Reddit Reddit reviews Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog

We found 17 Reddit comments about Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

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17 Reddit comments about Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog:

u/mopsockets · 15 pointsr/Dogtraining

Two years old is very commonly the age when insecurity starts to crystallize into aggressive behavior. Aggression has lots of little signals along the way before this phase, but you simply didn't have the tools to recognize it. So, I suggest studying dog body language. While consulting a behaviorist to tutor you in this endeavor will certainly speed up the learning process, you can start this on your own. Long term, learning to read your dog yourself is always the most effective solution because you're the one with him/her all the time. Consider, though, that you'll also need to learn to read other dogs' body language so you can spot the personality-types and body language that make are most compatible with your own dog.

Here are some recommendations:

u/librarychick77 · 9 pointsr/Dogtraining

You cannot safely have them out together until they are assessed by a trained behaviorist. Ideally a vet behaviorist (a person who has basically double credentials - not some tool who calls themselves a 'dog whisperer' after a year of 'working with dogs'. Someone who went to school to be a vet and also study animal behavior.), but a professional force free trainer who is experienced in aggression would work.

Remind you girlfriend of the vet bill you've already paid and ask her how many more just like that she wants to experience. Also, the blood and stress of more fights. If you try to just put them back together that will happen again. Guaranteed. Even if they seem fine when separated, if you won't know how to see the warning signs (and the bark/snap your lab did was probably the 10th or so signal...) and how to deescalate the situation (6 minute fight, water hose, human bitten, huge gashes...) then you should absolutely 100% not try to put them together at all.

Ok, done with scolding. Here's some constructive help.

Taking them to the vet was the right thing to do. Your catahoula x limping is likely because of bruising, and the vet couldn't have done anything about that. Treat her like you would if you got a bad leg bruise - rest, ice (if she'll let you), light exercise the next few days, and if the vet gave you any pain meds for her go ahead and use those as recommended. (NEVER use aspirin or tylenol, or any other OTC human medication on a dog unless your vet has specifically cleared it for the dog you are considering dosing right then.)

Ok, why this happened. Some people have mentioned possible dog aggression, IMO that's not likely. When I have seen cases like this (which I unfortunately have, and not uncommonly) it's often same sex dogs, although not always, and the younger dog is at or nearly a year old.

This happens because your older girl has been playing queen of the house and being a bit bossy. The pup has been a bit rude, but has gotten a 'puppy license' (aka - toddlers don't have to follow the same rules as adults). Now, her puppy license has run out and the older dog is saying "No. Stop that. You're an adult, you know the rules and this is MINE."

That doesn't make either girl right. In fact, they're both a bit wrong, IMO. Your younger girl was probably being a real PITA for a while before she got a serious warning, but your lab escalated things too far.

To have any chance of fixing things a few concrete steps need to be taken.

u/soimalittlecrazy · 4 pointsr/Veterinary

You need to learn about canine behavior cues to keep yourself safe. Most dogs you come in contact with will be nice and not a problem, but you need to learn the signs of a dog that might bite. Don't listen to anybody who talks about canine behavior on TV.
This seems like a good resource if you are willing to invest a little bit of money:
Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog https://www.amazon.com/dp/1929242352/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aB-NBbHPWQ68H

u/2203 · 4 pointsr/dogs

Check out books by Patricia McConnell (especially The Other End of the Leash), Brenda Aloff's guide to canine body language, Stanley Coren, Jean Donaldson's Culture Clash, Jane Killion's When Pigs Fly. Dogstardaily is great and has some free e-books. Also check out NILIF as a good way to institute structure without resorting to "dominance methods" and this page has some great advice as well.

u/llieaay · 3 pointsr/dogs

Maybe his butt itches? :-P

Sniffing the butt is polite in the dog world - it's less threatening than a face to face meeting. When a dog turns his back he is saying "I'm not a threat" it makes the other dog more likely to react in a peaceful way, and your dog is calmed by this too.

Some references:

u/h-ck · 2 pointsr/Dogtraining

Virtually any dog in the universe can fit the criteria of what you described, but all breeds have their little variations.

