Have you ever looked at your dog and wondered: “What are you thinking now?”
For pet parents all over the world, trying to figure out what’s going on in those cute furry heads may be a mystery. Of course, unlike humans, cats, dogs and other companion animals cannot speak. They can’t just open their mouths to tell us how they feel.
Therefore, we must pay attention to it!
Continue reading Groomit’s two most important tips for understanding pet language. Understanding how canines and cats express their emotions will make it easier (and less stressful) for you and your pet.
Can anyone learn how to understand pets?
Yes!
First, let’s take a moment to talk about our two most common grooming clients-dogs and cats.
At Groomit, our skilled and certified pet groomers are experts in understanding pet language. Every year, we personally handle thousands of animals with different comfort levels, preferences, needs, etc. However, in any case, our kitten and puppy customers look great and feel better.
This is why we want to share what we know!
In fact, even taking only one minute to evaluate a cat or dog can greatly reduce the likelihood of being scratched or bitten.
The best part? Absolutely anyone can develop animal communication skills. All it takes is some practice, patience, open ears and sharp eyes.
Learn to read body language
Okay, now is the time to review Groomit’s first tip: body language.
Wikipedia defines body language as “a form of communication in which physical actions rather than words are used to express or convey information.”
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are three elements that make up a dog’s body language. These include:
- posture
- facial expression
- Other body language
Let’s start with the pose. How do you know if the dog you are approaching is friendly or aggressive? Well, naturally, you will look for clues and hints about their feelings. This can be determined by how the dog maintains itself, also known as “posture.”
For example, the sign of a happy dog is:
- Long, slow tail wagging
- Smooth fur will not stand upright
- open mouth
- Normal-shaped eyes
On the other hand, if the dog’s body language includes:
- The tail is tucked between the hind legs
- Head down
- No eye contact or too much
- Back of the ear
- Baring teeth in the roar
These then mean that the dog is scared, stressed, and not completely satisfied with their current environment. Instead of being touched by you (or beautician), they may need space to calm down.
Cats are similar. A relaxed cat has its ears facing forward, its tail is high, and its muscles are loose. They might even use “head bumps” to rub or tip over abdomen scratches! However, if your cat’s spine is arched, its hair is erect, its eyes are wide open, or its abdomen is flat against the ground, all signs indicate that it is a stressed animal.
Listen to the sounds your pet makes
When trying to understand the language of a pet, we must Look and also hear. The sound of a cat or dog will explain the problem. Are they noisy? Unusually quiet? When certain beauty tools (or people) enter the room, will their behavior change? Answering these questions will help you understand how your pet really feels.
Here are some key noises to listen to:
puppy:
- • complain: It happens when the dog wants something, such as a snack.This can also be a sign of stress, so watch their surroundings carefully
- • Call: This may be a response to excitement, overstimulation, frustration, or fear. Again, context is important. Is there a stranger near your house? Or are they barking and playing with their favorite toy? Observe their habits and soon you will understand the different types of barking your dog has.
cat:
- • Hiss: Hissing is a common sign of an unhappy cat. Almost always, this is due to fear.
- • Meow: There are many reasons why cats meow. A fast and sharp meow can indicate excitement-for example, during dinner time! Long, slow meows are more likely to indicate that they are angry.
- • Grunting: What is the guarantee method to determine if your kitten is satisfied? Listen to the rumble of deep chest grunts!
Remember, it takes practice to understand pet’s language
It takes time to figure out how to communicate with our pets. In a way, it’s a bit like learning a new language! Do not use a single sign to determine the emotional state of your pet. Try to see and listen. This will help you understand all the unique ways your four-legged friends “talk”.
Interested in more pet content from Groomit?
