Dog's Life
For Best Buddies, Sharing Comes Naturally
Here are six things your furry friend wants to share with you
Our dogs want us to know everything about them. They have no secrets. They want us to know what they mean when they run to the front door and what they’re saying when they sigh and yawn at the end of the day.
“Dogs have their own sign language,” explains Pamela Foland, animal behaviorist at Pappy’s Pet Lodge. It’s up to their owner, she says, to interpret what their sign language means.
Our dogs want to share games, nuzzles, and naps. Understanding the nuances of their communication is easy: You simply have to tune into the way a dog thinks.
Here are six things your dog wants to share with you, plus some tips for reading his signs.
Sharing Attention
You can bet on the fact that just about any time of day or night, your dog is completely happy giving you all of his attention. That’s what you love about him and your friendship!
Your buddy will go to great lengths to show you he wants a look, smile, or pet of praise. He might place a paw on your leg, make you smile by performing a trick, or even stare until you reciprocate.
He’s bent on sharing his enthusiasm with you, often crawling up into your lap when you’re reading or watching television, and he’s always ready to lie next to you for a few ZZZs. It’s important that you recognize these nonverbal cues and share in your dog’s enthusiasm for attention giving.
Sharing Happiness and Excitement
“I love the way dogs are so easily amused by the littlest things,” Foland says. And it’s so true. Your dog shares his depth of emotion when you wake up, come home from work, or tell him he’s going for a walk, ride in the car, or on a trip.
Other than the tail wag, how can you know your dog is sharing happiness and exhilaration?
“When they spin around—it’s their way of expressing pure excitement,” Foland adds. “[They’re] just releasing that energy.”
Another way to tell that your dog is communicating with you is by the volume and tone of his bark. Oftentimes, dogs that are happy or excited will bark repeatedly, but the sound is higher and faster than the bark you’d hear if someone was at the front door.
Sharing Massages and Grooming
Okay, so “sharing” might be a stretch when it comes to massaging. More accurately, dogs want to share the happiness of a belly rub. You may feel a nose nudge on your hand or a persuasive paw at your arm. You can take this to mean that your presence is requested for a belly rub … pronto! And for dogs that believe in the power of emphatic behavior, you may get a “don’t stop now” look if you take a break from massage duty.
When it comes to grooming, most dogs love to have their coats gently brushed. They want, and appreciate, the attention and the relaxation that comes from the physical contact.
Sharing Playtime and Adventure
Your dog will tell you exactly when he’s ready to play. He may bring you a ball or toy, or he may hop into your lap. Other dogs, says Foland, will lick you or stare at you until you realize what they want. Dogs will also invoke the technique of standing next to the toy or ball (or door) in hopes you’ll know exactly what it is they’re working so hard to share: “It’s time to have fun!”
When your dog shows you these signs, he’s ready for you to get down on the floor and play with him, or take him outside for a game of fetch. This sharing activity will create a sense of togetherness for both of you.
Your dog will also recognize signs that tell him an adventure is about to begin. When he sees you put on your sneakers, pull out your suitcase, or rattle the car keys, he may spin around, bark happily, or wag his tail swiftly.
Also, here’s another tip—when sharing an outdoor adventure, mix things up for your pal. Take a different walking route, or, if the venue permits it, bring him to a patio during a coffee break or mealtime. (Just be sure to bring water, bowl, and a snack for him.)
Sharing the Learning Process
Best friends learn together. Check out a fun, local dog class to take together, and revel in the one-on-one time. Dogs have the best chance of absorbing new techniques picked up in class if you share 15 minutes a day with them on the basics. Foland also recommends classes that revolve around a fun activity. “[These classes] allow you and your dog to have fun doing something together,” she says.
Sharing Everyday Life
His gaze follows you everywhere around the house. If you’re on the computer, he’s at your side. Watching TV? He’s right there with you. There are times when it seems like your furry friend can read your mind. And some experts, like Foland, believe that they can.
“Dogs know what you’re feeling and what you’re thinking … if you’re depressed or sad, your dog will be more attentive to you,” she explains. “Dogs can sense our mood.”
Our relationship with our best friend is prized. Just as our dogs do everything they can to be with us, we do the same thing—from choosing activities that involve both of us to taking trips that allow the company of our furry friends.
And no matter what, the amount of time you spend with your dog never comes into question. As Foland explains, “From the moment you get home, you’re going to want to spend every second you can with him.”
