7 Science-Backed Clues To Understand Your Dog's Language & Train Them Better!

7 Science-Backed Clues To Understand Your Dog's Language & Train Him Better

Anyone who parents a dog knows how much joy and companionship they bring to your life. With all the perks of having a dog, it's also important that you make an effort to understand your dog's mannerisms and body language. Grasping your dog's body language is essential if you want to build a strong and trustworthy relationship with your 4 legged friend.

In this article, we break down 7 science-backed clues to understand your dog's body language, and train him better:

Clue # 1: He Turns His Back To You

If your dog turns his back to you, he's trying to show that he’s friendly and trusts you. Turning his back to someone puts your dog in a vulnerable position. Your dog is trusting that you won’t attack him from behind.

On the other hand, your dog can also have his own motive when he turns his back to you. Just like us human beings, there are places on his body he can’t scratch. And he's expecting you to do the honors!

Clue # 2: He Has One Front Paw Raised

This is one of the most subtle ways in which your dog will try to communicate something. This particular stance usually shows that your dog wants to ask you something. When your dog is hurting, is hungry, or needs something you have - pawing can be a simple way for him to let you know. He is likely to exhibit this gesture if you haven't trained him to jump up to ask for something.

Clue # 3: He Puts His Paw On Your Knee

Like many of the other clues in this list, this one also links to your dog demanding some much needed attention! Sometimes, a dog just wants your attention for a plethora of reasons ranging from wanting affection to craving play time.

On the other hand, this gesture may also be a dog's way of apologizing to you. If you've had a slight altercation and you ended up scolding your dog -  he'll calmly place a paw on your leg, lap or arm immediately after you scold him. He's trying to sayI’m sorryin his own way.

Clue # 4: He Puts His Head On His Parent's Knee

Have you been giving enough time to your friend? This gesture shows you clearly haven't! This gesture is usually a sign that the dog wants to get attention. If a dog touches the parents' hands with his nose, he wants you to dog him.

Clue # 5: He Rolls Over And Exposes His Belly

You've done a good job developing a bond with your dog! This gesture usually means that the dog is trying to say that he trusts you and wants to please you. He's doing his best to let you know that he adores you.

There could also be other reasons at hand for this clue. Although dogs are very flexible, they lack opposable thumbs and may count on you to scratch an itch for them. So, it's possible that he's trying to seek assistance to scratch a hard-to-reach itch.

Clue # 6: He Exposes His Teeth (But There's No Snarling)

This is one of those you're most likely to notice when your dog is eating. You've probably already seen your dog bare his teeth at one point or the other. But this one has a specific meaning. Many people think this means stay away. And they're not entirely wrong! This gesture means that the dog is protecting his territory, and letting you know he owns the area or object  he's trying to claim for himself.

Clue # 7: He Licks His Face

If you find your dog licking his face too much, it's time to pay special attention to what situation he's in. This is usually a sign of the dog being under stress or feeling danger or pressure. Moreover, if a dog is chronically licking himself, it can be because he is anxious, bored, or has skin problems such as allergies. If this continues for a long time, make sure to take your dog to a vet.

As you begin to understand your dog's body language, you'll be able to tend to his needs and eventually train him to be a good boy!

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