Before we begin, there are a few key communication signals your dog uses every day that you need to be able to read. These signals will be used to determine how comfortable your dog is with desensitization. Most of what we will be doing is classical conditioning, which we will talk about next week.
We will be using classical conditioning to build up a positive association with things like groomer’s tools, being handled all over their body, and even with water. In order to do this, we will need to carefully read our dog’s body language, and make sure that they are completely happy before advancing through the training process.
Since reading body language is such a big part of this entire course, it’s important to go over that body language and make sure we can read those signs, from obvious to subtle.
Signals that Mean “Back off”
If you see any of the below signals, you’ll want to reduce the amount of pressure your dog is experiencing. Let’s say for example, you are working on desensitizing the feet. You touch their shoulder, and they don’t react, but then you touch their elbow and they give you one of the below signals.
If they give you one of the below signals, it means you should not continue touching the elbow, but go back to the shoulder and try again later.
Tense lips
Isn’t this picture of Tank adorable? The look of complete and utter betrayal on his face is indeed a signal that he’s not very happy. If you see your dog’s lips tighten, this is a soft signal they’d rather you not do that. Notice how the lips are tight, and pooched forward a bit.
This is one of the first soft signals a dog gives that they’re not happy, well before a bite or a snarl. It’s also easy to overlook, so take care to make checking their lips a part of assessing whether a dog is happy or not.
Whale Eye
If you can see the whites of your dog’s eyes, they’re frightened or worried. This is another sign what ever you’re doing is too much for your pup. Tank is our worrier of the group. You can see here that his folded ear, tighter lips and whale eye indicate he is feeling nervous.
Yawning
A yawn isn’t always a sign of sleepiness in dogs. If your dog gives a great big yawn during a training session, it’s time to take a pause and make sure what you’re doing isn’t too much for your pup. Yawning is sometimes a way of saying, “This is really too much!” in dog language, or they’re signaling they’d like you to stop what you’re doing.
Licking your hands or face
This is a very, very polite “No, thank you!” in dog language. They are once again trying to pacify you and politely stop your behavior.
Licking their mouths
Unless they’re licking their mouth because of the delicious treats they smell, licking lips is a sign of anxiety. According to Patricia McConnel, a dog behaviorist, if your dog’s tongue comes out to the side, it’s more likely to be in anticipation of treats. If the tongue comes straight out the front of the mouth, it’s more likely to be an appeasement gesture.
Looking away
When a dog is frightened, they will often avoid eye contact. If your dog is studiously looking away from you, this is a good sign they’re feeling nervous. In the above picture, it was Leia’s first time in a hammock. She was a little nervous, and both looked away and nervously licked her lips.
I now can’t sneak into the hammock by myself without her demanding to come in with me, but that first time was a little scary!
Ducking their head
Ducking their head, or turning their head away, is a sign that a dog is uncomfortable and wants to leave. A bigger signal is actively walking away. This is why most of our work will be done off leash and unrestrained in the house, so the dog is free to leave if they’re not comfortable.
In the picture above, Tank would rather not model the shirt I made for him.
Have a look at Sandy’s expression when we were introducing the loop for loop training. You can see that while she’s not leaving, she is uncomfortable. Her head is turned away, lips are tight, and she’s avoiding looking at the loop.
Walking away
Walking (or running!) Means you’ve gone a lot too far and need to back off several steps. While in this picture Leia is actually having a sniffy walk at the park, if your dog gets up and walks away while you’re trying to desensitize them, consider it a polite no thank you.
Mouthing
A dog that really doesn’t like what you’re doing but is still feeling submissive may mouth your hand as well as lick it. This is a bit firmer than licking, and once again means back off!
Growling
Here we’ve tipped over from passive signals to more active ones. A growl is a warning that your dog does not like what you’re doing, and that they are considering a bite. Never punish a growl. This is a signal that they are not happy, and you’d rather have a growl then them bite because growling isn’t allowed!
Once again, we’ve gone way too far if you’ve gotten a growl.
Hard eye
Again, tipping over into aggressive is a hard, unwavering gaze and narrowed eyes. This is a threat.
Showing teeth
If a dog shows their teeth, even just a mild lip curl to expose a canine, this is a firm sign they are not having what you are up to. Keep in mind the dog needs to be showing teeth for this to be an aggressive signal, not just teeth being seen due to panting or having their mouth open.
Air snaps
Dogs are faster than we are. If they wanted to bite you, you would be bitten. Sometimes, a dog will bite the air near you rather than an actual bite. Take heed, they won’t miss next time.
Biting
If all these other signals are exhausted, your dog may decide to bite to get their point across. Some dogs may go straight to the bite if they’ve learned other signals aren’t respected. If you think your dog will bite, muzzle train your dog first.
Signals that mean, “I’m relaxed!”
Just like there are many signals to indicate a dog is nervous or unhappy, there are signals that show your dog is relaxed and at ease with what you are doing.
Relaxed lips
Well, it’s pretty plain that Rocco was feeling very relaxed on top of my warm laundry pile. What signals are showing that? One big signal here is his lips. See how they are relaxed, and even curved up a little, almost as if he is smiling?
Those soft, droopy lips are a signal of a relaxed dog.
Soft eyes
A relaxed dog will let their eyelids shut a little bit, almost as if they are squinting. You will certainly not be able to see any eye whites. They will also not have a ‘worry wrinkle’ in their forehead. Here Sandy is stretching after a nap. Notice the soft eyes, soft lips, and relaxed ear posture.
Pool noodle body
A happy, relaxed dog has a soft body that is wiggly and supple. Rather than being stiff as a board, it will be soft like a pool noodle.
Soft ears
Ears aren’t always a great indicator, because there are so many different styles across different breeds. In general, a dog who is nervous will fold their ears stiffly back against their head if they can, while a relaxed dog will have them in a natural position. Here Leia is snuggled in my bed. See how relaxed her upper ear is?
Let’s take a quiz now to make sure you can read your dog’s body language properly.
Similar Posts:
- Growling dog? Never do this.
- Dog Vocabulary: Appeasement Gestures
- How to Brush Your Chihuahua’s Teeth
- Puppy Teething in Chihuahuas
- Dog Vocabulary: Bite Inhibition
This is such a helpful guide! It’s amazing to learn how to better understand my chihuahua’s subtle cues – I’m really looking forward to learning more about classical conditioning next week.