Slog It Blog It, Speaking Dog Lesson 101!

Dogs are universally known as mans' best friend but it seems only now are we truly beginning to understand our dogs. New research by animal behavioural experts has found canine emotions are betrayed by specific facial movements, such as raising their eyebrows or cocking their ears. Japanese researchers using high-speed cameras, have found that when dogs were reunited with their owners they tended to move their eyebrows upwards around half a second after seeing them. Eyebrow movement might indicate a visible response whereby dogs attempted to look at their owners more intently.

 

 

But when the animals were introduced to someone they had never met before, they moved their left ears back slightly. In contrast a dogs’ ears are prominent features used to convey emotional expression, therefore results may suggest that dogs were more cautious toward unfamiliar people. 

 

Flattened ears can indicate disgust like when a hidden pill in a piece of cheese is discovered or brandishing the nail clippers or running a bath.

 

 

A  tongue hanging out with relaxed ears and direct eye contact indicate a happy dog, whereas ears forward and head down indicate sadness.

 

Uncertainty or puzzlement can be expressed in a number of ways, such as raising one paw or keeping most of the body away from the person, animal or object creating uncertainty, and backing away. If the head is tilted to one side, this means that the dog is listening, or is uncertain and puzzled and is awaiting more information.

Canines are highly social and communicate using an abundant array of facial expressions. These communication methods play an important role in their communication with humans.

 

Mini-Me Of  Moi & Pippin By Lynne Over at 2 Chihuahua Girls.

Do you speak dog and do you agree? Tomorrow we take a look at cats.