Your Dog�s �calming Signals�

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Why it’s Important to Notice Your Dog’s Calming Signals

The term “calming signals” was coined by Norwegian canine ethologist Turid Rugaas.¹ As she explained, dogs are incredibly perceptive and can be trained to respond to a whispered command. However, many owners believe a loud, firm voice must be used to show their dog who’s boss.

To your dog, this angry-sounding voice may elicit calming signals, which your dog may use to show you there’s no need to yell. In turn, an owner expecting a dog to obey a command may get increasingly angry when the dog appears to blatantly disobey—by turning away or yawning—for example.

The end result is a dog that may get punished for trying to communicate a useful message. Ultimately, if you fail to notice or respond to your dog’s calming signals, he may stop giving them altogether.

Alternatively, some dogs whose calming signals are ignored become nervous, stressed or aggressive, and young dogs may go into a state of shock.²

The problem is that while all dogs understand the language of calming signals, and will generally respond by calming down, most humans miss these subtle cues from their dogs.

“We need to learn to understand the language of dogs so that we can understand what our dogs are telling us. That is the secret of having a good life together,” Rugaas stated.³ Indeed!

Source: https://myanimalcare.org/2016/05/16/your-dogs-calming-signal..

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AnimalCare is a registered society that promotes caregiving to street animals and helps in their neutering and medical needs. AnimalCare has a Medical Fund, Food Fund and Education Fund.

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