Don’t ignore these signals. The dog speaks more than you think
Dog body language is a complex signal system. Licking, arranging the tail or a face of the mouth say a lot about what the dog feels and what it needs. The expert explains how to interpret it.
Licking by a dog – be it hands, feet or face – for many carers it can be either a touching proof of love or an incomprehensible habit. Meanwhile, behind this simple behavior is much more than you might think. According to veterinarians, dogs use the language not only to study the environment, but above all for communication with people.
What does it mean when the dog licks you?
As explained by Dr. Julian Norton, a veterinarian and spokesman for the Pure Pet Food brand, licking is an expression of the dog’s need to be noticed and accepted. “Dogs sometimes rub noses or nostrils to attract attention,” he says. This is an instinctive way to say: “notice me, I am here and I am part of your herd.”
Licking is therefore not only “cleaning” or a reaction to the taste of food residues. It’s a form of closeness. The dog receives the emotions of the guardian and reacts to them in his own way – with a touch of the tongue. In this way, he can try to comfort, show support or simply make contact.
Dog body language is more than waving a tail
Many people think that a dog wagging with a tail is a happy dog. However, dog communication is more complex. Not only the movement itself is important, but also the position of the tail and its intensity. A gentle -moving tail high can mean excitement, but a low and barely vibrating tail often indicates anxiety or caution.
Also the word of the dog’s dog can reveal a lot. Dogs can “smile” – that is, bend the mouth in a characteristic way, especially when it is accompanied by a relaxed silhouette. Such a smile, combined with the natural tail of the tail, usually means that the dog is calm, confident and ready to contact.
Read the signals to better understand your dog
The dog does not speak with words, but his body can convey a lot. Observation of how it moves, how he reacts to touch and how he behaves in everyday situations can help understand his emotions and needs. Sensitive gestures, such as licking, matter – they can be a sign of love, a request for attention or an attempt to relieve tension.
Understanding dog behavior is not only a way to avoid misunderstandings, but above all the key to building a confidence -based relationship. A dog that feels noticed and well -read is calmer, more balanced and more strongly associated with his guardian.
