Understanding and learning about dog communication is fascinating, dogs express themselves non-verbally, inherently reflecting their emotional state. Dogs often communicate with their owners by barking, whining, and growling. Let's talk about some crucial tips for dog communication.

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Canine Communication
Dog communication is interesting to know and understand, especially if you are a dog lover or dog
parent. While humans communicate verbally, dogs do so non-verbally, intrinsically indicating their state
of mind.
Whenever we humans think of how dogs communicate with one another, the maximum we can think of
is vocalizations such as growls, whines, and barks that are most apparent. Hence, barking and growling
sounds seem to come to our minds, especially when describing dog communication.
However, barking and growling represent a portion of the regular communication repertoire of a dog.
And, mind you, it is as rich as it gets.
As far as experts go, it can be blamed on the error-laden emphasis that we put on the natural
tendencies of our species. As far as humans are concerned, verbal communication reigns supreme.
However, when it comes to our furballs, more goes in. That includes their scent cues and body language
to be more precise about ways dogs communicate.
The importance of communication
Before we delve deeper into the content of dogs’ communication, we must understand its role. All the
communication dogs have must be viewed in which it is being done.

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It is the environment in which the dogs communicate with each other. It applies to the communications
that dogs have with humans and humans with others of their ilk. For example, we would not want a dog
to run and greet a baby.
How do dogs communicate with each
other?
Experts say that when dogs communicate with each other. They use their senses. Smell, sight, and sound
are the most significant factors in dog communication.
Hence, all these senses help them deliver the message they are trying to convey to their immediate
surroundings. Humans can communicate through scent, but dog noses are at another level altogether.
In comparison to humans with six million olfactory receptors in their noses, dogs have 300 million!
Therefore, their sense of smell is supposed to be anywhere between 10,000 and 100,000 times more
acute than ours!
You may not be capable of picking up the pheromones of a dog, but you can still see and hear their
vocalizations show through their gestures, such as the following:
 barking

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 whining
 growling
 Sighing
 Howling
 whimpering
Use these and try to decipher what they are trying to communicate. You can similarly use their body
language, such as discussed below. It will help you to understand what they may be speaking to other
dogs:
 posture
 position of tail and ear
 eye contact
You would have to keep these in mind because knowing about them is an important aspect.
What is your dog trying to tell you
through their body language?
Veterinary experts have categorized canine communication into five major categories such as the
following:
 relaxed
 aroused
 afraid

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 anxious
 aggressive
If your dog seems content and relaxed, it will likely lounge around, and the body posture will be loose.
Their mouths would be flexible and open.
The appearance will resemble a soft smile. In such a situation, their ears would be neutral, and their tails
could wag, showing their comfort and contentment.
There are two main reasons your dog could be excited or aroused – something they like, such as their
canine friends, or something they do not like, such as a canine foe.
If the stimulus is positive, they will show attention-seeking behavior, sometimes appeasement. It could
include any or all of the following:
 jumping
 play bowing
 tail wagging
 licking
 nuzzling
 barking
 pawing
If your dog is afraid, it will openly show submissive body language. As far as communication between
dogs is concerned, experts say that the dog who is being submissive would carry their tail between its
legs, lower their bodies, and pull back its ears. At times, they may expose their undersides to the dog or
dogs that they are afraid of.
Experts say that dogs exhibit aggressive body language to protect themselves offensively. Hence, it is a
strategy they take in these situations
Signs of anxiety and discomfort
If your dog is out of their comfort zone in a given situation, they might try to avoid that. Experts say they
may try to walk or run away in such a situation. They may attempt to hide. They may keep their ears flat
and close their eyes.
They would also try to look small and tuck their tail between their legs. They might come to you for
support and could hide behind your legs. However, experts also say that the dogs attempt to bluff their
way out of uncomfortable situations.
Now, anxiety in dogs is similar to how they behave when afraid, but there is no discreet stimulus in such
instances. When your dog is anxious about anything, the signs appear, anticipating a threat rather than
experiencing it.

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What do different dog postures mean?
There is a position named in yoga after dogs – downward dog. In this case, their butt would be in the air.
Their front legs and chest would be stretched in the front. When you see your dog doing it, that usually
means they are getting ready for playtime.
So, you have to go and get that frisbee. If they are licking their lips and noses during mealtime or
afterward, it means dogs are grooming themselves. Otherwise, it is a sign they are anxious, afraid, or
cautious.
What can you understand from their
tails?
There are some general tail motions of your dog. So, you would do well to keep that in mind. If their tail
seems curled, it means that they are relaxed.
It means they are being confident or trying to assert their dominance. If their seats appear stiff and
straight, your furball may be tracking someone or something.
Suppose their tails seem tucked in or held lower, indicating their state of mind. It may be afraid and
submissive. The thing with seats is that it is the prominent part of their body to observe.

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Conflict-related behavior by dogs
A dog behaves conflicted when they are in that state of mind. In such cases, they may also be
experiencing competing motivations. Perhaps, they may want to be close to their human parents but
are afraid of the child on their laps.
A dog could also feel when they perceive a situation as being aggressive or unable to predict what will
happen immediately afterward. In that case, they may feel like remaining over there as well as
retreating at the same time.
Conclusion
Canine communication can be a complex set of systems comprising body language, scent cues, visual
cues, and vocalization, to name a few. These signals reinforce the position that a dog enjoys in their
society.
Dogs tend to be flexible with the members who belong to their family group. That is why it is so
significant that you start socializing a dog when they are a pup. Continue this throughout their lives.
Source: https://dogexpress.in/canine-communication-how-do-dogs-
communicate-with-each-other/