Canine Communications

Your dog is trying to tell you something, but do you know how to translate the message? Dogs speak to us not only with body language but also vocally. The University of California at Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine has shown that the number, speed and octave of your dog’s barking does convey meaning.

A "where are you" bark is characterized by a single high-pitched yap. The deep rumbling 'I am a big bad dog" bark is reserved for the unexpected guest at the front door. Dr. Sophia Yin, a veterinary behaviorist at Davis also states that the staccato, random, high pitched vocalization is your dog's way of saying 'hey, let's play!'

The number, speed and octave of your dog’s barking does convey meaning.

Just because you see a dog and it’s tail is wagging, does not mean that it is happy or eager to be approached. The tail is an indicator of the dog being on alert. To better judge a dogs’ demeanor, you need to study the entire pet.

How are the ears held? If they are tight to the body, held down and back, it may mean that the dog is angry or scared. Be very cautious around such an animal. If however, the ears are up, slightly forward and the tail is wagging a mile a minute, you are probably safe to assume that this canine is happy to see you and would rather play than nip.

Dog bites are the number one reason children are injured in the United States every year.

Since dog bites are the number one reason children are injured in the United States every year, it is a good idea to teach young children never to approach an unknown, lone dog. Have them always ask the owner if they may pet the dog. Also instruct your children to drop and curl up into a tight ball if a dog ever attacks them. Don’t try to out run it.