Dogs are amazing creatures that we love and adore as pets. While they are generally friendly, playful, and loving, they also display a range of behaviours to communicate with us and others around them. One way they do that is by using calm signals.

What are Calm Signals?

Calm signals are a dog’s way of communicating that they are not a threat and want to avoid a confrontation.

These signals can be physical, behavioural, or a combination of both and are used to communicate a dog’s intentions, emotions or mood.

Interpreting dog calm signals is crucial for pet owners, as it can help them understand their dog’s behaviour and avoid unwanted conflicts, fears or anxieties in their pet.

The Different Types of Calm Signals

There are several types of calm signals that dogs use to communicate with us and other animals:.

Turning their head away: When a dog is feeling uncomfortable or threatened, they may turn their head away. This is a clear indication that they want to avoid a confrontation.
Yawning: Dogs yawn when they are feeling stressed or anxious and want to calm themselves down. Yawning can also indicate fatigue.
Licking their lips: Licking their lips is a dog’s way of calming themselves down. It’s commonly used when they are feeling stressed, anxious, or afraid.
Freezing: When a dog freezes, they are sending a message that they feel threatened and are trying to be as still as possible to avoid confrontation.
Shaking: Shaking is a dog’s way of calming themselves down when they are feeling stressed or anxious.
Panting: Dogs pant when they are feeling hot or stressed. It can also indicate pain or fear.
Tail lowering: Lowering their tail is a dog’s way of indicating fear or submission. It can also be a sign of discomfort or stress.
Backing away: When a dog backs away, it’s a sign that they feel threatened or uncomfortable and want to move away from the situation.
Raising one paw: Raising one paw can indicate that a dog is feeling confused or uncertain.
Exhaling: Exhaling can be a sign of relaxation in dogs, especially if they exhale audibly or with a sigh.

How to Interpret Calm Signals

Interpreting calm signals can be challenging, as dogs use them in a variety of ways depending on their emotional state and the situation they are in. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:.

Pay attention to body language: Dogs communicate with their whole body, so it’s essential to observe their posture, facial expression, and other physical cues to understand how they are feeling.
Consider the context: A dog’s calm signal can mean different things depending on the situation they are in. For example, a dog that yawns during a training session may be feeling frustrated, while a dog that yawns before going to bed may be feeling sleepy or relaxed.
Be aware of your dog’s baseline behaviour: Understanding your dog’s baseline behaviour can help you recognize when they are displaying calm signals. Knowing what’s normal for your pet will help you notice any deviations from their usual behaviour.
Pay attention to your own behaviour: Dogs can pick up on our own anxiety, fear or stress, so it’s essential to stay calm and relaxed when you interact with them.

Interpreting calm signals is an essential skill for pet owners, as it can help them understand their dog’s behaviour, prevent unwanted conflicts and create a harmonious relationship with their furry friend.

Conclusion

Understanding dog calm signals is crucial for pet owners, as it can help them understand their dog’s behaviour, improve communication with them, and prevent conflicts.

By paying attention to their body language, considering the context, and being aware of their baseline behaviour, pet owners can create a harmonious and happy relationship with their furry friends.