Calming Signals in Dogs

Calming Signals in Dogs

Dogs, like humans, have their own ways of communicating stress, discomfort, and the desire for peaceful interactions. One key aspect of their communication involves calming signals, which are subtle behaviours used to maintain harmony and prevent conflicts.

Turid Rugaas, a Norwegian dog trainer, extensively studied and documented these dog behaviours in her book On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals. Other experts such as Patricia McConnell and Stanley Coren have also contributed significantly to our understanding of canine body language. This blog will delve into twenty calming signals, providing insights into each one and how recognising these signals can enhance our relationships with your dog.

The Importance of Recognising Calming Signals

Understanding calming signals is crucial for dog owners, trainers, and anyone who interacts with dogs. These signals help us interpret what our dogs are feeling and allow us to respond appropriately to their needs. Recognising these behaviours can prevent conflicts, reduce stress, and create a more harmonious environment for our dogs. Here, we explore calming signals, detailing their significance and how to respond to them.

1. Yawning

Yawning is one of the most common calming signals in dogs. While humans often associate yawning with tiredness, dogs yawn to communicate stress, anxiety, or a need to calm down. Turid Rugaas emphasises that yawning is a powerful tool for dogs to diffuse tension. For instance, a dog might yawn during a vet visit or when meeting a new dog. Patricia McConnell, in her book The Other End of the Leash, suggests that humans can also yawn to calm their dogs, fostering a sense of security and understanding.

2. Lip Licking

Lip licking, or tongue flicking, involves a dog quickly licking its lips or flicking its tongue out and back in. This subtle signal often indicates stress, anxiety, or submission. Turid Rugaas notes that lip licking is common when dogs are approached too quickly or feel uneasy. Stanley Coren, in How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication, highlights that dogs use lip licking to signal peace and de-escalate potential conflicts. Recognising this behaviour allows owners to reduce their dog’s discomfort by providing reassurance or removing them from stressful situations.

3. Turning Away

Turning away involves a dog turning its head or entire body away from a perceived threat or stressful situation. This behaviour indicates that the dog wants to avoid conflict and maintain peace. Turid Rugaas describes turning away as a polite way of saying, “I don’t want any trouble.” Patricia McConnell explains that this signal is often used during overwhelming situations or when a dog needs a break. Recognising this behaviour allows owners to give their dogs the space they need, reducing stress and fostering a respectful relationship.

4. Blinking

Frequent blinking is a calming signal that dogs use to show submission and reduce tension. When a dog feels threatened or stressed, it may blink repeatedly to communicate that it means no harm. Turid Rugaas points out that blinking can help soothe the dog itself and signal to others that the dog is not a threat. This behaviour is particularly useful during dog-to-dog interactions or when a dog is approached by a stranger. By acknowledging and respecting blinking as a calming signal, owners can better understand their dog’s emotional state and respond appropriately.

5. Sniffing the Ground

Sniffing the ground is a common calming signal observed during stressful or tense situations. Dogs may suddenly start sniffing the ground to divert attention and calm themselves and others. Turid Rugaas explains that this behaviour can diffuse tension during dog-to-dog interactions or when a dog feels threatened. Sniffing the ground helps dogs avoid direct confrontation by appearing preoccupied. Owners should recognise this behaviour as a sign that their dog needs space and time to feel secure, helping to prevent potential conflicts.

6. Slow Movements

Moving slowly is a calming signal dogs use to reduce tension and show that they are not a threat. When a dog feels stressed or is anxious, it may move more deliberately and slowly. Turid Rugaas highlights that slow movements can help calm the dog and those around it. This behaviour is often seen when a dog is unsure or uncomfortable in a situation. By recognising and respecting slow movements, owners can provide their dogs with the reassurance they need, promoting a calm and stress-free environment.

7. Sitting or Lying Down

Sitting or lying down can be a calming signal indicating that a dog wants to avoid confrontation and promote peace. When a dog sits or lies down during a stressful situation, it is trying to show that it means no harm and wants to de-escalate any tension. Turid Rugaas notes that this behaviour is common during dog-to-dog interactions or when a dog feels threatened. By acknowledging and respecting this signal, owners can provide their dogs with the space and time they need to feel safe and secure.

8. Wagging Tail

A wagging tail is often misinterpreted as a sign of happiness, but it can also serve as a calming signal. The context, manner and level of the wag are crucial. A slow, gentle wag can indicate that the dog is trying to appease and communicate friendliness. Turid Rugaas explains that tail wagging can be used to diffuse tension and show submission. Recognising the nuances of tail wagging helps owners understand their dog’s emotional state and respond appropriately to their needs.

9. Play Bow

The play bow, where a dog lowers its front legs while keeping its rear end up, is a well-known calming signal. This posture is an invitation to play but can also be used to diffuse tension and show that the dog means no harm. Turid Rugaas emphasises that the play bow can help prevent conflicts during dog-to-dog interactions. By recognising and responding to this signal, owners can facilitate positive social interactions and reduce their dog’s stress.

