Recommended Resources to Decode Canine Body Language
Knowing what a dog is trying to say with their body language is important for so many reasons! Are they uncomfortable with how another dog is greeting them? Is the way your dog plays with another at the dog park appropriate? Is your dog trying to tell a child to stop petting them? Are they frustrated during a training session?
By understanding what different body language cues look like, you can keep dogs safe and comfortable, train more efficiently, and build a better bond with your pup. Being able to ‘speak dog’ can help you recognize why a dog is behaving a certain way, which is the first step in changing any unwanted behavior.
Dogs have a wide range of body language signals, some are simple while others can be quite complex and difficult to catch. It takes time and practice to learn a new language but keep at it! Below is a collection of resources to get you started on the right track in learning about dog body language and why they do what they do.
by Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS
by Debra F. Horowitz and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.
by Turid Rugaas
by Jean Donaldson
by Aline Alexander Newman & Gary Weitzman