For the Love of Rescue Dogs E-Book

Tom Colvin

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Seitenzahl: 276

Beschreibung

The perfect read before you bring your rescue pet home, For the Love of Rescue Dogs is a witty and informative book on all things canine-related. Featuring over 250 stunning pictures of cute dogs, this resource illustrates the many facets of their personality, provides tips on training, and explains the best ways to care for a rescue dog. Know how to give them the life they've always wanted as you flip through the pages of this books that's as adorable as it is enlightening!

Leseprobe

For the Love ofRESCUEDOGS

THE GUIDE TO SELECTING, TRAINING, AND CARING FOR YOUR DOG

Tom Colvin, Paula Sunday, and Mick McAuliffe

For the Love of Rescue Dogs

CompanionHouse Books™ is an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishers International Ltd.

Project Team

Vice President–Content: Christopher Reggio

Editor: Amy Deputato

Copy Editor: Colleen Dorsey

Design: Mary Ann Kahn

Index: Elizabeth Walker

Text copyright © 2017, 2019 Animal Rescue League of Iowa

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Fox Chapel Publishers, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

ISBN 978-1-62187-189-7

The Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the Library of Congress.

This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader’s discretion and are not to be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If you suspect a medical problem, consult your veterinarian.

Fox Chapel Publishing903 Square StreetMount Joy, PA 17552

Fox Chapel Publishers International Ltd.7 Danefield Road, Selsey (Chichester)West Sussex PO20 9DA, U.K.

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We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to [email protected].

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Contents

Introduction

1From the Shelter’s Perspective

2Understanding Dog Behavior and Communication

3Developmental Stages and Socialization

4Choosing Your New Dog

5Getting Ready for Your Adopted Dog

6Children and Dogs

7House-Training: It’s Easier than You Think

8Basic Training and Cues

9Your Healthy Dog

10Problem Behaviors

Index

Photo Credits

About the Authors

Introduction

In a perfect world, all pets would have places to call home with loving owners who provide for all of their needs. However, we know that there are many reasons why this isn’t true today; pet overpopulation, lack of affordable pet-friendly housing, and lack of pet education and resources, among others, contribute to pet homelessness. For those pets that have never experienced the love of an owner or that, due to unforeseen circumstances, can’t continue to live with their owners, animal shelters and rescues play a pivotal role.

When pets can’t find safe, loving homes, shelters or rescues give them food, rest, and behavioral and medical care, and they work to find them the loving homes we wish for them. But adoption doesn’t end when you take your new pet home. When you adopt, we want you to adopt for life, but we know that pet ownership can come with challenges. Throughout this book, you’ll learn about house-training, manners training, introducing your new dog to other pets and to children, and much more. The advice in this book doesn’t just help you teach your dog new things, it will strengthen your bond with your new pet and help him settle into his forever home with you.

Rescue dogs come in all sizes, breeds, and temperaments. Which one will you make that special connection with?

Shelters and rescues, like the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, help pets find safe, loving forever homes.

Dogs do speak, but only to those who listen.

—Orham Pamuk

—Tom Colvin, Executive Director,Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc.

1 From the Shelter’s Perspective

In this book, you’ll find guidance and advice built upon a lifetime of hands-on work with dogs of all ages in many environments. Each year, thousands of animals come into shelters and rescues. Among these animals are many beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and friendly dogs: young and old, big and little, purebred and mixed breed, and the list goes on. The knowledge we have gained working with these dogs and their owners will make both your dog’s and your life better.

What Most Potential Adopters Want

Many people arrive at the shelter with some idea of the type of dog they want to adopt. Some people think that they want to train a puppy. Some people worry that an older shelter dog is “ruined.” Some want a dog that’s not too big, or one that doesn’t shed much. Some need a dog that’s good with children all the time. Everyone wants a healthy dog that’s easy to house-train.

The reality is that with positive training, dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, can be wonderful companions. Often, an adult shelter dog already has some training and could be the perfect dog for you. If you don’t really want to house-train a puppy, you can avoid this issue altogether by adopting a house-trained adult dog. When thinking about training and other important factors, such as children and dogs, health issues, a dog’s size, and the care a dog needs, ask the shelter staff. They can help you make an informed and successful choice.

Adopters want a dog that will be a great companion.

