Hey Rover-Topic I – Introduction and Voices

Those of you who are dog owners (maybe cats too) have to realize at some point that your pets know more about what you are saying than you believe.  This gives them an advantage over us humans.  Dogs use our body language to understand us. They use their whole body to communicate to other dogs as well..   Watch carefully and we will be able to understand them too.

Basically ,there are everyday examples of how a dog can understand us.  I walk around/they follow me, I go for a leash/ my dogs get  excited and start to bark, I open the cupboard to pull out a tray/ time to play with a ball or rubber toy or rope pull toy as they gather around me. I get really involved by crossing my arms and stand still or I spread my hands wide and let out a gleeful sound/ time to be quiet or  play and get excited.  In another article on body language, I will go into more detail.

Concentrate on Tones

Once my ears get oriented to my  pet’s different tones, I begin to understand my dogs. I now even consider that my second language is “dog”.  There is a difference  between light yips and more serious ones that mean “ouch”. More rounded tones in a growl sounds like playtime.  Showing of teeth with a sharper growl means “backoff” or “be careful”.

Have you ever had a howling session with your dog?  I’ve had a few sessions with 10 to 15 dogs.  Believe me, it’s lots of fun. One dog starts and then I come in with my “helloooooooo”.  Then others who know how to howl join in.  After that, the rest start barking.  I’ve had lots of stares from people who were wondering what was going on.The howling sessions lasted for several minutes.  Why?  Just for fun, joy and health.