For example, my favorite breed is the German Shepherd. And there are German Shepherds that do really well in apartment life, and others that don't. If you go to a breeder for your dog, you're going to want to find a breeder that emphasizes pet quality, safe, sane dogs. The difference between a Labrador from hunting lines and lines bred for therapy and service dog work is night and day. If you go to a shelter to adopt a dog, I would recommend taking a qualified trainer with you that's well-read on selection testing dogs, and most of all, use the resources at your disposal. Talk to the people who run the shelter and/or the rescue. They have the most experience with the dog. They will be able to help you the best.

With the two breeds you mentioned (Golden Retrievers, specifically) keep in mind the shedding issue. Labs shed too, but Golden's are just about as bad as Shepherd's (which are both, very bad.) If you have carpet, be prepared to vacuum everyday. If you intend to let your dog sleep with you on the bed, or chill on the sofa, be ready to clean your furniture daily. Your clothes will be covered in hair if you do not. Your boss will not like you showing up to work wearing your dog.

Also, please, if you haven't already, look into your apartments restrictions for pets and dog breeds, and keep in mind that if you intend on moving, you will be taking your dog with you. I love all breeds of dogs, but apartments do not. Rottweilers, German Shepherd's, Doberman's, Pitbulls (and mixes) come under notorious scrutiny when moving. For your future dogs sake, pick a breed or mixed breed that your landlords are cool with.


Some of my favorite books include:
Dog Training for Dummies which is a very basic introduction to how dogs learn, and explains the different methods available to you in an unbiased manner.

Some of my personal favorite books include:
How To Be Your Dogs Best Friend by the Monks of New Skete.
The Art of Raising A Puppy by the Monks of New Skete
The Divine Canine by the Monks of New Skete

If you haven't already guessed, I'm a huge fan of the Monks of New Skete. The put huge emphasis on calm, structured leadership and positive method obedience that works in real life situations. Plus, they're German Shepherd people. Double points.

Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin.

Dr. Temple Grandin is a high-functioning autistic that teaches at Colorado State University's veterinary science department. I've taken several classes with her, and her understanding of animals is absolutely impossible to challenge. This book is more about genetic theory and science-backed training methods. It's good reading material if you want to know more about animals (she discusses dogs and livestock in detail) but is not a training guide. She also has a lot of technical articles available on her website here.

Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Harowitz. This is a cursory introduction to canine ethology. It is not a guide, but if you want to know about how dogs think (how dogs can "smell time" for example) this is where you start.

How to Speak Dog by Stanley Coren emphasizes communication with dogs, backed in animal biology and evolution.

Canine Body Language: A photographic guide by Brenda Aloff describes in vivid detail what dogs are "saying." It's not a training guide, but will help you understand your dog much better.

Katz on Dogs by Jon Katz, a great common sense training guide to working with dogs in the home, and outdoors.
Soul of a Dog also by Jon Katz, which goes into greater detail on the personal side of working with dogs, with very helpful examples.

Imagine Life With a Well Behaved Dog by Julie Bjelland. Great book on structure and positive method dog training.

Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Pitcairn was one of my college textbooks and it's a great start for dog nutrition and chemical-free health care for dogs. This is not a training guide, but nutrition and health are just as important (if not more) than training, so I figured I'd share.


With the exception of the first book on the list, all of these books are fairly detailed. I would highly recommend the Monks of New Skete books before any of the others. But they're all very good.

Additionally, you can read many of the articles on the AKC.org website regarding dog training, and Leerburg has some great comprehensive advice on training the working dog, which can also be applied to training family pets. He also sells a variety of videos and ebooks on the same subject matter.

TL;DR How To Be Your Dogs Best Friend & The Art of Raising A Puppy explain everything you ever need to know about training a dog, ever.

u/saladninja · 2 pointsr/Dogtraining

>without warning they went for each other.

There may have been some warning that you were unaware of. Have a look into dog body language.

The book Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide may help you read your dog (and others) and then you can control or remove him from the situation before things get out of hand. I found this book extremely helpful in many aspects of helping my rescue beagle (he'd been abused and wasn't very socialised).

Depending on where you live, Amazon may not be your cheapest option once freight is included (For me, book depository was best even though the actual book was more expensive - they have free shipping)

u/octaffle · 2 pointsr/dogs

10 Minute Dog Training Games by Kyra Sundance is a great book that is filled with stuff to keep a BC entertained.

The Other End of the Leash (linked by /u/pjdwyer30) is a must-read. I think Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor is a great introduction to clicker training and the principles behind it.

