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Toy breeds; should we play with this one?
Ok, where are my little dog and small breed body language experts!
It is always the little ones that stump me!
What are your thoughts?
I hear a somewhat high pitch consistent bark, ears appear sideways to back back, front paws “stomp”, a little high pitch howl/growl in between barks, tail likely natural carriage but appears to be a short “flag” type wag. He turns to owner and has the same bark, ears back to sideways and eyes appear wide, not blinking
I am hearing components of what could be excitement, fear, guard and learned barking (since he turned back to owner, maybe in an attention where is my reinforcement?) as the person walks by.
My guess this may be a little excitement with some confliction.
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16 Replies
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It’s hard for me to say. Does the dog know and like the person who is seen outside? It looks like alarm/territorial barking at that person. And even though the dog then turns to the owner, I think there are still some residual barks for the person outside, i.e., the dog may still be hearing that person even if not looking at them directly. The dog’s ears seem to be trained on the person outside even when turned to owner.
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Good point about the ear still may be tune into the lawn guy. Not sure how well he knows the lawn guy except him being there on a regular basis. He allegedly does this with everyone outside but is described as “not aggressive” (since he has never bitten) and “friendly” (based on “his tail is always wagging!”). To me, that is a warning wag.
What are your thoughts/interpretation of the front leg movement?
Thanks for jumping in!
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The paw movement just looks like the body is excited and there’s no real room for forward movement, so the paws are tapping in place. Plus, the footing on the sofa doesn’t appear the most secure so when the body is moving due to the barking, the paws may be adjusting their footing.
Oh, and I always tell clients that a wagging tail is simply a sign of arousal rather than meaning the dog is ‘happy’ and that dogs can proceed to a bite, depending on the circumstances, while the tail is in motion. There are so many nuances to tail wags and when it’s important for the client to learn to see all the differences, I do my best to point them out and/or provide video footage.
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Do you think paw “stomping” is also a sign of excitement in some cases where dogs appear “aggressive”.? I think some call it “piano paws” when on leash barking and lunging at another dog (for example) because it wants to play?
I know the “his/her tail wags so he/she is not aggressive” comment all too well, myself!
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Great video, @jenz
Master of his couch, that one!
Yes this looks like territorial barking. Note the body tension – stiff and alignment – straight. These are not “piano paws” which are alternating quick, loose, tippy-tappy feet -these are pulsing with the force of his big barks. He’s serious about that guy needing to leave. When the man is out of sight the bark doesn’t change tone or force but the attention has shifted (while the ears remain focused on the guy, as Virginia pointed out) toward the owner. Could be a combo of “did you see that?” as well as “get him gone”.
Questions I’d ask the owner before heading into that house:
- Any bite history? In any context, any level?
- Can the dog be interrupted/redirected easily from the window, mid-bark?
- What have they done to try to stop the behavior?
I’d have that pup put up behind a barrier on the first visit at least, if I was going inside for a lesson. Some dogs can be tremendously territorial but then fine when the person comes into the house. Others, less so.
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Thanks for jumping in!
I was torn with excitement/ guarding/confliction.
He does not have a bite history. Mom describes him as “friendly” and “loves people”. I always walk in with 2 layers of safety no matter the case.
I am actually meeting them for him “not wanting to keep moving on walks and sniffing too much”. He is “stubborn and will lay down instead of walking with us.” . Yes, I had them have a vet visit for pain.
Then this behavior was stumbled on but not their “priority”. (it will be soon!). I already planted the seed.
They have not done anything with training him in 5 years! Should be fun with lots of well rehearsed unwanted behaviors. Thankfully, biting is not one of them if they are being honest which I think they are.
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@jenz – Can you point out what you thought was “conflicted” in this little guy’s body languge?
And yeah, isn’t it interesting that the problem clients have isn’t always the same priority we see? If anything, that little dude needs to fulfill all his sniffy needs, as I’m sure you are telling them… set him on a mantrail! lol
Little dogs so often don’t get to be dogs… do doggy things. I’m glad this little warrior has you on his team, advocating for his needs. He’s in great hands.
Edited to add… of course he’s being territorial… little bright eyes needs a JOB. (plus maybe a slow feeder/fewer “treats”… side note: Have them ask their vet about his dental health… I have suspicions…)
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Little and short dog bodies always appear stiff, rigid and a aligned to me! Not much to wiggle and seem loose!
Ears appear sideways to back conflicted.
Flag tail wag as warning. Howl/ growl in between barks as caution.
High pitch barks as if excited.
Saw paws as excitement stomping or piano paws.
Looking back at owner as if learned to get a reinforcement of some kind with same “excitement ” bark
To name a few of my thoughts.
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He is intense, for sure!
His ears appear mostly forward while barking out the window. I think the “ears back” is him listening behind himself while looking at his owner, rather than some conflicting emotion. It is hard to see because of the fluff, but if he was truly conflicted likely you’d see a lowered tail to confirm it.
The short wags are high arousal. Like a buzzing chainsaw! I don’t know about “flag tail as a warning” – that’s not something I’d interpret here, because I’m focused on the arousal level mainly. I don’t think the tail movement is meant to warn, but rather is an expression of his arousal.
The continued vocalization is the same… he just has so many big feelings about this event! And the intensity of territoriality means the vocalizations just keep coming (which makes it easier to read, imo. Some dogs are quiet until they strike in defense of their zone, so I really appreciate the warnings!)
The feet are moving with the force of his very big bark, (high in pitch only because he’s little – that’s about the biggest bark that wee body can muster.)
And yeah, the checking in with the owner is very interesting. I agree there’s reinforcement history for this behavior! You can confirm that with the owner: “What usually happens when he is barking?” Likely he’s at least getting attention.
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They sent me a longer video to my FB page. I can’t get it to download and save.
He is standing at the entry door, barking as in the other video. He shakes off, trots over to and jumps on the couch and continues with barking and growling (more growling in this video). She is talking to him, telling him he is “ok”. He looks at her and re-focuses on what is going on outside. One major body change is he is lays down (appearing more relaxed ) on the top of the cushion shortly after jumping on. Tail wag is the same. More noticeable that he likely started off stressed at the door knowing people are outside.
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Sounds like some solid verbal + attention reinforcement for this behavior! He thinks he’s being a VERY GOOD DOG. ????
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Update with this tiny terror!
My initial reason for consultation was that Chowder ” is stubborn and refuses to walk with them unless it is somewhere he wants to go only. He will lay down or sit and not move.” (Very true!)
Anyway, he is all bark and no bite. He enjoys being with people! He schmoozed his way into my area within about 7-10 minutes of giving him time to process.
I did find out, mom does reinforce a lot of his behaviors! Classic, ” I don’t what else to do when I am on a work call or meeting. I have no choice but to give him attention, treats etc. “
Little guy has a lot going on that we need to change for him.
How can you say no to that face!
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OMD! Not only is he uber-cute, but he’s got the best name!!!
Glad they have you to help them, @jenz !-
They wanted a “New England” themed name! Chowder won!
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OF COURSE HE GETS WHAT HE WANTS JUST LOOK AT HIM! ????????
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