Understanding Your Dog and Why Dog Names are Important

Dogs communicate using a rather unique language. Learning to understanding this "language" will greatly improve the relationship you have with your dog. It also allows you to communicate with your dog in a way he readily understands. This is a huge advantage when training your dog.

Unfortunately, no-one has yet written a handy reference guide, but by following the guidelines set out below you'll quickly be up to speed on what your dog is trying to tell you. I'll also tell you about a great resource for finding dog names, because the right name is important to effective human / canine communication.

Here are a few of the common ways in which your dog communicates with you.

Standing Rigid - When a dog adopts a very rigid stance, he could be telling you to back off and leave him alone. He may also take this position when he stands over a possession that he is protecting. Give your dog a treat when there are other dogs in close proximity and you will see and example of this behavior.

Showing the Teeth – This is the intial warning a dog will give if it wants you to leave him alone. If you have a dog who tends to be aggressive, or if its a dog you don't know, it is safer to comply

Growling – If showing the teeth doesn’t work the dog will start growling. If this doesn’t get the necessary response the dog may well attack.Often, a dog that growls or shows his teeth will be punished, or at least scolded. But this is dangerous - a dog who is not alloweed to first give a warning, may just attack, without warning.

Raising the Hackles - When a dog raises the hair on his back, he is trying to look bigger in order to scare off a threat. It is often a sign of heightened fear, and means to dog may attack.

Tucking the Tail between the legs - A classic sign of fear or timidity, but can also mean the dog is anxious. Often a dog put in an unfamiliar situation - meeting a stranger for example - may do this.

Head down – Depending on the dog’s demeanor, it may be a submissive sign or an invitation to play.

Pawing the Air - This is a playful gesture, it means, I want to be your friend.

Wagging the Tail - The tail is one of the most powerful ways that dogs communicate. Normally, a wagging tail is interpretted as a happy gesture but that is not always the case.

If the tail is stiff and moving side to side in sudden abrupt movements it can actually be an aggressive sign, If the tail is held between the legs and wagging slightly it can mean insecurity or fear.

Dogs rely greatly on body language and gestures for communication. Your dog may learn to obey vocal commands, but in the canine world, actions really do speak louder than words.

Learn to interpret their language and you'll understand your dog that much better.

How you communicate with your dog is equally important, starting with choosing the right name.