5 Signs Your Dog Is Trying To Say No

5 Signs That Your Dog Is Trying To Say No

Whilst our dogs may not speak the same language as us, they do try to communicate with us all the time.  It is our job to learn how to interpret their language effectively, to ensure they are listened to and understood.   

Unfortunately, for those who are not well practiced in reading canine body language and behaviour, our dogs efforts to communicate with us often go unrecognised or are instead misinterpreted.  

If you look back just a few years ago, it was commonly advised not to touch a dog whilst they are eating, or to approach them whilst they are sleeping or to try and take food off them because it will probably be unappreciated.  If you were to do so, and the dog then proceeded to growl or even bite you, then it would be you who was considered at fault, not the dog.  

But, if you fast forward to today, many dogs are expected to deal with situations such as these without so much as a murmur.  Growls are often punished and barks are reprimanded and discouraged, which can leave our dogs feeling ignored, stressed and misunderstood.  

However, once you learn how to effectively recognise the signs that your dog is trying to say no to something, you will find it difficult to ignore their pleas for space.  

Here are 5 signs that your dog is actually trying to say no, which can often be missed:

1. Avoiding Eye Contact

By trying to avoid eye contact, our dogs are letting us know that they are not a threat and they they wish to avoid any potential conflict which may be about to happen.  This is one of the first signs that your dog is feeling uncomfortable.  

2. Turning Their Body Away

By turning their face and/or body away from you, your dog is essentially trying to remove themselves from a situation they feel stressed or uncomfortable in.  This builds upon them averting their eyes, if this sign has gone unnoticed previously.  They may also walk away completely too if this is an option for them to do so.  

3. Growling

Growling unfortunately all too often ends up in the dog being told off.  By punishing a growl instead of respecting the meaning behind it, this teaches your dog that you do not take notice of their requests for space.  Next time a similar situation arises, they may well skip the growling stage and move more quickly to more aggressive methods to remove themselves from the stressful situation.  

4. Baring Teeth

A dog curling their lips back to reveal their teeth can be done so as a gesture of appeasement or of aggression.  Pared with loose body language and other submissive gestures such as rolling on to their backs, this would be considered an appeasement gesture to try and reduce tension.  However, if the bared teeth are paired with a low belly growl and stiff, tense body language, you can be sure that your dog is feeling hugely uncomfortable and they need space fast!

5. Biting

Biting is usually a very last resort for dogs, who are genetically created to avoid conflict whenever possible.  There are some exceptions to this rule but these are much more complex cases making it unusual for most dogs to bite without warning.  If their prior indications of feeling uncomfortable are ignored, then your dog may feel they have no choice other than to bite.  

In summary, we need to ensure that our dogs always have the option to say no to situations that make them feel anxious, scared or uncomfortable.  By not only allowing them to effectively show us how they are feeling, but also respecting their wishes, this strengthens the bond and trust that our dogs have in us.  This can only be a good thing! 

To read more about the signs that your dog may be feeling overwhelmed, you can read my blog post on this here.

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