Ways to Help Kids Understand Dog Talk
Teaching kids how to communicate with pets is critical for keeping everyone safe and comfortable, but understanding dog-talk requires some teaching. Dogs make many different sounds in different situations: growls, barks, whimpers, whines, howls, yips,... And their body language says a lot, too! It’s challenging for young kids to understand exactly what their pet is “telling” them.
Here’s where I would start when teaching children about how dogs communicate with us.
Dogs Communicate and Express Themselves Differently Than Humans
Reviewing common behaviors will help your kids be better prepared around pets.
Familiarize yourself with this list of postures and behaviors, and call them out to your child as you see them happening with your pet in real life.
Loose and Relaxed vs Frozen and Staring - A dog that is relaxed, loose, wiggly and coming to them may want to play or interact. A dog that is stiff, frozen, and staring wide-eyed does not want to interact and should not be approached.
Relaxed Ears - Relaxed ears specific to each dog, but in general are not tightly pinned or very erect and rigid.
Turning/Walking Away - If a dog turns his head or body away or walks away, he wants time and space to himself. Wait for him to return for more attention.
Mouth Posture - A relaxed dog may have his mouth open and you can see their tongue, much like their smiling. Not a tightly closed mouth, lip curling, or a tongue that is fully extended as though they are hot, tired, or stressed.
Tail Wagging - may be wagging softly, but also look at the base of the tail – It most likely will be level with the back or hanging in a relaxed way, If it is wagging, it will be loosely and in a relaxed manner. A happy tail would not normally be vertical from the base up over the body, or tucked between the back legs.
When trying to read dog body language, keep in mind that a dog’s breed and physical structure will alter the way they are able to use their body to communicate. For example, a pug has a tail that is naturally tightly coiled over the back when it is relaxed. Another breed, like a beagle, has a naturally lower set tail. A beagle would likely show he is feeling aroused and alert with a tail held high over the back.
Fun Fact:
Dogs are experts at reading each other’s body language! It’s the primary way that they understand and interact with other dogs, even from a distance. And they learn to become experts at reading human body language by observing us closely.
Educate Kids on Your Own Pet’s Cues
Everyone in the house should be on the same page when it comes to using verbal cues to ask their pet for certain behaviors. If one person says “down” and another says “off” or “no” when your pet jumps up, the dog will certainly be confused. Consistent cues help kids develop a healthy bond with your dog and are the keys for healthy pet-kid communication.
Explain the Rules for Play
Kids can get confused about dog body language, given their own limited experience with animals. Let them know that a dog wagging its tail doesn’t want it grabbed, and wagging tails don’t always mean happy dogs. And most pets don’t like being hugged, especially not close to your child’s face – even though kids are taught this is a gesture of care with people.
Make sure your child knows how to play appropriately. Screaming, jumping, scaring, yelling, and aggressive shouting are no-nos. You want kids to be calm, confident, relaxed, and using inside voices. You may need to outright ban some things such as poking, climbing on your pet, or pulling ears or tail. Dogs have the right to say NO to petting and to prefer being left alone, especially when sleeping.
Remember, every animal is different, and your kids will learn how to interact with dogs by watching how you interact with them, and by the ways you guide their actions.
Shameless Plug: One of the best ways to learn about your dog’s specific body language is to work with a trainer who utilizes positive reinforcement methods and who also finds immense joy in helping translate dog talk! Drop me a line here.
For additional resources on kids and dogs, visit the experts at The Family Dog and Family Paws.