A conversation I always have with clients is about the ongoing conversation going on between us and our dogs
I think it seems like we talk to (or at) them and they listen, but it is way more interactive than that
Our actual words are probably the least thing they are aware of
The 2 key ways we are constantly talking with our dogs are our tone of voice and our body language
From early on in our relationships with our dogs they become very tuned into our moods and feelings, and whilst there are several other factors at play, our tone of voice and body language is a communication that our dogs know intimately about us
So how does that work?
Tone of voice – we may not be aware but the tone of our voice changes depending on how we are feeling. Think about your tone use with the kids when they are late for school, it will typically take on a ‘I mean it’ tone and our kids know that the game is up!
Similarly think about your tone of voice when you are getting agitated, it will often rise and at times you can hear the panic in it
Your dog will know when you mean it, are panicked, happy etc…and that will impact how they respond to you
Body language – ever seen someone get angry or agitated, the body will stiffen and without conscious thought you will know how they are feeling…and that will impact your interactions at that moment. To your dog you are conveying stress and if they are feeling stressed you are reinforcing their feelings
Why is this important to understand? Because like humans a dog will mostly need calm reassurance from their guardians at moments of stress, fear, and worry…they will look to you for it
If you can manage your tone of voice to a calm reassuring level and soften your body language to show them ‘all is OK’ in this situation you are more than halfway to helping them cope better when they are stressed, worried or fearful
Try it the next few times you are with your dog, take a moment and ‘listen’ to yourself and how you may impact them
IMO it is very much within our gift to help our dogs in tricky moments just by working on the above
Hope that helps. If you want help get in touch Ian