10. Shaking Off

Shaking off, similar to when a dog shakes to dry off, is a calming signal used to release tension. After a stressful or exciting event, dogs may shake off to reset and calm themselves. Turid Rugaas notes that this behaviour helps dogs regain composure and communicate that they are not a threat. By observing and understanding this signal, owners can better address their dog’s emotional needs and provide a supportive environment.

11. Paw Lifting

Paw lifting is a subtle calming signal where a dog raises one front paw off the ground. This gesture is often seen when a dog is uncertain or feels threatened. Turid Rugaas explains that paw lifting indicates a dog’s attempt to show submission and avoid confrontation. It’s a way of saying, “I am no threat.” Recognising this signal helps owners understand their dog’s discomfort and provides an opportunity to alleviate their stress.

12. Scratching

Scratching, especially when a dog is not itchy, can be a calming signal used to relieve tension. When faced with a stressful situation, a dog might start scratching as a displacement behaviour. Turid Rugaas highlights that this action helps the dog cope with anxiety and signals to others that it is trying to calm itself. Owners should interpret this behaviour as a sign of stress and take steps to comfort their dog.

13. Shifting Weight

Shifting weight from one leg to another is a subtle calming signal indicating discomfort or stress. Dogs may shift their weight when they feel uneasy or when approached too quickly. Turid Rugaas points out that this behaviour helps dogs communicate their need for space. By recognising weight shifting, owners can respond appropriately by giving their dog time to adjust and feel secure.

14. Sighing

Sighing is a calming signal that dogs use to express relaxation or a desire to calm down. When a dog sighs, it often releases built-up tension. Turid Rugaas explains that sighing can indicate a dog’s need to de-stress and relax. This behaviour is often seen when a dog lies down after a stressful event. Recognising sighing as a calming signal helps owners understand their dog’s need for a peaceful environment.

15. Avoiding Eye Contact

Avoiding eye contact is a common calming signal used by dogs to show submission and avoid conflict. Direct eye contact can be perceived as a threat in the canine world. Turid Rugaas notes that by averting their gaze, dogs communicate their intention to keep interactions peaceful. This behaviour is often observed when a dog feels threatened or is in a new situation. Understanding this signal helps owners respect their dog’s need for space.

16. Sitting Down

Sitting down can be a calming signal that indicates a dog’s desire to avoid confrontation and promote peace. Turid Rugaas highlights that this behaviour is common during stressful situations or dog-to-dog interactions. By sitting down, the dog shows it means no harm and seeks to de-escalate tension. Recognising this signal allows owners to provide their dogs with the reassurance and space they need.

17. Lying Down with the Belly Up

Lying down with the belly up is a submissive gesture that serves as a calming signal. When a dog exposes its belly, it shows vulnerability and signals that it poses no threat. Turid Rugaas explains that this behaviour helps prevent conflicts and promotes peaceful interactions. This signal is often seen during dog-to-dog encounters or when a dog feels intimidated. Recognising this behaviour helps owners ensure their dog feels safe and respected.

18. Walking in a Curve

Walking in a curve rather than approaching directly is a calming signal used by dogs to show politeness and avoid confrontation. Direct approaches can be seen as aggressive in the canine world. Turid Rugaas notes that curving movements help dogs communicate their peaceful intentions. This behaviour is common during introductions between dogs. Understanding and respecting this signal allows for more positive interactions.

19. Splitting Up

“Splitting up” refers to a situation where a dog attempts to create physical or emotional space between themselves and another dog or between other dogs. This behaviour can involve a dog moving away from a group, choosing to sit or lie down apart from others, or even subtly moving between other dogs to break up a potential conflict. This behaviour can help prevent escalation of aggression or tension by reducing the intensity of the interaction.

Dogs use splitting up to manage social interactions and maintain harmony within a group. When a dog senses potential conflict or heightened tension, they might use this behaviour as a way to calm themselves and others. By creating distance or positioning themselves strategically, they can help de-escalate a situation before it becomes more serious. It’s a way of avoiding confrontation and ensuring that interactions remain positive or neutral.

In essence, splitting up is one of many ways dogs communicate and maintain social balance in their groups.

20. Pawing

Pawing is a subtle but significant calming signal in dogs. When a dog raises a paw and places it gently on another dog or person, it often serves as a way to signal a desire for attention, reassurance, or to diffuse tension. This behaviour can be seen in various contexts, such as during introductions or when a dog feels uneasy and wants to convey a non-threatening intent.

Turid Rugaas notes that pawing can be a way for dogs to communicate their need for comfort or to soften a potentially tense interaction. Patricia McConnell adds that this behaviour can also be a way for dogs to seek out positive reinforcement or interaction in a gentle manner. Recognising pawing as a calming signal helps owners understand their dog’s emotional state and respond in a way that supports their comfort and peace.

By interpreting pawing as a request for reassurance or a way to manage interactions, owners can better meet their dog’s needs and enhance their overall relationship. This understanding contributes to a more responsive and harmonious environment for both the dog and its human companions.

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