Hello, pet people! I’m writing an explainer on how dogs communicate with each other. Our readers want to know if dogs have a shared language and how that shared language is broken down (visual, auditory, tactile, scent, etc.). I’d love to include insights from a practicing veterinarian or credentialed dog trainer. Thank you for considering! Questions for Rover.com: 1. What are some key ways dogs communicate with each other? 2. How is it different from how they might communicate with their humans? 3. What are some common misunderstandings of dog-to-dog communications? 4. Why is it important for pet parents to understand how to read dog-to-dog communication? 5. What’s happening when dog communications break down? What are some common reasons that might happen?

How Dogs Communicate: A Trainer's Perspective 1. Key Ways Dogs Communicate The number one way dogs communicate is through body language. Dogs are nonverbal beings—they don't communicate verbally like we do. While dogs do make sounds like growling and will use scent to communicate, their primary method is nonverbal body language. It's crucial to understand canine body language generalities so you can recognize what dogs are communicating at different times. 2. Dog-to-Dog vs. Dog-to-Human Communication Dog communication with humans is still primarily through body language. In some cases with humans, dogs have been conditioned to communicate through increased vocalization, but they're still communicating with body language even with humans—making it extremely important for humans to understand their body language generalities. Dogs are also masters at reading human body language, they become so proficient at reading your body language that they know what your next move it (often before you realize it yourself). 3. Common Misunderstandings The biggest misunderstanding is the tail wag. Most people assume tail wagging means happiness, friendliness, or excitement. This isn't necessarily true. A wagging tail generally means a dog is aroused. Depending on the tail position and the rest of the dog's body language (via the head, body, ears, eyes, etc), it can indicate happiness or friendliness—but only in certain situations. In general, when a dog's tail is held horizontal to the ground and is wagging back-and-forth, along with the butt wagging as well, this is the biggest indicator that a dog is being friendly and happy. 4. Why Understanding Dog Communication Matters Pet parents often find themselves surprised by their dog's behavior, but it wouldn't be surprising if we knew what to look for. Dogs give indications of how they're feeling before performing actions that might catch us off guard. 5. When Communications Break Down Dog communications break down for 2 key reasons: First, some dogs might not interpret another dog's communication correctly due to living in domesticated households instead of learning natural dog social skills. Second, humans often interfere (whether intentional or not) when dogs are trying to communicate, blurring communication or instigating other actions versus allowing dogs to resolve scenarios naturally. This commonly leads to dog fights and bite incidents.

Good Day, 1. What are some key ways dogs communicate with each other? Dogs mainly "talk" to one another through body language, including posture, tail position, facial expression, and eye contact. Dogs also use sound (bark, growl, and whine) for communication, as well as scent, especially through sniffing. Gentle mouthing and bumping into one another during play are an example of touch communication. It's all layered; they constantly read one another's signals. 2. How is it different from how they might communicate with their humans? With us, dogs adjust; they understand we don't communicate through scent or subtle body language, thus favoring methods that work with us: for example, eye contact, vocalizing more, use of large gestures (like pawing, or nudging). They learned that this is the way to "speak human"; thus it is a lesser instinctive behavior. 3. What are some common misunderstandings of dog-to-dog communications? The biggest one is assuming that a wagging tail means a happy dog. It doesn't. The angle of the wag (high or low), and speed (fast or slow) changes the meaning. People also misread play behavior-things that may look rough may actually be normal play between dogs that know each other really well. And cutting off a dog's sniffing? Equivalent to interrupting someone mid-sentence. 4. Why is it important for pet parents to understand how to read dog-to-dog communication? It helps you know when to get involved and when to let the dogs sort it out themselves. Knowing how to read the early signs of discomfort could prevent fights and allow the dog to feel safe in social interactions; it also builds trust, i.e., the dog is aware that you understand her. 5. What's happening when dog communications break down? What are some common reasons that might happen? In most instances, one dog will either not be picking up or just disregarding signals from the other. The reason for this may lie in being overly excited, under-socialized, or perhaps not just speaking dog that well. Sometimes a setting doesn't help with this-adult dogs on tight leashes, in a small space, and with stressed-out energy can make it harder for dogs to have a well-structured conversation. If you decide to use this quote, I'd love to stay connected! Feel free to reach me at gregorygasic@vmedx.com and outreach@vmedx.com.