When your dog has his or her ears down, by that I mean pinned down flat along their head, what is your dog’s body language saying to you?
I have three Australian Kelpies, beautiful dogs whom I love dearly. I cherish each day we can share together.
We will start with my eldest lass, who will be seven years old this year (2023).
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When her ears are drawn back almost flat against her head, she is usually watching me intently, with a soft look in her eyes and I can see her body swaying from side to side as her tail swishes profusely.
I know she is delightedly watching me, and believe me, I respond! I usually wave to her from inside our home and this increases her delight. Of course, she is hoping for a play, a walk, or to come inside with me. Let’s face it, this sometimes works, so why wouldn’t she keep using this body language.
My middle dog, turning four years this year, usually stands at the door with all four feet firmly planted, her tail raised, intently looking at me, ears pricked and totally alert, and most times I can hear a soft growl in her throat. If her throat sound is too soft she will raise it a level or two.
What is her body language telling me?
Believe me, I am sure she can read the time! If it is around 8am in the morning I know she is letting me know most seriously that it is her breakfast time. If it is about 4pm in the afternoon and we have not been out walking yet, it is “come on, when are we going walking?” Her stance is always the same, she is very firmly “standing her ground” so to speak.
Have you ever wondered what is your dog’s body language saying to you especially? They have many mannerisms whereby you know what they are indicating and for this fun read we are only covering a few of what my dogs are telling me.
My youngest Kelpie, who turns three this year, has the most endearing habit of putting up her paw all the time.
I have friends asking me, what is she doing, and why does she put her paw up all the time? She is a dog that loves to be near you and this is her comfort gesture, like a child that has a special blankie! She will sit so very close to you, put her paw up for you to hold and if you do not hold it, she will persevere, and put both her paw and her head on your lap. If this has no response, she will resit herself and try the other paw.
She is showing the utmost love, that her love is so precious that she has to continually wave her paw about when she is close to you so that you will respond and hold it.
The cute part is, once she gets tired of holding up her paw, she lowers it and puts up the other paw.
If you know the story of Moses in the Bible, when Aaron was at a battle, Moses help up his hands, when his hands were held up, Aaron was winning the battle, and when Moses dropped his arms, Aaron starting losing his battle, so two kind friends of Moses took a hand each and held up his hands so that Aaron could be successful.
I chuckle and quite often remember this story when I see my young Kelpie get tired.
Dogs are a true treasure and are such loving friends to us.
As you live with your furry friend and get to know his or her ways, you will know, like myself, you will know what is your dog’s body language saying to you!
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So enjoy the journey!
Until next time…
With Love, Success and Inspiration
Robin Oliver
