Your dog is your best friend. And, as with any friend, you want to be able to communicate with him in the best possible way, even if that can be challenging at times. You know your dog well, but you don't always speak the same language. To take better care of him, it is important to learn to understand what he is trying to communicate to you. You will be able to meet his needs, and your friendship will gain.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Observe His Behavior
Step 1. See how it moves
As with people, you can understand a lot about a dog's mood by observing how he walks. For example, if he comes towards you in a straight line, he is showing aggression in some way. If, on the other hand, he follows a zigzag path, he has a friendly attitude. Try to interpret the dog's movements and respond accordingly.
Also pay attention to where it stops and where it goes. Is it near the front door? Maybe he's ready for the walk. Is it near the food bowl? He might be hungry
Step 2. Listen to how he barks
The bark represents the dog's voice, and he uses it to communicate various messages. Is he barking at prolonged intervals? It may be that he is feeling lonely and looking for company. Are you barking frantically? He is probably thinking that something is wrong and he wants to warn the pack.
Dogs also bark to signal physical discomfort. For example, a series of yelps can indicate that the dog is suffering from something. Assess the situation and call your vet if necessary
Step 3. Interpret the destructive behavior
Most dog owners have had the unfortunate experience of coming home to find that their puppy has turned into a tornado. Maybe it was your favorite pair of shoes that took the most damage, or maybe your very comfortable sofa. The natural reaction when a dog exhibits destructive behavior is anger. Instead, try to figure out why he did this.
When the dog destroys your items, chances are he is telling you two things. First, he needs more "his" items: buy him some toys. Second, it needs more stimulation and more attention from you
Step 4. Look him in the eye
As with people, a dog's eyes say a lot about his emotions and attention. If the dog does not hold your gaze, it is possible that an aggressive snap is about to arrive. It could happen if he is guarding a place he likes a lot or if he wants to defend one of his games.
The shape of the dog's eyes can also communicate important messages. If they are of normal shape and size, the dog is relaxed. If he is tense, his eyes may appear larger than normal
Step 5. Observe how he wags his tail
The tail is an important indicator of the dog's mood. When he wags his tail, he is usually happy. It is important to consider how high the tail is held. If he holds it up, it means he is excited and happy; if, on the other hand, he holds it down, the dog is worried, in a submissive position or could even be sick.
Step 6. Look at the ears
As with the tail, the position of the dog's ears can indicate mood changes. If he lifts them up suddenly, it means he is in a state of alert. If they are low and attached to the head, it clearly means that they are afraid.
Method 2 of 3: Finding Emotional Attunement
Step 1. Recognize their needs
Your dog has emotional needs as well as physical ones. For example, he needs to let you know that he will protect you. If he sits on your feet, it is a way of taking possession, of proving that you are "his property". Protecting is also why the dog barks at guests.
It is important that you notice when your dog is not behaving normally. Eating habits are fundamental indicators to understand if something is wrong. If your dog isn't interested in food, find out why
Step 2. Understand his feelings
Just like people, dogs experience a wide range of feelings, such as pain, jealousy, or shame. Fortunately, one of the most common feelings in dogs is joy. It is important to realize that the dog has real emotions, and that you need to treat him with kindness and gentleness.
Step 3. Check your emotions
When you are working on communicating with your dog, think about what is going on in your life. A dog's mood often reflects yours. Most importantly, the dog can understand your mood and respond accordingly. Be careful the next time you smile at him, he knows what that means!
Step 4. Do something together
Dogs love having something to do. This is especially true of some breeds, such as Labradors and golden retrievers. So, do things with your dog and find him a "task". It could also be a simple thing, like playing "throw and return". When you go to the park, make sure you have an object with you to throw at the dog - again and again!
Step 5. Communicate effectively
Avoid giving your dog mixed signals. Be consistent in rewarding him for doing well (the same goes for when you scold him if he behaved badly). Dogs remember gestures and words, so try to communicate with him clearly.
Step 6. Create a routine and stick to it
Dogs are habitual. A good way to make them feel safe and secure is to be reliable in their behavior. Feed the dog at regular times. Plus, he'll love knowing when to expect the next walk. But don't worry, he won't mind interrupting the routine with a little "throw and carry"!
Method 3 of 3: Going to Meet the Dog's Needs
Step 1. Start with the basics
To be a good owner, you need to get all the essentials for the dog's well-being, such as food, water and shelter. But remember that your dog also has specific needs. Is he very playful? Buy him more toys. Do you have a large dog that needs room to move around? Make sure you can give it to him.
Step 2. Ensure its safety
This means making sure that if he gets lost or strays from you, someone who finds him will be able to bring him home. Give him a tag with all your (and his) most important information written on it. Also, ask your vet for information on how to microchip him.
Step 3. Reward it
The dog has very positive effects on your mental and physical health. Dog owners usually exercise more, have lower blood pressure, and are less prone to depression. So, the next time you don't feel like going out in the cold to get your dog to do some exercise, remember that his contribution to your well-being is very important!
Step 4. Spend time together
Like you do with friends, you need to make sure you not only go out with your dog regularly, but also do interesting things with him. Watching TV together isn't enough - get your dog involved in activities they enjoy. Try "throw and bring", "catch me" or hide and seek. The risk is that you have more fun than him!
Step 5. Ask for advice
Both the dog and its owner can greatly benefit from the help of a professional educator. It can help you communicate better and be a closer team. Exercises can also help the dog socialize properly. Ask the park goers in your neighborhood if they know someone good and reliable.
Step 6. Talk to him
It's all about the relationship between you and your dog, so it's important to understand what works best for the two of you. Talk to him using different intonations of his voice and figure out which one he responds best to. Take note of his body language and movements to understand if he is "understanding" what you are saying.
Advice
- If you want to adopt a dog, find the right breed for your lifestyle. For example, if you live in a studio apartment, don't choose a very large dog that needs ample space.
- Adopt a stray! You will save a life and find a great friend.
