k9 Communication - do you get it?

There is always something being said, learn, watch and listen.

Do you communicate well with your dog? Recently I’ve had workers at my house. It has been my job to coordinate and schedule all of the work. When I communicate well with all of the different trades, it’s a win win. But if I fail to properly communicate which I did the other day, it’s a big learning curve for me. Of course this made me think about the communications that we have with our dogs.

On a day to day basis we communicate with our dogs; even when we don’t think we are communicating with them. We’re not the brightest species on the earth when it comes to communication. Come on, you know I’m right. Have you ever become frustrated because someone didn’t get what you were trying to communicate? What about when we assume? We all do that, I happen to do it a lot.

So we aren’t great communicators. I often ask my clients “do you know what you are saying to your dog right now?” Of course they have no idea that they were conveying an incorrect message to their dog until I tell them. Dogs signal and read lightning fast. They have the ability to send and receive messages that we have a tough time seeing let alone understanding. They are masters, we are not.

But we can improve, there is hope for us. Yes really.

We need to learn how dogs communicate. So many times people tell me about the weird things that their dog does that they cannot figure out. Much of the time it has a learn sequence but because we don’t understand canine communication like they do, we don’t get it. The smarter the dog, the bigger the problems…typically.

Canines learn through association. Once you get that, the rest is easy. Read, read and read some more. Learn how your dog communicates so that you can bring your best game to the communication field.

Communication - human/canine

A clear communication

Elsa and I head up the hill towards the lake at one of our favorite spots.  As we neared the bend a woman stood on other side of a narrow road with two large dogs in one hand and her phone in the other.  She kept nervously watching us as we continued.  Needless to say I was now watching her and assessing what exactly was going on before continuing any further.  She yanked at the dogs over and over again; pulling them in to an inch beside her.  It was what she did next that caused me to make the decision to u turn with Elsa. 

Watching the situation with the woman, dogs and phone carefully; it was obvious that she was not comfortable with us passing by.  Trying to balance her phone conversation and two large dogs she then held up one leg and put it in front of the dogs.  Okay, that was enough information for me; I did a quick u-turn and head back down the hill, taking our walk in a different direction.  

 The woman's body language clearly stated "I don't think I can control these guys with one hand."  She was not giving up on her phone conversation so she was hoping to rely on the one leg up and the other leg balancing to do the work.  Hmmmmmmm....

Sometimes it's just best to turn around.  She was not blocking our way at all but I saw the scenario as an accident waiting to happen.  A simple direction change rectified what I saw as a possible situation.  As we turned and head the other way I looked back to see the woman loosen her grip on her dogs and continue her walk.  So it was a win, win. 

Coming across someone who looks like they have no control over their dog can be as intimidating as a loose dog running around.  It fact, it was a woman who had lost control of her Bulldogs while still on leash that attacked Elsa several years ago.  I do not want to be the victim of someone's lack of control over their dog.  Either get control of your dog or don't have a dog so large and strong that you can't physically control it.  

The woman with the two large dogs had communicated to me that she was not confident in her ability to control her dogs.  Having both hands available and not trying to carry on a conversation; she may have been quite capable of controlling her dogs.  I clearly understood her body language because that's what I do.  I read.  Not everyone sees communication via body language and it is a big problem.  

Just the other day Elsa and I were out in a big open field playing catch.  A man with a Labrador started approaching.  Seeing that he was coming our way, I made a clear communication by moving further down the field.  He should have seen this "I don't want to interact," but he didn't.  He kept coming so I upped my communication.  I abruptly turned and walked away.  Nope, he was still coming.  It boggles my mind.  Finally I leashed Elsa, turned around completely and started walking away.  He then called out to see if they could play together.  Wow!!!!

Canines are far superior to us in the reading body language department.  We humans can in fact communicate without ever having to open our mouths.  But whether or not the other person we are trying to communicate with can read or not is the question.  

Listening Part #2

So much being said.

This is part #2 - a continuation from my previous Really Listening Part #1 blog.  

As far as we humans are concerned, listening (although few people actually listen) is what we rely on for communication.  There is a great deal that can be heard if you read between the lines of what is said and watch as well.  Even though we depend on verbal communications for our preferred way of communicating; there is more to communication than words.

Dogs, on the other hand use body language first so listening to your dog means watching.  Of course canines use vocal communication but it is not their prime means of getting a message across.  Do you listen to your dog?  Which means do you watch?  

I love watching dogs.  So much is said within a few seconds and if you are not watching intently and clearly understand what you are seeing, you'll either miss it or misinterpret the message.  When Elsa has a play date with a canine friend, I find it hard not to watch 100% of the time.  I find it fascinating, so much information is shared between our dogs that we never even know about if we aren't paying attention.

Isn't it funny that we think that our dogs are so amazing at knowing what is going on with us.  "How did she know we were having friends over?"  "How does your dog know when you aren't going out?"  They watch, it's what they do and they know.  They know when things are good and when things are bad, they just know. 