Sometimes, potential adopters fall for elderly, injured, or shy animals to “save” them. These matches often work out wonderfully with some TLC and coaching from a behavior expert. At the Animal Rescue League (ARL), we have made great strides with some pets, regardless of their special needs. Successful adopters call, e-mail, send cards, or stop by the shelter to show off their progress.

Paula Says

For more than thirty years, my professional career has been tied to dogs. Dogs that need homes, training, grooming, socialization, or veterinary care. Most of my time has been spent in animal shelters. From my first day at a shelter, it was clear that pet owners and adopters need help. They need information from people who understand what they are going through. They need support to get through the stressful adjustment time after bringing their new pet home. They need answers to behavior questions. The tricky part is that most people don’t realize that the time they need the help is before bringing the pet home.

Other times, challenges can frustrate the “Good Samaritan” adopter. After a couple of months, the owner brings the special-needs pet back to the ARL for the very reason the person adopted the dog in the first place. We understand the frustration, but it saddens us. One good outcome, though, is that we can build a history for the pet, which will help us find him a new home that lasts.

Creating the Bond

Throughout all our years of experience, we have learned that a dog stays in a home where there is a bond with the humans. All other factors considered, if there is no bond, the dog will likely be gone someday, often with no regrets—and maybe even relief—on the part of the humans. Even if the kids are attached but the adults are not, the dog is at risk. The bond can be based on attraction, love, and/or training, but the best predictor of success is training.

A shy pup can often flourish in a home with love, security, and positive training.

DOG TAILS

Charlie Bear

Charlie Bear, a young male German Shepherd, was picked up by an animal control officer who immediately realized that Charlie’s forelimb had been severely injured. The shelter veterinarian examined Charlie Bear, and, throughout the examination, X-rays, and tests, the dog demonstrated a great temperament and spirit. The decision was made to amputate the injured leg, and Charlie Bear continued to show his strength throughout his recuperative period. His endearing personality was obvious to all and especially to the wonderful family that adopted him.

So, how do you build a bond with a dog? Is it something chemical, like falling in love?

Dog lovers can recognize that instant attraction of “Oh my, who is that dog?” Sometimes it is love at first sight, and sometimes it is just an inquiry into the breed or why it looks the way it does.

What causes the connection? It could be our history with dogs, or it could be recognizing similarities to a dog we knew in the past. It could be a specific feature that catches our eye—big brown eyes, fuzzy ears, a wagging tail, or a certain coat color. This initial attraction is the beginning and sometimes the end. People will disregard a wonderful dog because they don’t like something in his looks, but they often discover that their opinion changes dramatically after getting to know the dog.

What keeps a dog in a home for a lifetime? Attraction and love can keep a dog in his home for a lifetime, but sometimes they are not enough. A dog needs manners. Unruly behaviors, unreliable house-training, and even normal behaviors like digging, jumping, and chewing can frustrate families. Frustration usually sets in after about six months. Owners realize they do not have time to house-train, exercise, and supervise the new dog, and children really don’t have any interest in a pet that jumps on them or chews on their stuff. Eventually, we don’t like the dog we love. Even temporary frustrations can cause a total break in the bond. Often, owners wait too long to help their pet when a little training, supervision, management, and exercise could have taught good manners and kept the pet in his home. The outcome is completely different when owners realize that having a well-behaved dog begins with them and that communicating with their dog through training will create a bond that results in a lifelong home.

Positive, reward-based training helps build the dog-owner bond.

Why is training the best predictor of success in creating a lasting bond? We have learned that training affects the human-dog bond to the point where, excluding changes in an owner’s life, it is extremely rare for our shelter to take in a dog who has been through any formal dog training classes. The commitment to participate, the practice to get proficient, the peer pressure in the class to demonstrate what you’ve been taught, and the satisfaction of having success with new behaviors at home really make a difference.

DIDYOUKNOW?

There are many reasons why giving a dog as a gift isn’t recommended, and the bond is one of them. How do you know whether the recipients will connect with this dog? Some shelters offer gift certificates so adopters can choose their own pets.

