COLUMN: Allow your dog space to learn to communicate

• Nadine Whittal, dog trainer writes:

As humans, we communicate using mainly verbal cues – we talk to each other. This is then supplemented by physical cues and facial expressions. For dogs, this communication happens primarily through body language and facial expressions. Dogs need to learn this type of communication in order to navigate the world of dogs properly.

So, just like humans learn how to interact by observing other humans, getting praised for proper interactions and disciplined for the inappropriate, so too do dogs need to learn how to interact through being exposed to other dogs. This can be a challenging period to navigate, especially with us interfering humans getting in the way,

It was such fun at puppy class today to allow the dogs some off-lead play time. The puppies got to interact with each other and I got the opportunity to explain to the handlers why it is so important for us not to interfere with this process.

If we jump in every time and older or more imposing dog disciplines another, then we prevent these dogs from being able to effectively communicate their displeasure or fear to each other.

Likewise, we need to allow smaller dogs the opportunity to discipline bigger dogs. It gives them the ability to stand up for themselves and communicate to the bigger dogs that they need to take care around the mini-pups.

If, for some reason, dogs do not learn how to communicate properly they can find themselves being ‘rejected’ or ‘isolated’ by other dogs. Other dogs will simply not want to play with your dog because they find him rude and/ or undisciplined. We humans do the very same thing. Think about that kid at school who was always whining and creating drama whenever he or she did not get their way. No one wanted to hang out with that kid. Likewise, no one will want to hang out with your dog for very similar reasons.

So when should we get involved and jump between dogs? As a general rule, we don’t allow dogs to approach our dogs unless in a safe environment like at puppy school.

At home, you only get involved when you think there is going to be blood involved, or you are going to have to pay vet bills. If you are unsure, talk to your vet or dog training instructor. They can provide you with clear guidelines for handling doggy behaviour.