Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language

September 22, 2022 • Behavior Bytes CattleDog Publishing Newsletter Dogs I am a... Pet Owner Shelter Worker Student Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Samantha Zurlinden, Veterinary Student Class of 2023

This labrador appears relaxed, lying down and overall loose. Ears and eyes are in a neutral position and the facial features are relaxed. The tail is resting on the ground.
Photo Courtesy of VIN/Canto Library

Observing, understanding, and respecting body language is essential to strengthen and maintain the relationship with your dog. By understanding their needs, you can provide the best care and know when your dog is comfortable in a situation. Accurately interpreting body language can help you live safely with dogs and avoid behavior problems that could harm your relationship. 

By watching your dog, you will see them use their body position, ears, eyes, tail, lips, and vocalizations to communicate with you and the world around them. 

Relaxed Dog Body Language

A relaxed dog has “loose” body language. Their ears may be in a neutral position or forward if attentive and alert. Their eyes should be soft, not fixed on a particular object or staring. Their tail will be in a neutral position or wagging widely from side to side. Their mouth will look relaxed, not clenched or tense.  

Attentive Dog Body Language

In this photo, the same dog is still attentive, alert with forward ears but their overall posture is more tense. Their jaw is tightly closed, and lips are tense, possibly watching something worrisome.
Photo Courtesy of VIN/Canto Library

An attentive, alert dog holds their ears forward and upright. Evaluate your dog’s entire body since their ears are only a part of the picture. Your dog could be attentive and in a positive emotional state during a training session with forward ears and an upright tail. Instead, they could be hypervigilant to an approaching stranger with ears forward, looking around quickly and assessing their surroundings. A tucked tail may indicate anxiety. They may have a front paw lifted while deciding whether to move toward something or away from something. They may be watching a squirrel with their ears forward, eyes focused and staring, the tail up and only wagging slightly at the tip. Their hair may be standing along the midline of their back indicating a state of attentiveness.  

Fearful Dog Body Language

If subtle signs of fear and anxiety are recognized and addressed early, obvious signs of fear and aggression can be avoided.  If ignored, their body language may escalate because the dog learns their previous subtle signs are not effective, causing behavior problems and safety concerns. 

Subtle fearful signs include lip licking, facial tensing, hair raising especially along the midline of the back, ears positioned backward and flattened, and eyes wide open. They may avoid eye contact and the tail may be tucked under the dog’s body. 

A Final Note About Respecting Body Language

Consider safety first when signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression are seen. Punishment is not a humane or effective strategy and could potentially worsen the behavior problem. If you need help with managing these situations, work with a qualified behavior professional. Click on the link to learn more: How to Identify a Qualified Trainer or Behavior Professional. 

This dog is showing subtle signs of fear. The dog is licking their lips, and their ears are held back. Overall, the body appears tense.
Photo Courtesy of VIN/Canto Library

This dog is showing escalating signs of fear. Their body is tucked and tense with pinned back ears, tightly closed mouth, tucked tail, and wide eyes with an averted gaze.
Photo Courtesy of VIN/Canto Library

More obvious signs of fear and aggression include baring of the teeth, growling, snapping, or biting. Here, the dog’s ears are pinned back and the body is tense. Their eyes are wide open with the white part of the eye showing, known as “whale eye”. Although the tail is not seen in this photograph, it is likely either tucked under their body or upright.
Photo Courtesy of VIN/Canto Library

This dog is showing overt signs of aggression. Their teeth are bared, their ears are erect and forward, and their body is tense.
Photo Courtesy of VIN/Canto Library

Give Me a Break

March 27, 2025 • Behavior Bytes Dogs Shelter Worker Trainer

By Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, LSHC-S

A handler bends to give a treat to a brown Cocker Spaniel

Pattern Games give your dog a clear set of rules to follow, creating predictability in different situations. “Give Me a Break” is one of these games that helps your dog focus and return to you when in a distracting environment. In this game, a trigger becomes the context cue for your dog to find you instead of showing an undesirable behavior at the trigger. For example, if your dog barks when someone knocks at the door, this game teaches them to disengage and find you. 

There are two ways to play Give Me a Break: a “chair version” and a “handler moving version”. Start with the chair version until you and your dog understand the basics. Then, transition to the moving version once you are both ready.  

This game can be useful for dogs who bark at people or dogs on the other side of the fence or the window. When starting, practice in a quiet area without distractions. This will help your dog focus on learning the game. Once you both get comfortable, you can play the game in more distracting environments.

Chair version:

What you will need:

  • Your dog’s favorite treats
  • A chair or stool

1) Set up a chair in an area with minimal distractions and have treats ready.