When people see a well-behaved dog, they often think, I wish my dog acted like that. Maybe they’ve been able to train their dog or puppy to sit, but they’ve become frustrated in trying to train any other behaviors. After watching someone else’s dog sit, lie down, and do tricks on cue, owners are both amazed and dismayed. They don’t believe their dog could learn anything like that. As a training-class instructor, it is no small joy for me to show owners how to help their dogs begin to understand behaviors that they want their dogs to perform.

Training Starts Early

Research shows that puppies learn very quickly during their first sixteen weeks of life. If you adopt a young puppy, start him in puppy classes between eight and twelve weeks of age. In these classes, your puppy will learn basic manners and socialization. (See Chapter 3).

During these early weeks, a puppy’s brain is particularly responsive. It is the time when puppies should become accustomed to gentle touch and positive experiences. Owners should introduce their pup to the outside world by supervising his interactions with children and adults and by gently introducing him to other pets and to different environments. Puppy classes are a key element in bonding and in teaching the manners needed to keep the puppy in his first home.

In contrast, when owners don’t know how or don’t take the time to train the basics, their puppy can become a dog that jumps on people, chews inappropriately, gets into garbage, pulls on his leash, barks excessively, or worse.

What a Dog Needs

Dogs are straightforward creatures with simple, basic needs.

Physical needs: Play, food, exercise, housing/shelter, mental stimulation

Emotional needs: Communication, understanding

Owners want a well-mannered dog at home and in public.

Knowing how important it is to train before fatigue sets in and before the bond is broken, the ARL encourages owners to call us so we can record a short history of their issues and discuss options for their specific situations. (Refer to Chapter 10 for advice on modifying problem behaviors.) It is our goal to help owners communicate with their dogs through training and keep the dogs in good homes for their entire lives. It is sad when we see a bond broken and a dog surrendered to the shelter to find a new home when good manners were just a few training sessions away. (See the Nothing in Life Is Free method of positive training in Chapter 8).

As much as we wish that all animals could stay in forever homes, we know that shelters will always be needed. Some animals are brought in as strays. Others are brought in when owners experience major life changes, such as illness, having to move to senior housing where pets are not allowed, a work schedule that doesn’t allow time for the pet, allergies in the family, or becoming unable to afford a pet. Often for these families, giving up the pet is heartbreaking and traumatic. In these instances, wonderful pets become available for adoption.

Important!

Be sure that your puppy is current on his vaccinations before taking him to a puppy class.

Paula Says

Many people who foster tend to foster the breed that they are most familiar with or attracted to. Many years ago, I decided to foster a Chow Chow puppy even though it wasn’t a breed I was familiar with. I named her Fox and felt sure that after some handling and TLC, she would be able to go right into a new home with someone who understood Chows. I was right—Fox lived with us for fourteen years and taught me a lot about the breed’s behavior and communication.

Fostering

When a pet is surrendered and needs an interim home to get him ready for adoption, the pet is placed in foster care. Volunteers foster pets for what are intended to be short periods of time. However, sometimes the foster family falls in love with the pet and decides to adopt him themselves. The foster family also risks feeling responsibility and fear that the right home won’t or can’t be found for the dog when he is ready for adoption.

If you adopt a puppy, you can begin easy lessons with him as soon as he comes home with you.

Shelter volunteers start handling and socializing the puppies to prepare them for their new homes.

A potential foster must consider if he or she can take on a pet with special needs or a young litter of puppies that need time to grow up. Bless those people who can devote the time and care required in these instances, because it takes a lot, both physically and emotionally.

Laws for Animals

The federal Animal Welfare Act, passed in 1966, requires breeders who have more than three breeding female dogs and who sell puppies to pet stores or puppy brokers to be licensed and inspected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Unfortunately, the USDA is overburdened.

But you can help. Follow your city, state, and federal representatives and tell them that animal welfare legislation is extremely important to you. Contact your local animal shelter to find out other ways you can help.

HAPPY ENDINGS

Mia

Mia, a mixed breed about five and a half years old, was brought into the shelter by a farmer who told us, “She was dumped in my yard.” Mia was full of ticks andverypregnant. She appeared to have lived in the country because “city noises” made her very nervous.

Karen volunteered to watch over Mia at the shelter until she had her eight healthy puppies. Karen then took Mia and her little family home with her until they were ready to find their new forever homes.

