For some reason I often need to point out to people that dogs can't talk. People ignore clear body language all the time. And you're right, that's when they get bit. I think it would be interesting if you did a video about the other side of this - your own body language. The whole reason I get along with dogs so well is that I consciously control my body language so they will understand me. I know a lot of dog parents who would really appreciate a tutorial about human body language as seen by dogs.
I second the comment about parent/human body language. As a first time dog owner, this information is very helpful for me. The TEEMP is great. Really gives me a good idea what to look for when introducing my pup to new situations, environments and people, and is super helpful for me and my family to learn how to communicate with our dog. Thank you for a great podcast!
I really liked this episode, but it would have been more effective if there were some pictures to show examples of different dogs communicating different things. Thank you, I find your teaching so helpful!
Hi @Janice Fickett, thank you for tuning into Shaped by Dog! Check out episode 157 for visual examples - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t1Zcqp8IwnI.html
I think you really need video. Most of these things can be tricky unless you see the dog in motion. I've been trying to get some video like that for my channel, but it's hard because my dog is very well behaved.
Thank you for mentioning Dr Sophia Yin. Her book, How to Behave so Your Dog Behaves was my real introduction to positive training. She is one of my heroes! And I love the insert of Fry from Futurama with Slit eyes. Made me laugh!!!!! SO HARD!
Absolutely awesome, awesome video!! I foster with a local rescue and always take the dogs deemed too difficult and damaged for others and I’ve struggled to help others understand what a dog is trying to tell them and how the humans should react and now I’m thrilled to have this as a resource. I shared it with all all of my rescue friends and will ask potential adopters to watch it before a meet and greet. Thank you!!
My first Aussie rescue was extremely submissive and would roll on her back with a "grin" and unfortunately the original owner/breeder thought she was happy and "smiling" so she made up a silly song with her name to encourage it. 🙄 I called it "sniveling " and promptly changed her name. She got over it by my ignoring her when she was sniveling and engaging her when she stopped. I introduced her to agility to help her work away from me and build her confidence. She no longer was a velcro dog and lived a long happy life with me. 🙂
My nephew, who is 4, was seriously bitten by a stranger’s dog. Unfortunately he lost half of his ear from the incident. I myself was seriously attacked in the face by my neighbor’s dog when I was a child. My family is full of dog lovers and there are dogs at every family function. Their family has two (Mini Schnauzer & Aussie Doodle). I’ve always tried to communicate dog body language to him and the other young kids in my extended family so that accidents may be avoided and we can all coexist peacefully and respectfully. My question is: do you have any recommendations for videos or books that take these pieces of information and break them down into visuals made for children, specifically? I think this is really valuable communication to learn at a young age. Thanks for all of your wisdom and content, Susan!
Hi Caroline, so sorry to hear about your nephew. We'd recommend the Dog Decoder App for younger people - www.dogdecoder.com/ We also have a video on dog body language with many visual examples - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t1Zcqp8IwnI.html And a playlist for dog bite prevention - ru-vid.com/group/PLphRRSxcMHy2Cvc3386SVYrHSEgh5Pl0b
Hi Meena! We have a few others on body language, and newer episodes have more clips illustrating, here's the playlist for you: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t1Zcqp8IwnI.html&pp=gAQBiAQB
Hi! I’ve had 2 dogs now (both Shitzu) and my last passed in April. I really want another but want a doodle of some kind. My daughter-in-law, who is trained as a dog behaviour expert says that they are not a great dog to have as an emotional support dog (I’ve just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s). Could you suggest some other breed that would be better for me? Thank you! Love your Podcasts!
I have a Husky/Aussie mix, and she doesn't wag her tail. Heck, she doesn't even HAVE a tail, born that way. The lack of butt movement can throw off dogs that meet her and think she's just being a bitch...
What about tail wagging when they're laying down on the side. Like thumping it. I feel like my dog does this when he's laying down and sees me. I'm not sure if he's uncomfortable or submissive in that situation. The rest of the body is still pretty much. But he's extremely playful and happy when we're together. We play all the time.
Am a 1st year Recallers member as well as Home School the Dog and now a faithful podcast follower. And there's always something new to learn! Question for you - does the growling, barking and whining mean something different indoors vs outdoors? My 4-5 yr old Aussie mix will sometimes growl looking out the window if there's someone walking. Does that mean he's uncomfortable and I need to physically move him from the window? Sometimes he barks if it's a truck or car turning in the cul-de-sac. Or whines if he sees rabbits. I was lumping all of these behaviors as "nuisance barking" and was going to work on that.
Loved this episode! How can we calm them and help them regulate if they are triggered? Obviously Pat them? Distract them with a treat? Obviously remove them from the situation if you are out and about. But what helps regulate them?
just started these and love them. Had a great dog trainer w/previous dogs over two decades ago, and have a new puppy and look forward to getting him on the right track.
Susan, it is so helpful and so complex....I wrote some other comments: we have an adopted dog. 7 years old (about), at least 2 or 3 in a shelter. Good dog. Building up some fears at the moment and being reactive. As long as I was trusting my instincts (we are nice people to the animals and I had animals before, dogs too) - all was "fine". Our dog snapped our 15 years old son - without a clear reason. Then, I started to read about all those complex signs... and ... I got lost.... We started to doubt if and when to caress our dog, willing to give him "needed space".... There is a lot of sadness in it (even if we never wanted to "hug our dog to death" or get him overexcited). So thank You for dismentling signals in single elements. I know more now. Still, I am very confused, particulary if it goes about other people.. like our son asking "do You think I can touch him now?" - while the dog comes toward him and we believe he wants it (although.... we are not sure yet....)
very interesting... Out dog is a mixed shepherd, she's not submissive at all, but she puts her ears back like Yoda from starwars almost only when she's really happy and comfortable (full body wag, when we get home, before we go on a walk, she sees someone she really loves and can get some love from)
Thanks very much, I got your message. And Ive learned more ❤ I am about to share with my partner who knows a bit less than me and doesnt observe dog language.
I wish people in Sicily, Italy would tell their children not to startle dogs! Sadly some kids even love to disturb dogs. Do you have any tricks with that by chance or how to deal with stray dog encounters?
Hi Susan, I really like your podcasts, lots of good information. I have a question, I have a 5 month old Cavapoo. From the time I got her she would get between your feet and kind of squirm around on her side. She doesn’t do that with me anymore, but often does it when she meets some people, (along with submissive urination sometimes). She goes right to these people, and does it more with some than others. How can I handle these situations to help her be more confident.
This message was so important when I first listened to it - coming from an old school training - yeah, dogs just had to get along cause it was my folks house. of course - us kids did too, do chores, eat what was served without complaint and no fighting (inside) cause it was what was expected - and dogs never growled cause that would lead to a bit e- now we know the growl is the communication! so so important!
Thank you, Anja! 💕 We have a full playlist with episodes about dog body language and communication, here's the link for you: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t1Zcqp8IwnI.html&pp=gAQBiAQB
I had a Jack Russell and no experience (bad combination). She was about 10 years old and never nipped or bit anyone. I took her to a fair with loud music and alot of people. She had never been in that environment. This kid asked if he could pet her and I said sure. That dad noticed her body signals, not me and said she didn't look good. Betsy nipped at the boy. Thank God not hard. The dad knew the body language, I didn't. When she got older she bit at everyone because she was sore, blind and deaf poor thing.
