Eye contact

This is a very common reaction when I am photographing dogs.  The moment when they realize that I am staring at them.  A moment that can go many different ways. 


Eye contact changes everything.  Space circle boundaries (which I wrote about yesterday) will expand if there is eye contact involved.  Eye contact is huge in the dog world, it speaks volumes.  Just last night I was in the kitchen and heard a sound out front.  I went into the living room and froze, listening.  When I did this Elsa got off the couch and watched.  I then looked at her which made her go into an immediate sit.  Seeing her reaction, I relaxed my body and bent down to have a snuggle.  She'd seen my serious frozen posture and was curious; but the eye contact told her I was very serious so she sat which is her first sign of submission. 

Many dogs are just not comfortable with human eye contact.  It is a natural thing for them to veer away; especially if they are the timid or fearful type.  That said, there are all kinds of different eye contact.  When I get a new puppy I make sure that they learn about human eye contact being a good thing.  But even now at almost 3 years old, Elsa is very aware of eye contact.  If I hold her face close and look into her eyes; I can feel that she gets uncomfortable, not hugely, but she prefers if I look just to the side of her. It is a very natural response; especially in a dog so highly aware of body language.

Most people greet dogs by bending over towards them and looking directly at them.  Even if a dog barks uncomfortably they will continue looking directly into their eyes asking "what's wrong?"  A couple of years ago we had this exact situation at our house.  Elsa was working the crowd as she does and stopped in her tracks when she saw a guy with a hat on.  He leaned over starring directly at her and reached out his arms.  This made matters much worse; she kept her eye on him for the remainder of the evening. 

Eye contact is far more powerful than most people realize.  A fearful dog will never approach if you look at them but turn your head and they will slowly come closer.  I use a lack of eye contact in most of my training and I never give it when I first meet a client dog.  I will glance around and use my peripheral vision; but keep direct eye contact for later when we get to know one another.  Eye contact is so subtle that we can be sending so many messages to our dogs when we don't even know we are.  t is the whole inferior human thing. 

That same German Shepherd puppy in the park the other day (I wrote about yesterday) was very sensitive to eye contact.  She would move in if Elsa and Hank were not looking at her but the minute that they did, she moved away.  Eye contact can just be too much to handle in so many different situations.  The laser beam eye contact warning is the first line of defense from a dog.  It is very clear and dogs "get it." 

Eye contact is powerful, use it with caution.  Being that each dog is an individual; you must learn how your dog reacts to it and how to use it appropriately.  It is an amazing tool for communicating with your dog.  I use it regularly when Elsa is moving in too much on my food.  Pushing or yelling does little to thwart a dog moving in on your food; but throw them a serious eye threat and they "get it," immediately.  They may not heed the warning, that all depends on your relationship and training that you have done. 

Humans just don't get dogs to the degree that our dogs get us.  They can read us like a book.  Us?  Not so much.  Take care where you stare, eye contact is a powerful tool. 

Coyotes, a real threat.

Coyotes are a real threat; if you have small dogs then you need to be aware.    The species lives just about everywhere throughout North America, Central America and Mexico.  It is an opportunistic hunter and will eat anything from vegetation and nuts to larger animals such as chicken, sheep, cats and dogs.  They have been very successful with the integration of their species into populated areas and are commonly seen running down streets.   I have seen many here in Southern California; while out at parks or driving around.  Just yesterday morning one ran down the street in front of me on my way back from the gym.  I had been to the gym later so it was surprising for me to see at around 9:00 am.  I first thought that it was a German Shepherd mix running off leash with it's boys.  But when it turned to look over it's shoulder at them I realized that it was a coyote; and a big, well fed coyote at that.  I followed it for a bit and then headed home to make sure that Luke was not out.

I have heard many stories of dogs being taken by coyotes.  I can't imagine, it was one of my greatest fears and a constant worry when I had Jessie.  I have heard of more Jack Russell's being taken than any other dog.  Perhaps it is the tough attitude that a JRT has the gives owners a false sense of security.  Whereas most people who have tiny Chihuahua type dogs know that they are vulnerable.  But it is not just the tiny ones who are taken.  The largest dog that I know taken was a Brittany Spaniel; they are a substantial sized dog.  This dog was taken out of it's own backyard by a pack of coyotes.  She was old and didn't stand a chance against a healthy young coyote pack.  Such a sad way to go. 

Am I an alarmist?  No, not at all.  I love all wildlife and have great respect for it.   Yesterday's spotting was simply a reminder to me that they are around.  Sometimes I forget now that I don't have any small ones around.  Of course Penny visits often but I'd like to see them try to take her.  One snap of that powerful jaw of hers would have them realizing that they were after the wrong dog and head for the hills.  If they are in your area you should be aware.  While photographing a couple of Kuvasz several years back we were graced by a coyote on the scene.  It was perfect timing and gave me the shot I needed to make the cover of the magazine.  Kuvasz are bred to protect their heard and when the coyote showed up they kicked into gear.  It was very interesting.

Just recently I heard of a family losing their small dog to a coyote.  This was more east of us and a known place for lots of coyotes.  It takes but a  moment for them to snatch a dog.  They grab and run; they do not stand and fight to the death there in front of you.  Another woman with a Jack Russell who I know had a tug-o-war with her dog and a coyote.  Lucky for her the dog was on a leash and she was able to fight back.  She got her dog back with huge punctures in it's rib cage.  She head straight to the Vet and the dog was saved. 

Coyotes are opportunists so if we humans fail to keep our dogs safe; they will take the opportunity.  As far as cats go?  Don't even get me started there.  I've been witness to cat deaths by coyotes far too often and do not understand cats at large with the threat of coyotes around.  I just don't get it.  But then again, this is about dogs.  Keep yours safe.