Canine body language Flashcards
Happy Dog
Most dogs enjoy being with humans and exhibit behaviors that are associated with their happiness. This is indicated in dogs that initiate affection. Typically these dogs wag their tail and approach people in a straightforward manner with a slightly lowered and/or cocked head. Although these dogs appear to be content, care must always be taken when the need to restrain arises. All dogs, even the happiest and most easygoing, have the potential to bite if treated too roughly or if they are cornered and feel
Fearful or Anxious Dog
The ears in of a fearful dog are drawn down and back. These dogs make little to no eye contact and are typically cowering. There is a very high probability that they will bite if cornered or feeling threatened.
Aggresive
aggressive body language by lowering its head to the level of the shoulders, giving a level and intense stare, positioning its tail out straight (sometimes with a slight wag), and growling or baring the teeth.
dogs might show that they feel threatened by a human looking directly at their eyes or a human approaching them from the front.
Dominance aggression
can be defined as aggression toward other members of the animal’s social group. This behavior is exhibited to prevent lower-ranking members of the social group from performing actions or engaging in activities for which the higher-ranking individual claims priority.
The fight or flight principle
A dog’s typical defense mechanism will be to retreat (take flight) if it feels threatened.
if the dog believes danger or threat is imminent. In this case, it may resort to the fight principle.
Rules when approaching a dog in the hospital
Use the dog’s name
Approach the dog quietly but confidently
Lower yourself to the dog’s level but at a safe distance
Slowly offer the back of your hand for the dog to smell
Do not attempt to handle/restrain dogs in confined
areas, as the dog may feel trapped