I found Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide extremely useful, but I had never spent more than a few hours with a dog before I got my own.

u/nomorelandfills · 2 pointsr/dogs

Hugging a new dog isn't the best idea. Dogs generally don't understand hugs to be a friendly gesture.

Terriers will come back at you, every time. They're gorgeous, energetic dogs but they are the Weebles of the dog world - if you push them, even accidentally or nicely, they bounce right back into your face. They need a LOT of time to bond with you and to get to the stage where they trust you to do silly or unpleasant stuff without them instantly getting pissy.

That said, breaking skin is a step past the usual terrier behavior. I'd look into a trainer and get an assessment on her behavior. They will be able to observe her and see where she is or isn't behaving normally - she may be giving signals you didn't see. Because dog signals are totally unlike human signals sometimes - I mean, a tongue flick means stress and a dog who sniffs the ground when standing around with other dogs is often offering an appeasing gesture to defuse a tense situation. I don't know about you, but I'd have never guessed either of those.

This is a very interesting book about dog body language. It's basically a lot of large photos of dogs, with detailed explanations of what they're doing.

https://www.amazon.com/Canine-Body-Language-Photographic-Interpreting/dp/1929242352

u/De4thDoll · 2 pointsr/pitbulls

These 2 books are great! I recommend them
http://www.amazon.ca/Canine-Body-Language-Photographic-Guide/dp/1929242352/ref=pd_sim_b_14

http://www.amazon.ca/Power-Positive-Dog-Training/dp/0470241845/ref=pd_sim_b_19

u/AltHunter · 2 pointsr/dogs

Well, "aggression" for a lot of people is just "play". And there's nothing wrong in my mind with him growling at your other dog, especially if he just wants to be left alone which is his right. If your other dog isn't a complete dunce he'll hopefully pick up on that. You shouldn't punish Beck if your stepdad's dog keeps pushing him, Beck gives him clear signals he doesn't like it, and eventually Beck is forced to take more drastic action. If you want to avoid a confrontation you could always step in before it gets to that and let your dad's dog know he's being a jerk.

http://www.amazon.com/Canine-Body-Language-Photographic-Interpreting/dp/1929242352/ is a great book on dog body language if you want to study up.

u/lovemesideways · 1 pointr/WTF

Just because you own a dog doesn't mean you can read a dog well or even at all. Just like owning a car doesn't make you a mechanic.

This isn't an insult or something, its just fact. Do yourself a favor, watch that video and others, and check out books like this one.

u/[deleted] · 1 pointr/IAmA

I own more than I have read, but since I graduated I've been collecting and reading some volumes.

Here are links to a few on Amazon that I've particularly appreciated, in the order that I've liked them. The reviews speak for themselves.

http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Cognition-Mental-Lives-Animals/dp/0333923960/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1291930685&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Lives-Animals-Scientist-Explores/dp/1577316290/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291930685&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Canine-Body-Language-Photographic-Interpreting/dp/1929242352/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1291930891&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Dog-Understanding-Emotion-Friend/dp/0345477154/ref=pd_sim_b_6

Not on psychology, but a couple I found informative;

http://www.amazon.com/Bestiality-Zoophilia-Relations-Animals-Anthrozoos/dp/1847883540/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1291930813&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Dearest-Pet-Bestiality-Midas-Dekkers/dp/1859843107/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1291930813&sr=8-2

u/jonesy527 · 1 pointr/Dogtraining

It could be a mixture of things. My BC's dog tolerance dropped significantly around 6-7 months so we stopped taking him to play with other dogs. After a couple of months, I took him back to the dog park and his tolerance was significantly better. Your dog could just be going through an angsty phase or he just might not like the company of other dogs or his tolerance of poor behavior might be low.

I think you should get a behaviorist (positive reinforcement only) to assess any issues that might arise because of the attack. Better safe than sorry.

Also start doing some reading on dog body language. Dog show very subtle signs that they are grumpy/upset/scared. This book is a great resource.

