Do you have a furry friend at home? Are you keen to understand the way they communicate with us better?

Do you have a furry friend at home? Are you keen to understand the way they communicate with us better? Interpreting your dog’s body language is an important part of being a responsible pet owner and it's something that often takes time and practice. Signs from your pup can tell lots of stories if you learn how to read them! From understanding barking sounds, movement cues, facial expressions, postures and more - this blog post provides useful tips for getting to grips with your pup's communication signals.

The signals of appeasement

Here are some common signals of appeasement in dogs: Licking: Dogs may lick their own lips or the lips of another dog or person as a sign of appeasement. Tail tucking: Dogs may tuck their tail between their legs as a sign of submission. Submissive posture: Dogs may crouch down with their ears back and their head lowered as a sign of submission. Avoiding eye contact: Dogs may avert their gaze or look away as a way of showing respect and avoiding conflict. Yawning: Dogs may yawn as a way to diffuse tension and show relaxation. Freezing: Dogs may stop moving and become still as a way of indicating they are not a threat. Play bow: Dogs may perform a play bow by lowering their front end and raising their back end as a way of indicating they want to play and are not a threat. It's important to note that these signals may not always indicate appeasement and can also be used in other contexts. Additionally, different dogs may use different signals depending on their personality, breed, and previous experiences.

What to do if your dog is communicating appeasement signals

If your dog is displaying appeasement signals, it's important to respond in a way that helps your dog feel comfortable and safe. Here are some things you can do: Recognize the signal: The first step is to recognize that your dog is displaying appeasement signals. It's important not to punish or scold your dog for showing these signs, as it can make them more anxious and stressed. Stay calm and relaxed: Dogs can pick up on your energy and body language, so it's important to remain calm and relaxed. Avoid direct eye contact, as this can be perceived as a threat. Use positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to help your dog feel more comfortable and confident. Praise and reward your dog for calm and relaxed behavior, and avoid rewarding or reinforcing fearful or anxious behavior. Create a safe and secure environment: Provide your dog with a comfortable and secure environment that includes a comfortable bed or crate, plenty of toys, and regular exercise and playtime. Seek professional help: If your dog's appeasement signals are a result of fear or anxiety, it may be helpful to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you understand the underlying causes of your dog's behavior and provide you with specific strategies and techniques to help your dog feel more comfortable and confident.

Dogs communicate through their body language and they have different signals for different emotions. Appeasement signals are one type of communication that dogs use to show submission or affiliation. If you know what the appeasement signals are, you can better understand your dog and what it is trying to say. Plus, if you know the signs of appeasement, you can take steps to diffuse a situation before it gets out of hand. Have you ever had an experience where knowing about appeasement signals helped you understand your dog? Share your story in the comments below!