My first Publication CC April Edition-19-High Resolution | Page 24

Pet Behaviourist
would also allow itself to be sniff ed in the
ano-genital area and possibly all over, by
the other dog. A lot can be understood
about the social status of two dogs by the
way they approach each other.
Stay Away!
As important as it is to notice the friendly
intentions during these interactions, it is
equally important that one keeps an eye
for the signals either of the dogs give,
indicating that they are not interested in
the interaction. A few of the most obvious
and easily detectable signals are listed
below:
Th e snarl:
A snarl is the curling up of lips to show the
entire front row of teeth to the other dog.
Th is is a clear indication for the other dog
to stay away. A snarl may or may not be
accompanied with a growl and it can even
be just a fl ash, instead of a steady display.
It is super important that an interaction is
ended if either of the dogs snarl.
Tightening of lips:
Tightening of lips, with the corners of
the lips moving forward is an indication
that the dog is giving a clear warning. It
is usually accompanied by a low growl. It
clearly tells the other dog to stop doing
what it is doing or there will be bad
consequences. If your dog is on leash and
unable to get out of the space, it is your
duty to allow it the space to retreat.
Wrinkling of the snout:
Wrinkling of the skin above the snout
(nose) is another indicator that the dog is
not liking the interaction and is a signal to
stay away or back off . As with the above
signals, it is wise to end the interaction if
either of the dogs resort to this.
Lean always and turns:
A dog that is done with an interaction or
wants to avoid one would usually display
it by leaning away from the element of
discomfort or even turning its back to
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it. On a leash, this behavior might be
restricted and the dog might just end
up pulling on the leash in the opposite/
sideways direction. It is important that you
pay close attention to this, so that the dog
can avoid the interaction all together.
Combined with the previously mentioned
signals like stiff ening of the body and tail
or direct stare into the eyes, the above
signals indicate that the dog displaying
them is unhappy with the situation and
is thinking of resorting to the next steps
to end the interaction. It is extremely
important to notice these and help the
dogs end it peacefully, especially if they
are on a leash and need to depend on the
humans to get away.
Th e slack leash
It is evident from the above lists that
dogs require a wide range of motion
to communicate eff ectively to their
counterparts to avoid a potential confl ict
situation. Th is is one of the reasons why
dog to dog meetings on leashes are not
recommended in the fi rst place.
Yet, it is impractical in the real world to
totally avoid a dog meeting another dog on
a walk, where leaving them off -leash won’t
be possible. So, the way out is proper care
and attention during on-leash meetings.
Th is means that they should have ample
length of the leash available for moving
around, sniffi ng the fl oor, etc. and also that
the leash should be slack enough to allow
Creature Companion | April 2019 • Vol. XII • Issue 4 • Noida
them to perform the behaviours. Hence, it
is vital that the both the dog owners keep
the leashes slack and allow ample length.
Most of the signals mentioned here are
used by dogs to communicate with humans
also, conveying more or less similar
intentions and emotions. Th ey might not
be detectable at fi rst for the untrained eye,
but with observation and practice, it is
possible for any pet parent to notice them
and understand the beautiful language in
which dogs talk to each other and to us.
End note:
If your dog is fearful or reactive to dogs
or has a history of aggression or bites
towards others of its kind; it is important
that you avoid getting him to meet other
dogs. Another important thing to keep in
mind is Consent. If the other owners are
comfortable with your pets’ socialising,
then only should you let them continue.
Getting a fearful or aggressive dog to meet
other dogs WILL NOT cure the problem.
It would usually make things worse and
also can end in a dog fi ght and injuries. Get
the help of a certifi ed canine behaviorist to
assess your dog and solve it for you.
*Level III True2Life®
International Dog Trainer
Certifi ed Cannine Behaviour
Consultant, Founder at
Woof Buddies, Hyderabad