For the time being, I would suggest you stop letting your dog off it's leash until you figure out/work on a solution.

u/Works_For_Treats · 1 pointr/dogs

This is a great primer for body language.

Preventing leash reactivity is fairly simple. You train the dog to focus on you using whatever it is the dog finds motivating. Then you slowly use those skills out in the world. Over time the dog learns that other dogs = something great and focusing on you.

The growling is usually a signal of him being uncomfortable with the situation. The protocol above with help with that because it returns the focus to you rather than keeping it on the other dog.

u/tsk05 · 1 pointr/funny

Ok, how is it you dog owners are still not aware of their calming signals? I never even had a dog and I still read this book...feels like you can talk to dogs afterward. The woman who wrote it was a dog trainer specializing in aggressive dogs for many years..and look at the 76 reviews. I picked this up in my local library a couple years back.

u/shadybrainfarm · 1 pointr/dogs

It's worth it. It will be much more expensive when the violence escalates and a dog is seriously injured and needs surgery or something like that. Ruling out a medical cause for aggression (hormone levels, pain, or something else), chances are that these fights have escalated from smaller acts of aggression that went previously ignored or unnoticed by yourself and your wife. Dogs can be very subtle about the way they communicate with one another vis a vis who controls what resources, who has access to the most areas of the territory, etc.

Your instincts may be correct in that the GSDx is the problem even if he appears to be the victim. It may be that he has been (subtly) bullying the other dogs around in terms of who has access to you for a long time and they have put up with it for whatever reason. As he is getting older, perhaps your pitty observes or knows that he is weaker and is challenging him more which is causing problems between them (basically her saying "I'm sick of your shit, old man!"). Or he iscoming more overt in his displays (growling, snarling, etc and the other dog is not taking kindly to this).

This is all total speculation as I haven't seen this of course. And I am NOT a professional behaviorist or anything like that. My qualifications are thus: I live with 4 dogs, one of which is a pretty serious "problem" dog (the other 3 are lovely). I have worked in a dog day care for over 3 years and manage multi-dog interactions every day of my life. I have a serious interest in canine behavior and have attended just shy of a dozen seminars with world-renowned behaviorists and trainers, and have consulted with behaviorists for my own dog's problems.

My actual advice of course would be not to let them be together. That is the safest option. If you would like to understand more about the dynamics of your dogs' relationships, though this comes with obvious risks and is not really recommended, you could set up a camera (or more) in the main living area(s) that your dogs share. Go about your daily routines as normal as if nothing is going on. This is actually quite difficult to do, and why this is not recommended, because your behavior affects your dogs behavior GREATLY (this is why in multi-dog households it is EXTREMELY rare for the dogs to fight when the owners are not present). You might find that the mere knowledge of the fact that you are recording, and the expectation that something might "happen" will affect your behavior so greatly that your dogs behavior will be atypical.

The idea is not to capture a fight on film. I would never ever ever recommend that you set up a situation for your pets to become aggressive with each other to "test" them. The idea is to record their interactions on a normal day when no fights occur, so that you can then go back and look very closely at the way they interact. You will be able to see who is deferent to whom, which dog is potentially "causing" problems, and what exactly is happening when things get a little tense (and most important: how the tension is dissipated). Since dogs communicate via split-second body language signals, it can be really hard to see these things in real time, especially if you don't know exactly what to look for.

The benefit of a behaviorist is sheer experience. A good behaviorist can read any dog like a book, knows exactly what to look for and when, and has the education to back up what she observes. If you feel you must take a DIY approach to this situation due to financial reasons, then I would highly suggest studying this book until you know it by heart, and reading this one as well. The often disregarded (around here) Cesar Milan has a few things right. The main one being "calm, assertive" energy from the handler/owner. Like I said, your behavior affects your dogs' behavior. If you feel that you are getting nervous around your dogs and worried about them, stop right there and listen to your gut and don't take any risks. Separate the dogs and cool off. Your normal attitude towards them should be on the positive side of neutral, if that makes sense.

I hope this helps you somewhat and please acknowledge this HUGE DISCLAIMER that this is not professional advice, just somewhat experienced dog owner who has come upon knowledge because of having to deal with fights between my dogs and a real interest in preventing them at my job. Give yourself as much education as you can, hire the behaviorist, become a better dog owner.