To be a successful trainer and be in full harmony with your dog, you have to know the dogs body language. Those who are successful dog trainers are able to read the dog just like a good communicator is able to read a human being. The better you are able to read the dog's body language, the better you are going to be a dog trainer.
Dogs like many other animals, show their intentions to others with their body language. There are three different parts of dogs physique which should be focused on. Head, Tail and Posture. Let's take a look at the three different parts.
It is important to look at dogs ears. Depending on the dog's mood, he will hold his years in a different position. When the dogs ears are pointed forward it usually means that he is alert to something. Also, take a look at the dog's mouth. If the dog is making a grin by squeezing its skin in muzzle area and focusing its eye's on something, it means it is threatening the object of focus. At the same time if the dog is showing its teeth and sides of the mouth are pulled back showing a smile type grimace, the dog is showing fear or lack of self confidence. These tells can help you interpret what the dog is thinking in his head.
Another major factor in dogs body language is its tail! There are hundreds of different emotions which can be shown by dogs tail from playful happiness to deadly sorrow. Make sure to keep a watchful eye on your dogs tail in different situations and you will learn to literally read your dog. Some of this is common sense. When the dog's tail is between its legs it means that it may be embarrassed. Everyone knows what I happily wagging tail means also.
Dogs posture is equally important. If the dog is stiff and is standing on tips of its paws, it is usually not a good idea to approach such an animal. Obviously, in this position the dog feels threatened and is in potential attack mode. Normally, when the dog is in its comfortable position its musculature does not look excessively tense or flexed.
It is important to keep your attention at dogs posture, face expressions and tail when reading the body language, but more importantly you have to learn to combine all three together to make a full picture of what your dog is thinking and saying to you and other people!
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