to notice the cues or understand their meaning.

Example: A person is trying to teach his dog basic obedience. He states a command in loud and firm voice. The dog yawns and looks away. The dog just indicated he’s uncomfortable with the situation. Perhaps the vocal command is too aggressive-sounding to the dog. The man, in turn, mistakes the dog’s behaviour for disobedience or obstinence and repeats the command in a louder, angrier voice. The dog turns away now, more yawning, licking his lips. And on it goes. The breakdown in communication escalates to possible punishment for the dog who was just trying to communicate his feelings.

Observe your own dog, take note of these subtle signals, and learn to recognize what your dog is trying to communicate to you. You can perform some of these signals yourself when you want to calm your dog or diffuse a potentially disruptive situation.

Here are five common Calming Signals dogs use:

1. Yawning

Dogs will yawn widely as a way to communicate their discomfort in a situation. It indicates distress, and it is used as a way to comfort or calm. Quite often it is accompanied by a head turn. Situations which may lead to this reaction in a dog include:

- angry voices, arguments
- bending over a unfamiliar dog
- nervousness at a vet’s office (or new surroundings)
- discomfort around rambunctious or aggressive dogs
- when a training session runs too long

You can diffuse a stressful situation by yawning yourself to let the dog know it’s okay to relax.

2. Tongue Flicking or Licking the Lips

When a dog rapidly flicks the tongue over the nose or lips, he is letting another dog know he poses no threat. It’s a very quick, subtle cue yet other dogs see it and respond with another calming signal.

3. Turning the Head or Body Away

Turning the head or body away indicates apprehension with a situation. If the dog feels uncomfortable or threatened, he may turn his head slightly or perform a full body turn away from the source of discomfort. If the dog is taken by surprise, he may turn away quickly. If other dogs are present, this calming signal does just that—calm. It can diffuse an uncertain situation or resolve conflicts.

4. Sniffing the Ground

You may notice your dog sniffing the ground persistently. This is quite easily distinguishable from following an interesting scent. It may occur in noisy places, in the company of unfamiliar dogs (off-leash dog park or kennel), or in any other stressful situation.

5. Walking in a Curve (or Arc)

Take note the next time you are walking your dog. When another dog nears, how do they approach each other. If they are unfamiliar with each other, they will quite often walk in a slow arc as they move towards each other. It’s their way of showing no threat. This is why some dogs reactly strongly when they’re forced to walk straight on up to another person with their dog. Allow your dog to walk in a curve when approaching another dog (it’s instinctual for them to do so), rather than insisting they continue to heel. Observe the arcing that occurs in off-leash dog parks.

So tune into your dog’s world. Watch their simple yet powerful way of communicating. If your dog or the dogs you work with are feeling stressed, yawn and lick your lips to reassure them. This is their language. Talk to them.

After reading this, can you recall any calming signals you may have noticed your dog use?

(Photo Credit: Karen Arnold)

(Photo Credit: Ichtor)

 

 

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