FOR FOSTER DOGS

Oksana

Shortly after passage of puppy mill legislation, a commercial breeder relinquished 300 dogs to a shelter. Oksana, a very pregnant Corgi, was one of these 300 “breeder” dogs.

Karen and the shelter watched over Oksana during her delivery. Then, through the foster-home program, Karen brought Oksana and her seven puppies home to care for them prior to adoption. Karen considered adopting one of the puppies, but she fell in love with Oksana and adopted her instead.

At first, Oksana did not like to be touched. She didn’t know human contact. She would leave her bed only to eat and to go outside to potty. She had the habit of walking in small circles; perhaps that was the only space she was used to. Her entire life had been spent confined to a 3-foot by 3-foot (1 meter square) kennel.

Karen says that Oksana started to allow some petting after about four months, and after about a year and a half, she was still a little shy but very happy in her loving home.

2 Understanding Dog Behavior and Communication

Watching dogs gives us the opportunity to identify their emotions, such as fear, stress, anxiety, and love. Misunderstanding how dogs communicate causes humans to make many handling errors. We can make our dogs’ lives happier and easier if we can begin to identify and interpret their language.

Try this quiz:

•True or false: A wagging tail on a dog always means that he is happy and friendly.

•True or false: A puppy with his mouth open, showing his teeth, is going to bite.

•True or false: An adult dog showing all of his teeth is going to bite.

•True or false: Children always understand that dogs can bite, so children won’t try to take their dog’s food or toys.

Hopefully you answered false to all of the questions. We need to evaluate the whole picture of the dog, not just the tail, mouth, ears, or other individual parts. Dogs communicate with their whole bodies, and every muscle has a role. We believe that dogs want us to understand their communication, but because it is so different than our own, we do not always get it right.

There are major differences between human and canine communication. Human communication is based on verbal language with some body language added for emphasis. Humans make direct eye contact, often prolonged. We face each other in greeting, approaching in a straight line, holding out our hands for a handshake or a hug.

Signs of a friendly meeting are when dogs approach each other at a curve, heads slightly down and eyes averted.

Canine communication is based primarily on body language and uses very little vocalization. In a friendly approach to another dog, a dog’s head is held down slightly, his tail wagging slowly from side to side, and his eyes to one side or the other but never making direct eye contact. A friendly approach also includes the two dogs sniffing each other’s genitals, noses, and mouths for information about their sexes and who knows what else. That’s only the beginning of the body language that goes on between two dogs. There are play bows, ear positions, tail positions, and facial expressions. Their mouths may be open or closed, and their bodies either loose and wagging or stiff with hackles up. The dogs may stand up on their toes, trying to look bigger, or they may slink in, eyes averted, maybe even rolling on their backs at first meeting.

Scent is a huge part of the greeting behavior. Even from a distance, you can see a dog air-sniffing to catch a scent of another dog in the area. Sight can be important, but scent is the key, followed by sight and then sound.

Dogs interpret information from other dogs through body language and facial expressions. Every muscle in a dog’s face and head is used to communicate. The body language is measured in terms of millimeters of movement: a head turn to the right or left, lips tightened over the teeth, eyelids held still or tightened against the eyes. Even the muscles of the forehead and eyebrows make expressions that other dogs can read and interpret.

For More Info. . .

Read The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell for an interesting look at how dogs interpret human behavior.

Body Language Signals

Dogs give us many signals. Signals are often combined and may be conflicting if the dog is stressed, frightened, or frustrated. Dogs use every muscle, turn, weight shift, paw lift, eye movement, and even breathing rate to communicate. Because this is a foreign language to us, we need to observe and identify so we can communicate with our own dogs. One reason humans love having dogs around is because of the relationships we have with them. They “listen” and want to be near us. When we begin to “listen” to them, too, our relationships become even more meaningful.

Dogs sniff the air to get the scent of other dogs in the area.

Licking may be a calming behavior.

Licking

Licking happens so frequently that we often miss seeing it. Your dog may be using licking to talk to other dogs. It is very quick and often used in combination with other behaviors, like head turning. It can be a full nose lick or a flicking of the tongue, just touching the lips.

Tail Wagging

Tail wagging is not a good singular signal of a dog’s intent. A tail held high and wagging fast can mean that the dog is highly aroused, intense, or agitated. A low tail, wagging slowly, can mean that a dog is waiting to see what comes next. A still tail is always to be taken seriously, whether it is tucked under the body or standing straight out from the body. Movement is always better than stillness in canine language. And remember, no matter what the dog’s tail is doing, take in the behavior of the whole dog.

