The language of Dogs

Scent
Dogs have around 220 million olfactory receptor (O.R.) cells, and could smell a sausage sandwich that dropped on the floor last week (which is around 45 times that of a human at around 5 million O.R.’s.).


Body language/stance
 Body language/stance, (they will act to enlarge themselves against a possible threat.
Almost like a dance, the hair on the dogs back, it’s “hackles” will rise, the body may arc slightly, and the chest beomes pumped up. They then may start a “dance” around each other – This happens before a fight or aggressive situation in an attempt to express their dominance, and to get the other to submit.


Vocalising
(Growling or barking) it is possible to be able to determine how your dog is feeling, about that precise moment in time and location, by listening in what tone/pitch and manor which the sound is being projected; excitedly, nervously, aggressively, for example.


Energy
It’s important to consider the energy that surrounds them, either animal or human – is it tension or tranquillity?
For example; you are walking your dog down the street, and on the other side of the pavement is another dog that has just come into view, (note: your dog may have recognised the scent from a few minutes or days ago) although you may not react in anyway, tense or otherwise, your dog will still pick up the energy from the other dog and handler, as well as the slightest bit of energy you project, reacting responsively.


Although you are not expected to control every dog handler/owner you come across as such a notion would be ridiculous, it is always beneficial to be aware of the oncoming dogs, correct or distract any unwanted behaviour, and use your common sense and calmly continue on your way, simple isn’t it?
You will have to put some effort in, (or just be really lucky), to have a well trained dog, which case you would keep going with ease, however, in the above suggested scenario, if there is any sign of your dog moving forward in an aggressive or dominant manner then you should probably use timed correction, which is wait a couple of seconds for calm behaviour, then move off.


At the other end of the scale, super submissive/subservient will also need to be addressed in a slightly different but still calm, manner, without serving to their fear, usually in either circumstance your intention should be to keep on moving forward – that way the dogs eyes are forward, and that is where the focus will be.


Every human is different from the next, so is each dog, so the absolute best thing would be to either contact us at Dog Whisperer World directly to arrange an assessment-development program, or have a professional like Bruce to provide tailored training to suit your individual needs, as well as your pooch.)


You will probably have different reactions depending upon your dogs energy levels, your location, or route taken during the walk. For example if you go the same route every day, then your dog will constantly be masking other dog scents it has smelt before, and thinking that the other dog is trying to “move-in” on his territory.

This could easily spark a feud should these dogs meet one day, however, with a different daily route, and location, or at least as often as possible.
The dog can now focus on other objectives, like being a sociable follower. Objective training can be fun. For example a dog repeatedly lying down after an energetic burst to improve calm response control. Standing to improve hind quarter strength, various scent and hunt exercises or jumping for strength balance & agility.

There are many handling techniques available, and all should be adjusted to suit the individuals needs, requirements, age and condition as opposed to just plain territorial guarding duties, or no duties at all!


There are many stages of learning that a canine has.
From birth to adult, week by week, month by month. To help the bond between owner & dog, owners would benefit from understanding the importance of putting the time and effort in early enough, at the correct time, and often enough, to ensure a well balanced and developed dog.