The Behaviorist, The Language of Dogs, and How to Improve Communication

Low Levels of Stress in Dogs Beg for their Human's Attention

Cooper before - I don't trust this dog.

A rescue dog joined the family bringing with him a collection of emotional and insecurity issues, they always do, and knowing what to expect and watch for requires careful observation but also a different way of interpreting their signals. If only they could tell us about their specific fears. What is your new dog saying? Are you listening and responding to its concerns? 

Possibly not and you may be surprised to know how much they’re telling you.

Even though I’ve had three Labrador retrievers, two joining us as young puppies and one as an adult rescue, the recent rescue lab mix quickly lost confidence in my ability to understand his messages. We weren’t gaining ground but instead retreating and he was shutting down. It wasn’t until after working with a dog behaviorist that I began to more correctly interpret his body language. The therapist urged me to watch, as if studying it for an exam, Sarah Kalnajs’ video, The Language of Dogs. Then we practiced walking, watching and re-learning communication strategies. 

How to Identify Dog Stress Before It Escalates