Licking Your Lips
Any dog owner knows that a dog can be unpredictable. One minute they may be wagging their tail and looking at you with those big, brown eyes, and the next, they may be growling and showing their teeth. However, there are some calming signals that you can use to help defuse a tense situation. For example, licking your lips signals that you’re not a threat.
Dogs use this signal themselves when they want to show that they’re not aggressive. When you lick your lips, you send the same message to your dog. Try it the next time you’re around your dog, and you’ll see how quickly they relax.
Blinking
For anyone who has ever owned a dog, it is no secret that they are incredibly attuned to your emotions and body language. Studies have shown that dogs can read human facial expressions almost as well as other people can. They are very responsive to the cue of a human blink. This is because, in the animal world, blinking is a sign of submission. When you blink slowly and deliberately, it sends a calming signal to your dog that everything is okay.
In addition to being a calming signal, blinking can also build rapport with your dog. By making eye contact and then blinking slowly, you can create a sense of connection and understanding between you and your furry friend. So, when you blink slowly at your dog, it conveys a message of peace and reassurance.
Raising Your Hand
When you see your dog getting worked up – whether it’s during a walk and they’re barking at another dog, or you’re at home, and they’re starting to jump on guests – one of the easiest ways to get them to calm down is by raising your hand. Raising your hand is a signal to your dog that they need to start paying attention to you and that they should calm down. Raising your hand is a cue for them to ‘watch me.’
Dogs are very good at reading human body language, so they know that you’re trying to get their attention when you raise your hand. The higher you raise your hand, the more urgent the signal is. So, if your dog is really worked up, make sure to raise your hand high enough that they can see it. Once they make eye contact with you, you can start giving them commands that will help them calm down.
Try Using These Signals To Calm Your Dog
There are a variety of different calming signals that you can use to help your dog relax in any situation. By using these signals, you can communicate with your dog in a way that they understand and will respond to. So the next time you need to calm your furry friend down, remember to move slowly, avoid any sudden movements, and use these calming signals to let your dog know that everything is okay.
And keep in mind that while these signals may work for some dogs, others may not respond as well. If you’re having trouble getting your dog to calm down, it’s always best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist. They will be able to help you figure out what is causing your dog’s anxiety and come up with a plan to help them feel more comfortable in any situation.
