Deciphering Canine Body Language
Dogs respond to body language in the same way that we do. So when you approach your dog with an upright posture and a calm, confident voice, you instantly demand respect. On the other hand a tentative voice and stooped profile indicates uncertainty, while shouting and waving your hands at the dog just creates confusion.
It therefore makes sense to be aware of your body language when you interact with your dog. Your dog is much more likely to obey if you approach him in a calm, self-confident manner.
Body position conveys a lot to your dog. If you stand upright you exert authority, if you bend forward, your dog may perceive it as an invitation to play. So if you're playing or stroking his coat and he starts to get out of hand, stand upright to remind him of your authority. Your tall profile and confident posture will quickly show the dog where he stands in relation to you.
Another important point, is your position relative to the dog. This is particularly relevant when you are walking. Allowing the dog to walk in front of you puts him in the leadership position, and he is more inclined to pull, and to become aggressive. Walk him next to you and he will immediately calm down.
You also need to pay attention to the sound of your dogs voice as this is an important means of communication. A high-pitched whine may signal fear, a flat bark attention, and a loud growl may be either a warning or encouragement to play.
And your dog reads just as much from your voice tone. He may not be able to understand the words, but how they are delivered carries a lot of meaning for him. So if you want to be taken seriously you need to speak in a confident voice, almost mimicing the dog's short urgent bark.
On the other hard, a soft, affectionate voice should be used when you praise and reward your dog, and a high-pitched voice when you want to encourage him to participate in a game.
One way in which you should never communicate with your dog though, is yelling. Your dog interprets this as aggression and while you will succeed in making the dog afraid of you, that won't make the dog any more likely to obey you. In fact, it will have the opposite effect as the dog will become fearful and less eager to please you.
Keep in mind that dogs respond to tone of your voice, rather than the actual words. Initially, a voice command will have no meaning to a dog. But after many repetitions the dog will begin to recognize the sound of the word and figure out what he has to do when he hears it.
A final point about delivering commands to your dog. Dogs regard direct eye contact as a threat, so don't stare. Rather direct your gaze slightly to the side or just above the dog's line of vision.
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