How Does a Dog Speak or Communicate?

A dog will communicate with "its people" the same as he would with its flock.

• Sounds: They can bark, howl, moan, growl and make more then 20 different sounds. Watch your dog and learn what the meanings of all of these are.
• Barking: Can be a sign of warning or aggressive attitude. It can also show joy, depending on the context.
• Crying: They usually indicate pain.
• Moaning: When there is a need (going out, for example).
• Howling: They usually do it when they are alone, or because there is a bitch on heat nearby.

Dog Body Language: Certain postures and movements have a specific meaning. Ears and tail are the most efficient communication method. You have to look at the dog completely to understand the message, the variety of things it could be expressing depends of the combination of all of the parts of its body.

• Aggression: It growls, shows the teeth, ears are turned towards the front, and the posture indicates it can jump and attack anyone.
• Fear: Tail close to the body, ears towards the front, shaking.
• Submission: Body on the ground and tail close to the body. Showing the stomach means absolute submission.
• Playfulness: Front legs on the floor and movement of the back region.

How should a man respond? Communication between man and dog is fundamental in a special relationship. Play with your dog, talk to it, for dogs know when someone is talking to them. Caress and scratch them on the head. Dogs like to be caressed on the back or stomach, you can also play softly and carefully with their ears.

Dogs and other dogs: Even if the dog depends on a human being, contact with other dogs is very important, for it is the only way for them to learn how to behave in society and develop their instincts. Te less difficult you make it, the easiest it will be for your dog to socialize. Do not carry your dog in your hands whenever there is a large dog nearby. Unleash it when possible and let them approach other dogs. Canine encounters have a very organized pattern and there a rituals. You must respect this and let them be Fights: When you see any kind of aggressive sign you have to adopt your "boss" part and claim your dog, or call it to you. If they still go ahead and fight, do not stand between them or put your hand in front of your dog, agree with the other owner to separate them together. An individual intervention can be dangerous for both your dog and you.