2) Walk away from the chair and place a treat on the ground a few feet away while your dog watches. As your dog eats the treat, return to the chair and sit.  

3) When your dog comes to you, immediately stand up, walk away from the chair, and place another treat on the ground.

4) Once your dog eats the treat, return to the chair and sit.

Handler sitting in a chair while brown Cocker Spaniel watches

Handler moving version:

1) Remove the chair. Wait for your dog to return. Walk away and place another treat.

2) Turning your back and walking to a new spot becomes the cue for your dog to follow you.

3) Repeat the game in different locations.

4) As your dog gets better at the game, practice in more distracting locations, such as near a fence or window where they are likely to bark.

5) Play in short sessions using about ten treats at a time. Stop while your dog is still having fun.

Handler walks to chair while brown Cocker Spaniel follows on the right

This game can also be used to build off-leash skills. You can try the handler-moving version with a long leash or off-leash in a safe, enclosed area.

Important Tips:

  • Let your dog choose to join the game.
  • If your dog struggles in a certain environment, move to a quieter, more comfortable space until they gain confidence.

Pattern games can be found in the book series Control Unleashed® by Leslie McDevitt CDBC, CPDT-KA, MLA.

How Can I Help My New Dog Be Part of the Family?

March 20, 2025 • Ask LSH Dogs Shelter Worker Trainer

By Pat Koven, BA, LVT, KPACTP, LSHC-S

A group of stray dogs at what appears to be a trash dump

Q: We adopted a dog from a rescue group a few days ago, but they don’t want to hang out in the family room with the rest of us. What can we do?

A: New pets in the home need time to decompress and get to know their new life. The amount of time needed depends on that individual animal. Their age and background may also be a factor in their adjustment period. Consider what their lifestyle was like before you adopted them if you have that information. Were they:

  • On a long noisy transport with other dogs and species?
  • In a noisy, crowded shelter with strangers continually passing their space?
  • Part of a family for years, and now they are in a new home?
  • Living outside?

Regardless of their history, your house has different sounds, sights, smells, and routines than what they have previously known. They may not want to be touched; they may want to hide, and noises and sudden movements may scare them.

Small grey and white dog rests on a bright yellow mat behind a rusty chain link gate

Have a safe space that they can call their own so they can observe their world from a distance. Let them make the choice to approach you and avoid flooding their personal space to avoid social pressure. Set boundaries for the people and other animals in the house as well. Minimize company, especially with more than one or two people at a time, and they should also respect your pet’s space.

Maintain a routine at least for the first couple of months to provide predictability for your new pet: feed, exercise, and rest on a schedule. Exercise and play should be chosen according to the animal’s comfort level. If they are not ready to go for walks or play ball, food, puzzle toys, and mental enrichment, their safe space can be a great way to boost their confidence. Instead of starting training immediately and focusing on obedience, initiate Capturing Desirable Behaviors and reinforcing those behaviors your pet offers that you want to encourage. 

As family members move around the house, toss treats to the new pet in their safe space; this can create a positive association with their new people, noises, and activities. If the new pet enjoys being close to the family in some areas of the house but not others, consider if the animal is afraid of the stairs, a particular threshold, lighting changes between rooms, or the flooring material.

Lovely tri-colored dog sits before a screen door with a handlettered sign attached to their collar saying "HOME" while three dogs wait behind the door

Image courtesy of Pat Koven, BA, LVT, KPACTP, LSHC-S

If possible, try to find out from your new pet’s history what they have previously liked or disliked. This includes toys, bedding, games, food and treats. If there is little to no improvement, schedule a veterinary appointment for a thorough physical examination. They may also recommend a suitably certified trainer or board-certified veterinary behaviorist. 

Preparing for Baby

March 19, 2025 • Cats CattleDog Publishing Newsletter Dogs Trainer

By Laura Ansel, DVM

A brown and white dog walks along side a person pushing a black stroller

Helping your dog get comfortable walking beside a stroller keeps them involved in family activities while still meeting their social and exercise needs. Image courtesy of Laura Ansel, DVM

Welcoming a New Family Member 

Bringing a new baby home is an exciting time, but it can also change your daily routines and household dynamics. Pets may not understand why things are different, but creating new routines and starting some training can help them adjust more easily. With some planning, you can make this transition smoother for everyone.

Preparing for Baby’s Arrival

Congratulations, a new baby is joining your family! While this is a happy time, it can also change how your family interacts and behaves. Prepare for the new family dynamics.

Think about how much time you spend with your pet and what that time looks like. For example, if you have a regular routine, such as twice-daily walks, mix things up in advance by introducing some independent activities for your pet.