Yawning

Yawning seems to be contagious not only among humans but also among dogs. It acts as a stress reliever and should always be interpreted to mean that something is concerning the dog. Yawning back at him can actually help him decide not to worry.

Yawning acts as a stress reliever.

Head Turning/Turning Away

While it appears that a dog turning away is accidental or even random, a dog turns his head for a reason. If he turns his head away from you when you are talking to him, maybe you are being unclear, stern, or a bit scary. Your dog may turn his head just a bit or a complete 90 degrees. His goal is to calm you down and avoid conflict.

Observe your dog when a stranger approaches him straight on. He will always turn his head to the side. The person is being a bit rude, and your dog is being very polite. This is a great conflict-avoidance behavior for dogs. They use it often and for many reasons. When you see your dog turn his head, try to determine why.

If you are petting your dog on one side, and he turns his head away from you, he may not enjoy the petting. Try changing where you are petting him and see if he turns toward you.

Play Bowing

The play bow is an invitation to another dog to play. Dogs use it with humans, other dogs, and even other species. You will notice the lowered front legs as the dog hops from side to side.

When a dog turns his head away from you while petting, try petting a different place on his body and see if he relaxes.

Dogs also use the play bow to avoid conflict and to calm fearful or nervous dogs. If you watch a group of dogs, and a new dog approaches, the group usually stands still until one of the dogs in the group does a play bow. Then, everyone calms down, and often there is a play/chase session. Sometimes the dogs just calmly walk away.

Sniffing the Ground

Sniffing the ground is a signal that seems random until you start observing how purposefully dogs use it. Dogs do sniff a lot, because they want to know what dogs have been through the neighborhood. If your dog is approached by a person or another dog, he may lower his head to sniff, indicating that he is no threat, and his intent is to avoid any conflict or confrontation.

Walking Slowly

Walking slowly is an interesting behavior to watch in a group of dogs. Sometimes, when the play gets too rough or too loud, or a new dog approaches, all dogs slow down into what appears to be slow motion. Sometimes you will see a young dog ignore the others and just slam around into the other dogs. He will probably get a growl, snap, or other correction from one of the adult dogs. This will help him concentrate and see what the others are doing. Dogs are great at learning to mimic other dogs, so it’s likely that he will quickly slow down. Speed can be too arousing and confrontational.

Troubleshooting

Class instructors often see dogs turn away in classes when owners are “commanding” their dogs sternly to do behaviors they have not yet been taught. While this seems like the dog is purposely ignoring his owner, the dog is trying to communicate that the cues are unclear, he doesn’t get it, and he wants his owner to calm down. When the trainer sees what is going on, he or she can help the owner recognize the behavior and go back to teaching the cues.

Watch your dog as he approaches something novel, like a toad. Chances are, he will slow down and approach softly, evaluating whether it is a toy, food, or something dangerous.

Watch your own dog when you call him. If he is slow in responding, take a look at your body language as well as his. Does he start out quickly and then slow down, turn his head, or stop to sniff the ground? This can look like he is ignoring you on purpose, and it can be very frustrating. Can you help him come more quickly by turning your head or body to the side, yawning, using a softer, friendlier tone of voice, or moving slowly away from him?

Freezing

Freezing is when a dog stops all motion and is totally still, usually only for a split second. Dogs use this behavior to communicate a warning. If a dog has a bone or something else valuable, and he freezes as you approach, he is trying to get you to go away. He will also use this with other dogs and pets in the household. Of course, children don’t understand why the dog freezes. If the child continues to approach after a dog has signaled concern by freezing, he may start to escalate his communication to the obvious but unacceptable growling, snapping, and biting behaviors.

Fearful dogs use freezing to try to relieve conflict. It is often used in combination with other behaviors, such as slow motion, depending on the dog’s communication efforts. It is an important behavior for humans to understand.

Pip is ready to play, but Elle turns her head to say, “Not now.”

Sniffing the ground may seem random, but dogs use this action to avoid conflict or confrontation.

