Learning to Speak Doglish Body Language

..training plan, and speak Doglish. Read your dog's body language. Communicate with your dog ...Dogs communicate mostly by body language, through movement of their tails, ears,..

What is your dog trying to tell you
Quote:Dog Training by Sarah Hodgson
Your dog responds to body language a lot like you do. A calm, confident posture reflects confidence and demands respect. A bent, lowered posture conveys either fear or insecurity. Frantic flailing conveys chaos or play.When you’re with your dog, make sure that your body language reflects your intentions. If you are training or trying to control her, stand tall and relaxed. Your dog will respect you if you maintain your dignity.
Note: If you have children, teach them to stand tall when giving the dog directions.Upright positions are confident poses; bending over is often perceived as playful.Refer to this posture as the Peacock Position for easy reference.

If you’re playing with your dog or snuggling affectionately, you may get down to your dog’s level. If she gets too excited or starts to mouth you in play, however, stand upright to remind your dog of your size and presence.In addition to your posture, your dog is aware of where you stand in rela- tion to her. If you’re in front, you’re the leader. If you are standing behind, you are seen as the follower. Take notice of this when your dog is excited
or you’re walking her in an unfamiliar area. If you are ahead of her, she will be calmer: you’re in the position of leader, guardian, and protector. If not, she will naturally assume that role and may become aggressive or hyper.

Dogs use the sound of their voices to communicate. A high-pitched whine signals intimacy or fear, a flat bark is directional, and a loud growl or bark is often a warning or an invitation to play.Similarly, your dog responds to the tone of your voice. Confident direc- tional sounds will get her attention and get her in the habit of looking to you for direction. Think of your commands as short, quick, directional barks.

Soft, loving tones and high-pitched squeals are best used to reward your dog rather than direct her. Dogs translate high-pitched or excited tones as play tones or fearful whimpers. Save these tones for play periods or loving attention.Yelling is like barking to a dog. It is uncommon for one dog to charge another and bark repetitively in her face unless the dog is psychotic. It is especially confusing when you do it, since you are the person your dog
wants to turn to when she feels threatened. Don’t yell at your dog. It will not help in training her or strengthening your relationship. Many dogs look afraid when shouted at, but this is not understanding; it is fear.

Your dog responds to the tone of your voice, not to the actual words. Once you repeat a command many times, she will respond to the sound of the word and understand how to react when she hears it. The direction of your voice is also important. If you stare at your dog and give her commands repetitively, she may feel overwhelmed. When your dog is exercising or playing, she won’t be watching you so closely. When you give commands, either turn your body in the opposite direction or tilt your head upward. This will pique her curiosity, and she will look to you faster.