"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen" Orhan Pamuk

Helping to navigate the world with our pups. How can we learn to understand our dogs better?

When it comes to understanding our dogs and puppies, it’s really important that we learn to interpret as many as possible of the visual signals they display on a daily basis. They can’t speak to us in a human language so we need to interpret the signals they are giving to be able to keep them safe and happy. It’s important to look at your puppy as a whole, rather than focus on one specific aspect, as no single behaviour is a perfect indication of how they are feeling.

As a new puppy parent, it’s important to know and recognise calming signals in your puppy. These are signals that your puppy is starting to feel distress, and being able to recognise them is the best way to help de-escalate a situation for your puppy before they become even more uncomfortable.

A puppy uses calming signals to say "I'm stressed out, can we go now?"

It's important not to miss a puppy's cry for help and leave it until it escalates into something more vocal.

Here are some typical signals to start looking out for:

Lip licking
Shake off
Paw lift
Stretching
Look away
Pacing
Sniffing
Scratching
Big yawn
Blinking
Lowering tail
Sneezing

All dogs should have a safe place, a place they can go to when they want to be left alone.

We should be our puppy's advocate and have their back. As we start to learn when they are uncomfortable, and in turn remove them from situations if necessary, we will help to build the bond with our dogs for a better relationship.

For information, help or advice regarding training, get in touch.

Happy Training!