If I am out and about I love to watch dogs and their constant communication.  I have tripped many times while turning to watch an interaction on my own walk.  It is what I love. 

Humans tend to take what they see in canine content and turn it into a human behavior.  When dogs communicate it is not in the same way that we do at all.  We have to explain it in human terms so that we mere humans can understand it but they don't do human things unless they are trained and asked to do so.  

Understanding canine communications is completely alien to us; that is unless we take the time to learn about it.  

Humans misread canine interactions on a regular basis, I see and hear it all of the time.  I see videos where people think that dogs are playing so cute; but they are just on the verge of a fight.  Photos of people allowing children to hug or sit on a dog and think that the dog loves it, sends chills down my spine. 

An extremely relatable example is guilt.  Humans often, far too often see submission as guilt.  "He knows he should not poop on the floor," is a common statement as an owner is yelling at their dog.  "Look how guilty he is," they say as the dog hangs it's head, averts eye contact and shrinks in submission.  The dog is reacting to the human behavior, not the guilt from what they have done. 

If you live with a dog or dogs you really should learn how to understand them.  

On-leash canine greetings

Always ask!!!!

She was headed our way with a mission in her step. Her intention was to give her dog the chance to meet my little Jack Russell.  "She's not friendly," I called out to her.  "Oh she loves dogs and wants to say hi," she replied.  I was a little set back by her response and responded "NO."  Turning abruptly, we picked up the pace.  She was one of those dog guardians; the ones that have no intention of listening to my heed. 

Approaching other dogs in hopes of an on-leash interaction without asking first is foolish.  Off leash greetings can go wrong; on-leash greetings can be even worse.  

Leashes can cause all sorts of problems.

1.  Leashes can take away our dog's ability to communicate freely.
2.  Leashes inhibit our dog's freedom of movement.  The inability of moving away can cause many behavior issues.
3.  Leashes are our line to our dog.  Wrong messages can be sent via that line when we deal with our own emotions. 
4.  Leashes can give people a false sense of a well behaved dog.
5.  Leash entanglement is a huge problem for many.

Leashes and communication
- When we attach a leash to our dogs it decreases their ability to communicate freely.  A tight leash, pulling and tugging changes our dog's body language.

Freedom of movement
- If a dog cannot move away, they can become fearful or aggressive. 

Our message
- Our messages are sent down the leash to our dogs.  If you are uptight, anxious, stressful or fearful; your dog will know this and act accordingly.  It's our job to send good messages down the leash.

False
- Many dog owners think that their dog is very well behaved because they are on leash.  Being on leash and being well behaved are two entirely different things.

Entanglement
- Becoming entangled with other dogs is a very common problem.  Even the friendliest dog encounter can go wrong if they become entangled.

Leashes are a piece of safety equipment.  They are also a line of communication, a problem creator and cause of much confusion.  

Use a leash but think about the leash when you are out with your dog.  A tight leash can do a great deal of damage as far as lack of communication, body language confusion and misread messages.

Inferior beings

Good Monday morning.  I'm sure that you all noticed that I've been absent?  I was busy with wedding festivities and family visiting over the last couple of weeks.  But now it's back to life as usual. 

First let me tell you all that Elsa is doing well physically after her attack.  I am following up further on the attack and details and it waits to be seen if she will suffer from emotional fallout; I'm thinking most likely.

This brings me to today's topic of discussion, reading body language.  Dogs are amazing at reading body language; of course there are levels of understanding but most are experts.  There are some who can read it but ignore much of the meaning and then there are a few who just don't get it.  As for humans reading body language?  We are HORRIBLE.  Take for instance the act of stepping off of a path or reining a dog in; this should tell the passers by that we do not want to interact.  But even when we give off all of the clear "do not come near me" signs; the humans still continue to approach.

There are those who walk their dogs on the end of an extended extension leash; the ones who take up a 10-15 foot circle around them.  Do they rein in their dog as others approach?  Nope.  You not only have to step off of the path; having to deal with their lack of space consideration but also their dog leaping at the end of the leash.   When you move away they often throw the "what's wrong with you?" look.  Let's face it, most humans have lost their ability to read body language.  When we send clear signals that are completely ignored, it forces us to use words.  The use of body language can completely remove the need to "get into it."  Remove the interaction before hand and a problem never arises.  But we just don't get it.

As an intense watcher of canine body language; I am also a human body language watcher.  It comes with the territory and is fascinating.  I have begun to read people as much as dogs by watching.  It truly is amazing to see how much we can read just by really watching.  But many humans have thrown the whole body language thing out the window.  They don't watch their dog and they definitely don't watch other humans.  They rely solely on words, ignoring clear signals given. 

