Show 53: How You Tell if Your Dog is Uncomfortable — How You Can Help

Dog communication is one of the impressive skills that seem to come naturally to dog owners. I’m mindblown by the idea that even though our dogs do not talk, they have this amazing capacity to let their needs be known. Through their gestures, and actions, and sounds, our pets help us learn how dogs communicate. Our dogs want us to understand them! As a dog trainer, I always emphasize to dog owners that one of the best ways to raise and love a dog starts with understanding them. In fact, I have included some of the best practices for communicating with dogs in my Dog Calming Code and Puppy Coach programs. Dogs may not speak our language, but they have their own unique ways of telling us what they need. It's up to us as their owners to learn to read those cues and respond to them with love and compassion. And this blog is here to help you with that. Key Takeaways: Our dogs communicate with us through small, easy-to-miss signals. Dog owners should be sensitive with dog communication. When your dog knows that you understand them, their trust towards you increases. In turn, your bond becomes stronger. Dogs communicate love, hunger, discomfort, anxiety, and frustration through different ways. MASTER DOG COMMUNICATION WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE™️ Table of Contents: Jack Needs a Blanket: What My Dog Taught Me About Dog Communication Understanding Dog Communication: Why It’s Important to Know How Dogs Communicate How Do Dogs Communicate? 10 Common Gestures and Actions That Dogs Use to Talk to You Dog Communication Through Vocalization Does Their Personality Affect the Way Dogs Communicate? Dog Communication Cues: Common Ways Dogs Communicate Anxiety Dog Communication Cues: Common Ways Dogs Communicate Hunger Dog Communication Cues: Common Ways Dogs Communicate Discomfort Dog Communication Cues: Common Ways Dogs Communicate Love How to Have Better Communication With Your Dog: Dog Communication Tips Dog Communication: Small Gestures with a Big Message   Jack Needs a Blanket: What My Dog Taught Me About Dog Communication As an experienced dog trainer, I have seen countless instances where dog owners struggle to catch their dogs' messages, especially when their pets are uncomfortable. It breaks my heart to see these dogs suffer in silence because there’s misunderstanding despite dog owners doing their best. I myself have gone through a similar struggle.   My dog, Jack, is a big and tough Catahoula leopard dog. At one glance, you’d think that Jack can handle everything! One winter day, despite his resilience, I noticed that he was shivering even though he was wearing his jacket. BUILD TRUST IN YOUR PUPPIES WITH THE PUPPY COACH™️ PROGRAM At first, I couldn't understand what was wrong with him! After all, he had his coat on, right? But then I realized that I needed to think like a dog to truly understand his needs. I immediately got Jack a warm blanket, and as soon as he snuggled up in it, his shivering stopped. The look of relief on his face melted my heart, and I realized just how important it is to pay attention to our dogs' messages, especially when they're uncomfortable. For me to understand Jack, I had to do something: communicate with a dog by thinking like a dog. Understanding Dog Communication: Why It’s Important to Know How Dogs Communicate Dogs communicate through a variety of non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and vocalizations. Understanding these cues is essential for building a strong bond and trust with your dog. Have you ever seen the eyes of your dogs lighting up when you get what they want to tell you? Oh the wagging tails and the excited jumps that seem to say “Hurrah! You understand me!” But apart from the joy of communicating with your dogs, there are also other big reasons why it’s crucial for you to know how dogs communicate. The list below includes several reasons why learning to understand dog communication is a skill every dog owner must have. UNDERSTAND YOUR