Teaching Your Children Canine Body Language

Professional dog sitting experts, dog trainers, and in-home dog boarding experts cringe when they hear parents boast that their dog lets kids climb on it, pull its ears or tail, and even reach into its mouth to take away food, treats, or toys.  At Sleep Over Rover we'd like to remind you that it may be cute to watch, but no dog deserves or enjoys this type of treatment.  Furthermore, even the gentlest dog might reach its breaking point and growl, snap, or bite in retaliation. 

As experts in Arizona dog boarding and as doggie day care sitters, we urge to you to remember that children need to be taught to respect ALL dogs.  Below we've included examples of classic canine body language that ALL parents should teach their children.  These examples should serve as warning signs that a dog is becoming aggressive or defensive. 

If you see the moon, give him room! 
If a dog looks at you from the side in such a way that the white part of his eye shows like a little crescent moon, he might be telegraphing fear and aggression.

If the ears 'plane,' you're in for pain! 
A dog that is concerned, worried or threatened will sometimes drop his ears so that they project from his head like the wings of a plane.

A wrinkled brow means enough for now! 
A dog who stares with his brow furrowed is concerned about something – especially if he has his mouth closed and head lowered.

If the tongue hangs down, don't wear a frown! 
Dogs that are happy frequently let their tongues loll out of their relaxed mouths.  On the other hand, “if the mouth is shut, beware this mutt!”

If the tail is high, pass this one by! 
A dog with his tail raised straight up like a mast on a ship is telegraphing aggression or concern.  If his hackles are up, he is definitely telling you to back off!

If he tucks his tail, you need to bail! 
A dog with a tail tucked tightly between his legs is frightened and defensive.  Give some room.

Head and shoulders down means 'not playing around.' 
A dog approaching you with his head and shoulders lower than his back is in classic “stalking” mode.  If a strange dog approaches you in this posture, you should “become a tree for him to see.”  To become a tree...

1. “Grow roots” from your feet into the ground (DON'T run).
2. “Grow moss” around your trunk.”  Fold your arms close to your body at waist level.  (Dogs will jump up at flailing arms and hands).
3. “Let your leaves cover you.”  Look down and let your eyelashes cover the whites of your eyes. NEVER make eye contact with an aggressive dog!

Contributed by Sleepover Rover, Inc.
www.sleepoverrover.com    

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