How To Read Your Dog’s Body Language
What is your dog trying to tell you? Dogs have a language that allows them to communicate their emotional state and their intentions to others around them. Although dogs do use sounds and signals, much of the information that they send is through their body language, specifically their facial expressions and body postures.
Understanding what your dog is saying can give you a lot of useful information, such as when your dog is spooked and nervous about what is going on, or when your dog is edgy and might be ready to snap at someone. You do have to look at the dog’s face and his whole body.
Positive and happy signs of dogs
Tail down and relaxed shows that the dog is happy and unconcerned with the environment. Ears up (not forward) and head high, mouth open slightly, tongue exposed, loose stance (weight flat on feet) are all signs of a happy and relaxed dog relaxing and not bothered with the things going around him. But tail down does not always mean the dog is relaxed, sometimes mood varies according to the situation as well.
Stubborn behavior
When the tail is stiff but may be seen to quiver or vibrate from side to side and the tail is raised and bristled, it shows the dominating behavior of the dog. Hackles raised show the aggression of the dog. The dog seems rigid and with an aggressive mood showing signs like ears forward (maybe spread slightly to the side to form a wide v shape), the forehead may show vertical wrinkles, nose wrinkled. Lips curled with anger, teeth (and often the gums) are visible. Mouth open and c-shaped, corner of the mouth is forward, stiff-legged stance, body leaning slightly forward are the signs of stubborn behavior with aggression. Such dogs can be helped by loving them and taking care of them. Polite actions are a good treatment for them.
Aggressive but fearful at the same time
Sometimes when the dog is pressed or anyone hurts him, by mistake or by intention, the dog gets aggressive but not submissive. When someone tries to threaten the dog, he will give signals such as body lowered, hackles raised, tail tucked (little or no movement), ears back, pupils dilated, nose wrinkled, lips slightly curled (teeth may be somewhat visible) and corner of the mouth pulled back.
Signs showing the stressful behavior of dogs
If the dog is under any type of social or environmental stress, he shows body language by giving signs like tail down, body lowered, ears back and pupils dilated. Rapid panting with the corner of the mouth back and sweating through pads show the stressful body language of the dog.
Submission with fear
If someone threatens the dog and the dog doesn’t want to revert back physically, he totally shows the sign of extreme fear by total submission to the opponent by accepting his own lower rank and status. Signs like rolling onto back exposing stomach and throat, tail tucked, may sprinkle a few drops of urine. Other signs include the head turn to avoid direct eye contact, ears flat and back, eyes partly closed, nose and forehead smooth, and corner of mouth back.
When a dog is in the mood for playing
Tail up, ears up, pupils dilated mouth open, the tongue may be exposed and the front end lowered by bent forepaws are the signs when the dog wants to play.
5 Ways To Tell Whether Your Dog Enjoys At Daycare
Dogs love to socialize. If your dog is going to daycare, he’s probably having a great time. Here are 5 ways to tell.
Signs that tell you if your dog likes daycare
There are some clues or hints using which you can determine that your dog is going to the right daycare service and that it is not affecting him/her negatively. If you want to make sure whether or not your dog is happy at the daycare service, look for the following things:
Observe your dog’s reaction when you arrive at the daycare
Dogs are very expressive beings and do not hide their emotions. If they are not happy, they will be visibly down. They will behave differently than at home. If they enjoy their time at the daycare, they will be full of excitement and fun reaching daycare. Looking at their reaction can give you an idea of how the dog’s day was. If it was full of fun, it ultimately would show that. Otherwise, it will have a negative reaction. It may whine, hang its head or tuck its tail showing that its day was not as expected.
Carefully watch how your dog interacts with others
Your dog’s social skills will tell you a lot about whether he likes the daycare or not. If he plays with other dogs at daycare, and initiates the play, exhibiting a positive role and communication, then it is likely that the daycare is working well for him. However, if your dog reacts in fear and aggression toward other dogs, daycare is likely not enjoyable for him.
Keep open communication with the staff at the daycare
Be sure to keep an open communication channel with the daycare staff so that you know what’s going on with your dog at daycare every day. The staff members can provide you with enough idea about the behavior of your dog. If something is amiss with your dog, you must talk it out with the staff. It must also alarm you, and you should keep an eye on such behavior at home. If the dog shows similar behavior, then you can be sure that something is not right and that it is time to change your dog’s daycare.
Note your dog’s body language when you go to pick it up
Your dog’s reaction when you go to receive it at the daycare will probably tell you a lot about the day that the dog had. If his reaction to seeing you is tense and the dog is down, it probably had a bad day. Drooping tail, head bowed low, and an overall depressed demeanor are all negative signs that tell he had a bad day. On the other hand, if it looks relaxed, playful, and unwilling to leave, then that means that it had quite a day and had fun.
