Reading Canine Body Postures Ms. Lacross Agriscience and Technology I http://www.topeka.org/pdfs/CanineBody_Language.pdf.
Introduction Dogs display their state of mind via body language An observer can detect how a dog is feeling by taking careful note of ear position pupil dilation facial tension tail carriage body weight distribution
Body Positions Neutral Relaxed Arousal Aggressive Attack Active Submission Passive Submission Defensive Aggression
Neutral Relaxed
Arousal Dogs in the aroused position have been stimulated by something in their environment When a dog is aroused by something pleasurable the hackles will be down the tail will be carried up and bristled the muzzle will be tense you may see the tongue This posture is displayed to subordinates in order to express higher ranking pack positions
Aggressive Attack This posture is used to: chase another dog away attack in order to protect their possessions pack self
Submission Two Types: Active Submission and Passive Submission posture is used when a dog acknowledges another dog or humans higher social ranking inhibit another’s aggression Passive Submission bellying up indicates a surrender pacifying gesture offered to a more dominant individual
Defense aggression When fearful a dog will give warning signals These signals indicate that s/he do not want to be approached If these signals are ignored s/he will bite to protect himself / herself
Dog – To – Dog Communication
Four Types of Dog to Dog Communication 1. Maternal Correction 2. Play Solicitation 3. Greeting Behavior 4. Greeting Posture
A mother dog will discipline her pup with a quick muzzle grasp Maternal Correction A mother dog will discipline her pup with a quick muzzle grasp The pup then learns to offer submissive body postures Why?
Play Solicitation Combines dominant and submissive gestures Is an offer to play or for courtship
Greeting behavior A submissive dog will greet a more dominant dog with: a muzzle nudge Appeasement: Pacifying : reduce the excitement, anger or agitation
Greeting Posture Dogs sniff each others genital region helps to determine sexual status