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How Our Body Language Affects Dogs
When interacting with dogs, we need to be very mindful of our own body language and how it affects them. Years ago, a newer trainer asked me to observe her while she was teaching group classes so I could provide feedback. At one point during class, she was showing someone how to lure their dog into the DOWN position, but was having trouble getting him to actually lie down. In this case, the dog was super-sensitive to the fact that she was in a standing position and then leaning over to lure. As soon as she shifted to a crouched position, the dog was right on board!
We can also intentionally use body language to help get certain behaviors going. For example, I often walk backwards and pat my thighs when I’m introducing simple recalls because that tends to draw the dog toward me.
How do you use body language intentionally to impact a dog’s behavior?
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3 Replies
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I intentionally stand at a 45 degree angle (or thereabouts) when I am greeting a dog, or inviting them into my space or just want to take pressure off them, usually averting my eyes initially and/or even turning my head away. I always think of Turid Rugaas’ book “Calming Signals” and even blink intentionally, keeping my own gaze soft when I do look their way.
Sometimes I’ve invited a dog to play with a version of a play bow, on my knees and hands on the ground, bending forward. It works!
Great topic, @virginiad ! That’s great to provide feedback on the trainer’s classes and her body language. It’s sometimes hard to see if we don’t video it ourselves…
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@bernerlabreclectus , great tips for presenting your body in a low-pressure way to a dog. ????
Regarding taking video of oneself, though it can sometimes be painful to watch, it’s a really great way to gather little details about body language, timing, and so much more!
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I agree about the videoing of yourself…ha ha. But that was something I did early on as a new trainer and it really helped me to see my own progress. It’s cool to have videos of training with someone’s dogs from early professional trainer to 5 years after. I know I’ve come a long way! @virginiad
I also take little 30 second to 1 minute videos of clients training their dogs while I coach them and send those to them, with homework. It helps me to review what they are doing well and what still needs work…(sometimes it is hard to catch that in person, while coaching someone, because they are asking a question at the time.)
I’m wondering what everyone else thinks of this topic, how our body language affects dogs’ behavior?
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