See for any major behavioral changes
If the dog gets negative vibes at the daycare, it will start showing that in its behavior. He may remain scared, act out or ignore your commands, then be assured that it’s a negative change in his behavior. Some dogs even wet their beds if they are facing issues at daycare. On Contrast, if you see only positive behavior in your dog, then it’s a really good sign showing that the daycare is working wonders for him.
Advantages of Doggy Daycare
The benefits of dog daycare are many. In fact, if chosen rightly, a daycare can prove to be the best companion in a dog’s growth. It is only at a daycare that a dog learns to socialize and mix up. It can also be the place where your dog unwinds and spends his time while you are at work. Dogs can be occupied playing with other dogs while you stay relaxed and unworried. It can also help your dog to be more responsible, responsive, and expressive to your commands.
Disadvantages of Doggy Daycare
If there is a negative atmosphere at the daycare, then some dogs can develop problems. They might feel agitated and show aggression towards owners and other dogs. Also, the stress and anxiety of staying away from their owners can take a toll on their mental health. At times, he might miss you so much that he acts it out. The separation and anxiety can have negative impacts on your dog. Your dog, while playing at daycare, might also pick some bad habits such as jumping on people, rough behavior, and acting on their instincts instead of their owners’ commands.
Conclusion
If you are anxious about your dog’s activities at daycare, it’s a good idea to observe it once in a while, if that’s possible. When you leave your dog at the daycare, try to evaluate its behavior and examine its positive and negative actions.
Do you require a pet daycare in Spring Texas that works with your schedule? Worry Not. We at Family Pet ensure that your pet gets a home away from home. One of the best pet boardings in Spring Texas, we are equipped with everything that your dog needs for overall development. Feel free to call us at (832)764-0904 or mail us at familypetretreat@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you!
Fun Activities to Keep Dog Healthy and Calm
Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. They’re loyal companions who love being around people. But they also have some unique needs. Find out what these needs are and how to meet them! A dog’s life is full of fun activities, but sometimes dogs can be bored or stressed out. Discover ways to keep your dog happy and healthy!
Here are a few fun things to keep your pet happy:
Walking Tour of Your City
Grab the city by the road and wander to popular hot-spot like a tourist but try to avoid impromptu trips. If you plan your route, you must make a few stops at your pet-friendly sites for a few breaks. All the passersby will feel jealous of your comradeship with your dog.
Spend a Day at a Beach or a Lake
Few dogs are born swimmers. Let them unwind in the swimming realm. However, before going to the pool, make sure it is spacious enough for your dog to play and swim independently.
Go For A Ride Together
Please keep the pace of the automobile slow so your dog can stay in place while tied in a leash. Going for rides with your dog will leave them healthy and delighted. While traveling by car, dogs have a habit of peeking through the window, so keep them half-open so that they can enjoy the outside view.
Running or Jogging Along With Your Pet
No activities can tire up a dog. However, running and jogging will put your dog’s energy level to fair use. It will keep furry friends calm and physically fit the whole day long. Few dogs love to run for long distances, so carry food with yourself considering your pet’s health. While vacationing during the winter season make your dog wear warm clothes to go for a long run. Ensure taking breaks at regular intervals to leave your dog rejuvenated and retain their energy.
Take Your Dog To Play Dates
Take your dog to play with other furry friends in the park so that your buddy can mingle with their dates and play together. While setting up the play dates of dogs, you must consider temperament along with the likes and dislikes of both players. Going on dates with their buddy will make them feel happy and content.
Solve the Problem
Let your furry friend have a way with their new toy! Be it tossing the ball around and fetching it back. These games will be a diversion for your dog; however, you need to keep a close eye on them, so they don’t chew them. This chasing and fetching of the ball will improve their health.
Obedience Training and Agility Class
Dogs with a wild streak need to be trained so they can learn how to behave. Obedience and agility training will give your pet a chance to be obedient to their owner and show their strength.
Let Your Dog Choose Their Toys
Let your furry friend choose the toys that they want in their pet room and make them put in the trolley. Don’t let the toys’ prices make you think twice about your decision as this activity may be exciting for your dog.
Make Them Learn New Tricks
Learning new tricks is something that younger or grown-up dogs both can learn. Teach your furry friend some fantastic tricks like skipping or any others, so that they can impress your colleagues. Make sure to give them a treat once they learn new tricks to keep them motivated.
Family Pet is one of the most prominent Pet Boarding Spring Texas which will take care of your lovely dogs and make them learn new tricks. They will be provided with the utmost love and care under expert staff and motivated to do some exciting activities. These activities will not only keep your furry buddy busy but will be healthy for them.