Body language is a bits and pieces act.  You can look at the big picture or dissect it to pieces.  It is in these pieces that you will find the information.  Small cues that give off so much information.  Humans are very easy to read; even given the fact that we can lie and do so.  If you watch carefully you can even see the truth and a lie via body language.  Humans can try to hide but much of who we are, is held within our movements.  Movements of extremities, eyes and posture. 

If we all focused on better communications there would be far less issues to deal with after the fact. 

There's a monster in the park.

             Canine etiquette; first you greet, then you play.  Skipping the greeting stage can lead
             to all sorts of misconception and trouble. 


Elsa and I were just finishing up our evening walk and were headed to the Xterra.  Up ahead I could see some folks sitting with their dogs and chatting.  A man with a dog was walking by and two small dogs came out to say hi to his dog and they looked to be having a nice time.  As we walked up the two dogs were called and I told them "she's friendly."  I wanted these nice little dogs to interact with Elsa.  So many small dogs are not friendly; and it can really leave an impression on a dog after being snapped at so many times.  The owners told them okay and I dropped Elsa's leash.  The three were interacting very nicely when a large black dog charged over that I hadn't even seen in the group of people.  With no greeting, hello or how are ya;s; she started to chase Elsa. 

At first it was just a very assertive approach to sniff and as Elsa tried to move away the dog chased.  Soon Elsa was running with the dog chasing her.  Elsa's rear end was about as tucked as it can be as I called out to her.  It is hard for a dog to hear anything when they are in a fear mode.  I continued calling her; I remained calm as there was no need to panic.  It all happened so fast that I find myself trying very hard to remember it all.  Then she screamed; Elsa let out a noise that I'd never heard before.  She was very scared.

Finally she turned and ran into the group of people for safety.  I walked over calmly and picked up her leash.  Everyone knew that Elsa was scared and I immediately made the decision to stay a while.  I asked again "she's friendly right?"  As it was difficult for me to read the dog myself.  Yes she had chased Elsa but it hadn't seemed aggressive; assertive yes but not aggressive.  They said "oh yes, very friendly."  Then they told me she just be charging around with some dogs; so I guess she thought that she'd just start up again.  But she hadn't even met Elsa before and I am sure that Elsa really didn't even know what this dog was.  It was a Bouvier des Flandres in full clip which means that she had no face and no tail as far as communication is concerned.  Elsa could not see the dogs eyes, or read her very short tail.  She was very full coated which meant that there was little other body language to read.  All Elsa knew was that this giant black monster was after her. 

So why did I not get on my high horse and head out after the incident?  Association.  I have worked too hard and too long to have it all come undone in one chance meeting.  The owner of the dog stayed seated, oblivious to there being a situation.  A very nice woman with another dog herself; grabbed the Bouvier's leash so that Elsa could get her composure.  I remained completely calm through the ordeal; surprisingly because I am a grizzle bear of an overprotective Mom.  But what Elsa needed now was; well thought out situational modification through precise manipulation indicative to creating positive association.  She did not need her Mother enforcing her fear by leaving in a panic.   We were not leaving on a negative, we had to stay for a while and the most important part was that I remain calm.  It may not be a warm and fuzzy moment but we had to stay.

I had Elsa's leash in my hand, we kept the monster at bay.  Once the monster realized that I had treats then she was happy to just sit and stare at me, waiting.   Elsa kept glancing at the Bouvier from the corner of her eye.  She was most definitely interested as she skirted around the woman and had a sniff of the monster.  It had all happened so fast that I'm sure Elsa was thinking "wt*."  She continued to have interested but was very wary if the monster looked at or approached her.  The Bouvier had very bad canine manners as did one of the other dogs there which I have actually written about before.  A very nice but oblivious Labrador.  She is very sweet but in your face and Elsa does not like in your face until she knows you. 

Elsa is one of the best dog readers I know.  When in doubt she hangs back; but this situation gave her nothing to go on.  Imagine you were on a walk and Sasquatch came charging out of the woods at you.  You'd turn and run, that's all you would do; well you might scream too.  Allowing your dog to do this is just wrong; if our dog's don't have manners we must teach them some.  That or keep your dog on a leash until it is okay to run and play.  Dogs with good communication skills would meet first, play bow or bounce; wait for a reciprocated communication and then charge off playing.  Elsa reacted very fearfully by running but; she could have very well turned and attacked in fear.  I am glad that she did not attack; it would have made the situation much more difficult to work with. 

Over the last two years I have sifted through dogs for interaction purposes.  I have tried to keep them all positive with a small amount of not so great just for learning sake.  This is the moment that I was working up to; the one that was not great.  With all the positive behind her, the hope is that this will not leave such a huge impression.  So we will head to the park again.  I will be ready this time and I will shout up ahead to keep the monster on a leash.  No doubt Elsa will remember.  Dogs simply don't forget.  One sniff and a dog has you in their memory bank.  We will keep it short and sweet and leave on a positive.  (Quit while you are ahead)  Maybe, just maybe the monster and Elsa will become good friends. 

Feel free to ask questions about dealing with a situation like this.