Dog Behavior and Your Body Language

It is well known that dogs are very intelligent. Most owners do not realize dogs are able to understand our body language. Just as in life, your body language conveys more than what you actually say. Dogs can see this also. The language vibes we send out plays a role in how or if the dog listens or responds to commands. Bad or inappropriate behavior can be controlled if you convey the correct body language during dog training.

One very common example of bad dog behavior is how some dogs react when someone comes to the house. They will paw at and jump all over someone new because of the excitement they feel. They get all pumped up thinking this surprise guest is there to play with them.

If we had the ability to read their minds we would know the dog is happy at the thought of this stranger having treats in their pocket or the possibility they want to play. They want to know what the stranger smells like or wants to do with them. This makes them excited to be all over this new person.

This often leads the owner into throwing every command they know at the poor dog. The more the owner shouts, the more excited the dog becomes. The stress of the whole situation leaves the owner flustered and pulling at the dog as if it were a rabid beast. Chaos erupts all in front of your unsuspecting guest. All they see is a struggle for control and no one listening at all.

Your dog sees this as an exciting party he has gotten permission to join. Your tense and loud voice along with your frantic body language is enough to give the dog the entirely wrong signal. You are actually contributing to the chaos rather than effectively trying to control it.

When you find yourself in the aforementioned situation where an overly excited dog pummels your guest while you add to the situation, try a different response. Remember, your extreme reaction only causes the dog to react more inappropriately. The following tips are ways to adjust and be more conscious of your body language.

• If you have become upset or downright angry with the pooch, refrain from chasing the dog all around the house. To a dog, this is a game and he will keep running long after you have given up.

• If you are in the process of giving a command, stand tall with your chest out and head held high. Staying in an emboldened position will command your dog’s respect and attention. They will be slightly intimidated and more apt to follow your command.

• Getting your blood pumping when your dog gets overly excited will not help at all. That just means you both are on the edge of chaos together. Use a soft and smooth tone while slowly moving towards the dog. Act as calm as you would like the dog to be. This will instantly send a calm sensation over your dog making it a lot easier to modify its bad behavior.