Pawing

A dog may paw to try to get a human’s attention. It is a behavior that is also used to appease a conflict if the human seems distressed or angry. We rarely see pawing used with other dogs, just with humans.

DIDYOUKNOW?

Humans can use slow-moving behavior with fearful or shy dogs. In combination with several other behaviors, it can help a shy or anxious dog calm down and be more interactive. Other behaviors to use with especially shy or undersocialized dogs are turning away, yawning, avoiding direct eye contact, and getting down to their level so you are not leaning over them.

Sitting with Rowdy Puppies

You will sometimes see an adult dog sit down with a rowdy or playful puppy in an attempt to calm the youngster. If that doesn’t help, the adult may turn his back or turn and stare or freeze, gradually escalating his behavior to try to calm the puppy down. If the puppy doesn’t recognize and adapt to these communications, there can easily be a fight between the two dogs.

Walking in a Curve

We often force our dogs to walk straight toward each other on sidewalks or in other circumstances. For the dog, this is a very rude and confrontational behavior. This could be one reason so many owners have barking and lunging dogs when they are out for walks. It will help your dog if you allow him to walk in even a small curve, whether it is on the sidewalk, going across the street, or going into the grass or a driveway. The more anxious or concerned your dog, the bigger the curve should be.

Smiling

Smiling occurs when the front of a dog’s face contracts up and down to show the teeth. The dog may also draw his lips back to show all of his teeth. The difference between this behavior and a dog that shows his teeth in a snarl is the rest of his body language. A snarling dog is stiff or crouched, with eyes dilated and looking scary overall. A smiling dog’s body is relaxed and lowered with a low tail wag. His eyes will be soft and squinting slightly.

1. Fourteen-year-old Sadie sits to calm the rowdy puppy Bella.

2. Bella is ready to pounce. Sadie turns her back.

3. Bella’s rowdy behavior escalates. Sadie tells Bella to “cut it out.”

4. All’s well.

Urinating Submissively

At the ARL, we often get calls about submissive urination from frustrated owners who believe this is a house-training problem. It is very different, though, because the dog or puppy that rolls on his back or squats and urinates is being very respectful and as subordinate as he knows how to be. If a dog does this behavior to another dog, the other dog is satisfied and walks away. If we can learn to predict the behavior and change our approach to the dog, we can often teach a dog that he does not need to be this submissive with us.

Dogs do smile.

When you come home and greet your dog, avoid eye contact and approach him from the side instead of the front. Squat or kneel down so you look less intimidating or threatening to him. Refrain from scolding him for urinating, because this will only make matters worse.

Flirting

Flirting means that a dog is acting silly and puppy-like by jumping in the air, grabbing a toy to shake or toss, running in circles, and generally acting in a way that amuses us. Whether he’s trying to get a person to laugh or another dog to play, his goal is to diffuse all confrontations and conflicts.

Observing Your Dog

Dogs want us to understand them, and they may exaggerate their behaviors in an effort to help us. They will exaggerate their behaviors with other dogs, especially puppies, to give the other dogs a chance to understand them.

Dogs with little social interest in, experience with, or attraction to humans make no effort to make their behavior known. Dogs like this often have been considered dangerous dogs who growl, attack, or bite “for no reason at all” because their signals are too subtle for humans to notice or understand. These dogs often end up in shelters, labeled “aggressive” by their owners.

Some dogs like belly rubs, while others may not want to expose their stomachs.

Observe your dog’s signals at home when you need to move him out of your way or when he has his toys, bones, or food bowl. If you scold your dog for some infraction, how does he react? That look is not guilt. He’s not admitting to being “bad”; rather, it’s an appeasement behavior with the intention of calming you down. Observing your dog’s calming signals can be helpful on walks, at the veterinarian’s clinic, and any time your dog meets new people, dogs, or other pets.

Dogs Interacting with Dogs

Watching puppies playing is a great way to start observing signals. Whether it is a litter of siblings or a play group from a class, you may notice that all of them stop for a few seconds about every fifteen to twenty seconds. This isn’t really a “freeze,” but just stillness, and then they will start playing again. Watching these puppies allows you to see many behaviors, including sniffing, freezing, lip and nose licking, and play bowing.

When a new dog comes into an area, if dogs are allowed to do their normal greeting and sniffing behaviors, usually everyone gets along fine.