What your dog is trying to tell you

An expert has revealed the unique way dogs can easily understand humans. Here’s how.

What your dog is trying to tell you. Picture: iStock

Chances are, you have a special voice you use only for dogs. Studies have shown that we intuitively use ‘dog-directed speech’ when communicating with four-legged mates, raising the tone and pitch of our voices and changing our sentence structure. The surprising news? This actually makes it easier for dogs to understand us, according to a paper published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B journal.

But although there’s evidence that our beloved pooches can understand a fair bit of what we say to them, it can be trickier to decode what it is they’re trying to tell us.

Australia has one of the highest pet-ownership rates in the world, with nearly 40 per cent of Aussie households owning at least one dog. Here, the average dog owner spends over $3000 per year on their furry family member, so the ability to figure out what it is they really need from us is a highly valuable tool indeed.

Enter: Justin Jordan, a canine expert who comes as close to speaking fluent ‘dog’ as anyone in the country.

Mr Jordan, who runs popular obedience training business Jordan Dog Training, says dogs are constantly communicating with us - we just have to know where to look.

“As a dog trainer, reading a dog’s behaviour involves observing their body language, facial expressions, and overall demeanour,” he explains.

“Tail position, ear orientation, eye contact, and the way they hold themselves can reveal a lot about their emotional state. Growls, barks, and whines also have distinct meanings. Context is crucial – understanding what’s happening around the dog helps interpret their behaviour accurately”

There’s evidence that dogs can understand a fair bit of what we say to them. Picture: iStock

The Queensland-based dog-trainer says there are a number of messages your dog could be trying to convey at any moment.

‘Calm environments matter’

“Loud noises and chaos can really upset dogs,” explains Jordan. “That’s why, by creating a calm and safe environment, you can help your dog feel secure and reduce anxiety.”

‘My diet impacts my wellbeing’

“When planning your dog’s food, focus on providing a balanced and high-quality diet,” advises Jordan.

“Look for dog food that lists a protein source as the primary ingredient and avoids excessive fillers. Pay attention to portion control, considering your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific nutritional needs of your individual dog.”

‘Positive leadership is more important than dominance’

While the idea of reinforcing ‘pack position’ or hierarchy with your dogs was once a popular training method, Jordan says there isn’t evidence to back it up.

“The concept of a strict dominance hierarchy, often referred to as the “alpha dog” theory, has been largely debunked in recent years,” he says. “While dogs do have a social structure, it’s more fluid and nuanced than a rigid pack hierarchy. Instead of focusing on dominance, prioritise positive leadership through training, communication, and building a strong bond.”

“By creating a calm and safe environment, you can help your dog feel secure and reduce anxiety.” Picture: iStock

Recognising the signs

Decoding your dog’s messages, he says, starts with knowing some of the signs they give in different emotional states.

Tail Position: A tucked tail might indicate nervousness or unease.

Ear Orientation: Pinned-back ears or constant swivelling could mean your dog is anxious.

Eye Contact: Avoiding eye contact or wide, dilated eyes may signify stress.

Yawning: Frequent yawning, especially when not tired, could be a sign of anxiety.

Hypersalivation: Excessive drooling might be linked to heightened stress levels.

Quivering: Shaking or trembling, especially without any apparent cause, might signal anxiety.

Cowering and Turning Away: Hunching down or avoiding situations might be a sign of discomfort.

Avoiding Eye Contact: If your dog seems to actively look away, they might be feeling anxious.

Tight Mouth: A closed, or tense mouth could indicate stress.

And though these signs could hint at what your dog is thinking or feeling, Jordan warns that context in these situations is everything.

“Just because a dog is yawning, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is stressed. By understanding what’s happening around them, you’ll gain deeper insights into their feelings,” he says.

“Remember every dog is an individual with its own personality and history. Patience, empathy, and building a strong bond through positive interactions will go a long way in understanding and meeting your dog’s needs.”

Originally published as What your dog is trying to tell you