Trouble understanding what your pet wants? Start with this advice!
If you are not familiar with having a pet, but you would either like one or need to take care of someone else’s, then it is a good idea to get familiar with a few ways to know what a dog wants. Communicating well is a part of being a great dog owner or dog sitter. Here’s a quick but accurate guide on how to know what your dog wants.
Knowing What a Dog Wants
Body Language
Body language is a major way pet dogs communicate with people. Focusing attention by coming nearer to an object or person indicates interest or a want, while staying back indicates uncertainty. A relaxed posture vs. stiff posture communicates ease vs. fear or hostility. Bowing is usually the universal “play with me” sign, and bringing objects to you generally comes with a related request. For example, if it is a food bowl, it likely wants food, and if it is a toy, it wants you to play with it together.
Vocal Signals
Vocal signals are also messages, from whines to barks to growls. These three types of vocalizations can be either friendly and excited or distressed and hostile. You can tell which emotion it conveys based on the accompanying body language and eye contact.
Eye Contact
Eye contact can feel very human. Dogs might avoid eye contact if they are nervous or make intense eye contact if they want something from you, like what you’re eating or affection. Looking intently at an object or person indicates the object as a matter of attention or having something it wants.
Getting to Know Your Pet
You might make mistakes sometimes, but getting to know your pet will help you understand it better in the future.
Response to Words
Teaching your pet words and commands often helps with communication, as your pet will respond through all the ways listed above. An additional technique is to give your pet word buttons to press.
Signs of Concern
Sometimes, your dog might indicate that it needs help. These signs include but are not limited to the following:
- A roached back (arched close to the rear)
- Excessive licking
- Limping or unusual movements
- Whining in pain
- Lethargy
- Sudden change in behavior (change in appetite, sudden fears, lack of movement, etc.)
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!