Dogs are just about the most intelligent of domestic pets. If you take the time to look, you will see that they have the ability to communicate with humans, other dogs and even other species. They do this with body signs and voice. Their signs are made with the their eyes, ears, eyebrows, head, mouth and tail.

Their language is clearly not the same as ours, but they use pitch in their barks, whines, whimpers, pants, growls and howls and their gestures are made with their whole body and every part of it.

You can always tell a self-assured and therefore higher ranking dog, because they hold their tails aloft. Dogs, like all other animals, including we humans, have an inborn sense or their place in society. This is because dogs evolved in packs in the wild, just as we evolved in communities. which is why they fit well into our human society.

There is a pecking order within their group, as within human society. The subservient dogs submit themselves to the stronger dogs, which is why dogs lower their tail when they feel unsure of themselves. When dogs fight for dominance, the fur on their tails stands up and they have this trait in common with other animals. They do it to show that they are being serious in front of their adversary.

A dog that is uncertain what to do will wag its tail slowly. A bit like you or I might give a weak smile, unsure whether to smile openly or glower. They are in a process of working out whether they should accept the status quo or fight. Excited dogs wag their tails very fast and if the dog’s hip wiggles along with its tail, it means that the dog is in submissive mode to a higher ranker. A pet should do that to its owner, as you have become the leader of its substitute pack.

When dogs become aggressive they show their teeth, the same as humans. If all of the teeth are visible, it indicates that the dog is prepared to bite or attack. We do the same unconsciously. People often bare their teeth and snarl insults, before a fight. However, they also show teeth when they smile but this is an indication of compliance, again as we do – submissiveness here meaning a recognition that a fight is superfluous.

With a dog, the number of teeth on display shows the difference between a smile and a snarl. In a smile, a dog only shows the front teeth, but in a snarl the dog reveals all his teeth and gums and makes an aggressive noise.

Ears are a good indication of the dog’s level of attention. When the ears are erect and forward facing, it means that the dog is concentrating. But if the dog is stress-free, its ears will lie flat. However, some breeds do not have as much control over their ears.

Dogs bark to protect their territory, which comes to mean their boss’ territory, which should signify your property. However, barking is their usual language so you will have to learn the difference between friendly play barking and aggression in your dog. It is pretty apparent though.

Study of your pet is the key, because, although all dogs are the same as in all humans are the same, there are small differences. They are not hard to learn, just spend some time with you dog and keep your mind open and it will become very obvious to you.

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