Can you talk dog ?
Communicating in canine language
The definition of language is a system of communication.
It can include body language and verbal language.
Humans consciously use verbal language while body language is more unconscious and can complement, contradict, replace or emphasis the words being spoken.
Written language without the visual, auditory and intuitive cues can often be misunderstood. We are complicated creatures us humans.
Dogs, on the other hand, say exactly what they are feeling they do not have the capacity for their verbal ( barking, whining etc) language to contradict their body language. They are feeling beings whose communication is clear, concise and centred around body posture, body movement and vocal tone.
The sad part is that the humans in their lives don’t understand their language. Not sure why – it is much clearer and easier than trying to learn another human language :)
Lets look at the difference between Homo sapiens and Canis lupus familiaris
Primary
Humans : Words, grammar and visual gestures
Dogs : Whole body posture, scent and vocal pitch
Structure
Humans: Use complex rules, grammar, past, present and future tenses and symbols
Dogs: Relevant to the situation and present moment and represents immediate emotional states
Elements
Humans: Words convey certain concepts, pitch and volume which add emotional context.
Dogs: Barks, whines, growls convey urgency, distress, warning or play
Body Language
Humas: Mostly facial expressions, handy gesture and upper body
Dogs: Entire body and is involuntarily
Do the similarities help us to understand them better?
High pitched communication generally conveys excitedness, friendliness or play for dogs and humans
Low pitched communication: Humans and dog both growl when they not happy
Human laughter can indicate joy or nervousness just as a dog’s tail wag might show happiness, uncertainty or a warning
A relaxed open mouth, relaxed eyes and a soft jaw are a sign that we and our dog are feeling ok with the World.
Below is a wonderful 5 minute video produced by Fear Free Happy Homes to help dog parents and their 2 legged siblings understand how to understand their fur child and respond appropriately to what they are telling them.
If you want help trying to understand your Precious Pup then please get in touch.