Dog is actually a language!
🐾 Want to Learn a New Language?
Which would you pick — Spanish, Chinese, Ukrainian… or Dog?
In today’s world, dogs are everywhere. If your neighbor doesn’t have one, the person across the road probably has five.
Yet even though we share homes, sidewalks, and parks, dogs are an entirely different species.
They don’t speak with words — they speak with body, energy, and movement.
“Thinking we know what a dog is saying, when we actually don’t, is why people are frustrated and why they get bit.”
The Human Mistake
We love our dogs so much that our emotions often cloud our judgment.
We assume we know what they’re thinking or feeling instead of learning how they truly communicate.
That well-meaning ignorance keeps dogs from living comfortably understood — and it puts both species at risk.
People communicate through tone and gestures.
Dogs communicate through posture, eye movement, tail position, and energy.
Learning to read that language changes everything.
A Common Scenario
You see a puppy. Your heart melts.
You just have to say hello.
But that puppy happens to be in a fear period — a normal developmental stage where new things can feel overwhelming.
Here’s what usually happens:
Uneducated human: “Oh my gosh, a puppy!” (rushes in to touch)
Good intentions. Poor timing.
Owner: Politely asks for space.
“Love-mad human” ignores it.
Outcome:
Puppy panics. Flees or snaps.
Reaction:
Human gets offended, blames the owner.
Smarter version:
Owner calmly blocks the interaction. Puppy feels safe.
“Love-mad human” mutters, but everyone leaves intact.
Worst version:
Human gets nipped, yelps, and blames the dog.
In truth, the person meant no harm. But lack of knowledge turned “love” into stress for the dog.
How It Could Have Gone Better
With the right education — say, a Dog Body Language & Safety Workshop or Private classes— this could’ve ended differently.
The puppy stays neutral. The owner stays relaxed. Both humans share a smile.
Win-win.
“When people learn to read dogs, they stop creating problems they later have to fix.”
Why Everyone Needs to Learn “Dog”
Understanding canine body language isn’t just for dog owners. It’s vital for:
Visitors or guests entering homes with dogs
Delivery drivers, postal workers, or tradespeople
Health-care workers and first responders
Anyone who simply wants to stay safe
This knowledge should be mandatory for anyone encountering dogs daily.
It’s not just about safety — it’s about respect.
Final Thought
If you’ve ever had a bad encounter with a dog, you know how much it can shake your confidence.
But that moment can also be a turning point — to learn, understand, and do better.
If you or someone you know could benefit from understanding dogs on a deeper level, check out my upcoming Dog Body Language & Safety Workshops — available in-person and virtual.
🎯 Learn to understand, not assume.
Speak the language of Dog. Book an evaluation today.
Angie
Royal K9 Inc.
Ready to build confidence and trust with your dog?
Contact
Questions about what your dog is saying to you in certain situations or just about your dog’s behaviour?
Reach out to angie@royalk9.ca Angie’s always happy to help guide you in the right direction.