Canine Calming Signals

What are Calming Signals?

            Calming Signals are a form of communication that animals use with one another and with humans.

• Canine Language used to maintain a healthy social hierarchy and resolution of conflict
• Dogs' method of calming themselves and other dogs in fearful or stressful situations
• Signals used early to prevent unfriendly interactions from happening

There are several ways in which dogs use their body, movement, tail, ears, eyes and stance. 

1.  Turning their head:  This is a sign that the dog is not comfortable.  When humans turn their heads away from a dog, it can help diffuse a situation.  Dogs may sometimes avert their eyes as opposed to the entire head.

2.  Turning away:  This is calming for the dog.  A dog may use this if another dog acts in a threatening way.  Often if a dog runs at you and you turn your back to them they will not come towards you.

3.  Licking noses:  A dog may use this along with other signals when approaching another dog.  You may also notice that dogs often lick their lips when getting their picture taken; it can be a little scary.

4.  Yawning:  You may notice a dog yawning in a stressful situation (vets, arguments, if held tightly, being hugged etc).  Use it if your dog may be uncertain, scared or needs to calm down a bit.

5.  Shaking:  This is literally shaking off nervous energy, or diffusing a situation.   This may be seen if an adult dog is correcting a puppy and is trying to teach manners.

6.  Moving in an Arc:  When dogs meet, they tend to do so in an “arc” instead of nose to nose.  If dogs do meet head on, watch the body language to make sure that the outcome is not a tense one.

Some other signals dogs use when they are feeling insecure or frightened:

Lifting a paw

"Freeze" (stop, not move, or he may sit or lie down)

Sniff the ground

Lick the corner of the mouth of other dogs/people

Scratching

Stretching

Threatening signs for a dog

• Standing over the dog
• Smiling
• Holding dog tight
• Arguing
• Staring
• Quick movements
• Going straight towards a dog
• Angry/strict/stressed voice
• Hand on neck or hugging

This is valuable information that can be used to teach children how to approach dogs safely. Actually, children should be taught NOT to approach dogs. If the owner of the dog is there and says it's ok, have your child stand still with their arms at their sides and let the dog approach the child. The rule is: NEVER approach and touch a dog that doesn't approach and touch you first. If the dog approaches and is not afraid, the child can extend a fist for the dog to sniff. Instruct children to pet a dog under the chin, NOT on the top of the head. Most dogs do not like to be petted on the top of the head and they may interpret this as threatening.

When introducing yourself to a new dog, use a sideways stance and avoid direct eye contact. Look away or look at the floor and pretend to be disinterested. When you do this, you are using calming signals that the dog understands. You are telling the dog that you are not a threat to him.

What if you encounter a dog that is not friendly? First, NEVER EVER RUN. A fearful dog or one who is protecting something will put on an aggressive display to intimidate you. Using calming signals is your best defense, slowly back away with your side to the dog.

Remember that most dog bites occur with dogs that are familiar to the victim. NEVER EVER leave a child alone with ANY dog, regardless of how well they know each other.