Dog Communication and Body Language
Dogs are considered a collaborative social animal, it is therefore important for them to live within a group. It is essential to understand some aspects of canine communication in order to avoid misunderstandings. The dog communicates in different ways (visual, auditory, olfactory, para-olfactory, tactile). Just like in humans, there is no communication carried out through a single channel disconnected from the context and the language of the entire body. The interpretation of the message can only take place by taking the big picture into consideration. Dogs and humans communicate with the body in different ways:
How do dogs communicate?
Verbal communication includes vocal sounds (moans, screams, growls, barks, howls), non-vocal sounds (whines, panting, snapping jaws) and mixed sounds (indicate the nuances of language) are distinguished. The emission of a wide variety of sounds, present to a lesser extent in wolves, seems to be due to domestication.
Non-verbal communication is divided into:
- Proxemics - the specific disposition of the body towards the interlocutor (near, far, front, side, back, etc.),
- Posture - the exposure of the body to the interlocutor (high/low, collected, relaxed/rigid);
- Kinetics - the speed of movement and trajectory. A direct or indirect trajectory denounces safety while an inconstant movement with constant pauses triggers curiosity and alertness.
- Gestures - the movement and arrangement of particular parts of the body. Tail, ears, legs, head, erection of hair in particular areas of the back. In this case, it should be noted that tail wagging does not denote happiness but emotional activation (both positive and negative);
- Mimic- the facial expression from the corner of the mouth, forehead, nose and ears
- Tactile communication - Contact or careers
The Dog's sensory organs
What do dogs see?
The dog’s sensory organs are different from ours. Although their visual field is greater (the width can vary according to the shape of the muzzle) and can perceive images even in low light, the visual acuity is lower if the object is not moving (if in motion the dog can perceive it at a distance of 6 meters) or if placed below 30-50 cm of distance, can perceive the blue and yellow colors (and their variations) but not the shades of red (it is therefore important to advise the owners when choosing colored toys). Visual communication is often impaired by incorrect leash management.
What do dogs hear?
Regarding hearing, dogs can perceive both low frequencies (which we also perceive) and high frequencies (ultrasounds); this makes them particularly sensitive to noise. We should avoid using whistles to draw their attention and evaluate the material of bowls and toys before the little one can show reluctance in using it due to the excessive noise.
What do dogs smell?
Dogs have a high olfactory capacity thanks to the extension of the olfactory mucosa and a large amount of specialized cells. The shape of the skull causes some dogs to inhale large masses of air (eg. Setters) or small quantities (eg. Hounds). The drastic reduction of the nasal plane present in some brachycephalic breeds (eg Pug) suggests that these subjects may have a more difficult and altered olfactory perception. Dogs smell chemicals that evaporate more or less quickly in contact with the air such as pheromones and social smells. The latter are secreted by the sebaceous glands and mucous membranes and help create a common odor among the members of the group. Pheromones not only communicate information on the current emotional state (fear, anger, tranquility) and physiological state (male, female, in heat, pregnant etc) of those who emit them but are often associated with a specific behavioral function and complete visual communication.
Dog's tactile perception
Tactile perception (and consequently tolerance to contact) develops during fetal life and is perfected during the dog’s first weeks of life thanks to the mother’s care (who regularly cleans the puppies and favors their elimination) and actions carried out by breeders or people who take care of the puppy (volunteers, kennel operators). The regular manual control of the coat, ears, eyes, mouth, the light touch on the limbs can be done regularly at home as well as brushing sessions (preferring soft bristle brushes) so as to increase the tolerance to handling (especially in light of the regular veterinary visits) .As long as they are proposed gradually, the signs of interruption are respected (withdrawing, stiffening of the muscles, increasing breathing, yawning, giving the paw, licking the face or hand, squinting and turning the head, blocking hand with mouth) and give the puppy the opportunity to move away when he feels the need.