Consider the behaviors your pet already has and any desirable behaviors that would be helpful. For instance, does your dog bark and jump on you or guests? Does your cat weave between your legs when you walk? Addressing these behaviors now can help prevent future accidents, especially when you are carrying your newborn. Working with a certified trainer or behavior professional can be helpful during this transition. They can identify the key skills your pet needs to learn and guide you through the training process. Resources, such as DogGone Safe and Family Paws Parent Education, are available to assist families during this time.

A brown and white dog relaxes behind a white pet gate

Barriers allow dogs to remain with the family while providing safety for new babies. Image courtesy of Laura Ansel, DVM

Set up baby equipment such as swings, bassinets, and sound machines in advance to help your pet adjust to the new sights and sounds. These can be unfamiliar to pets and may cause fear or distress.

Limit access to the nursery with a baby gate or a closed door, and introduce these barriers early so they do not cause anxiety later. Consider adding gates around baby equipment, especially floor-based items, to create a safe environment.

Creating a Safe Haven for Your Pet

If your pet does not already have a quiet retreat or safe haven, create one in advance. This area can be a peaceful spot for your pet to retreat.

Final Preparations Before Baby Arrives

Babies bring many new sounds, smells, and sights into the home. Carry a doll, play crying noises, and pretend to talk to the “baby”, to help your pet get used to changes in your body language and movement. Many people tend to talk to their pets as they would a baby, which can confuse pets. This is another opportunity to help them adjust.

Schedule a veterinary appointment to update vaccinations and ensure your pet is healthy. Stock up on medications and preventives for the first few months. If you are concerned about your pet’s stress during the homecoming, talk to your veterinarian about short-term medications or supplements that might help.

Make arrangements for your pet’s care while you are in the hospital or bringing the baby home. Have a backup plan in case you need to stay longer. Prepare food and care instructions for the pet sitter or boarding staff, and use a pill box for medications to reduce the risk of incorrect dosing.

Stock up on toys, chews, food toys, and puzzles for your pet. Freeze several food toys in advance to be ready to use when needed. These can help keep your pet entertained when you are caring for your baby or when you have visitors.

Coming Home with Baby

If you choose to bring home a blanket with your baby’s scent in advance, do not let your pet play with the blanket. Your pet will naturally notice the baby’s scent on you and hear the baby in their carrier. Create a calm environment before you enter the house with your baby. Consider how your pet might react if multiple visitors are present for the baby’s homecoming.  If your pet is stressed, it may be best to greet them separately.

It is okay to delay introducing your pet to your baby. If you are uncomfortable having your pet home when you arrive, consider sending your pet or pets to a family member’s house or boarding them for a few days. Excitable pets, especially those that jump, should not greet you at the door while you are holding the baby. Keep your dog in another room or behind a baby gate when you come in, or have someone else hold the baby while you greet your pet.

Supervising Interactions

Interactions between your baby and pets should always be supervised. Keep your pet’s face and paws away from your baby. Take your pet with you if your baby is resting and you leave the room. Use kennels, gates, or doors to separate pets when you cannot supervise.

Orange kitty laying in a white baby crib

Cats are often attracted to soft spaces like cribs. Limiting access to the nursery can prevent unsupervised encounters between cats and the baby. Image courtesy of Laura Ansel, DVM

The First Few Months

Use training cues for familiar behaviors and food toys. When your baby cries, direct your dog to their safe space with a food toy or ask them to go to a designated spot while you change the baby.

The first few months may feel overwhelming, and you may feel you are neglecting your pet. When possible, lean on your support network or consider daycare or boarding to give yourself a break. Patience and planning will help with this transition.

A Game Changer for Reactive Dogs: Look At That (LAT)

February 28, 2025 • Behavior Bytes Dogs Pet Owner Shelter Worker Trainer

By Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

Look At That (LAT) is a pattern game created by Leslie McDevitt to help dogs signal when something in their environment is bothering them. Instead of reacting with fear or stress, your dog learns to locate the trigger and report it to you. This reduces anxiety by teaching your dog that they do not need to engage with things that scare them. LAT is also a great way to build confidence, especially if your dog has struggled with certain triggers before.

LAT helps you gauge your dog’s comfort level. The game can be taught in two ways: using matwork or a neutral object. For matwork, you will need:

  • A reward (e.g., treats)
  • A clicker (optional)
  • A cone
  • A mat or platform

Phase One: Introduce the Mat

  • Teaching Your Dog About the Mat:
     Start by scattering treats on the mat to encourage your dog to engage with it. Once your dog is eating on the mat, wait until they finish, then toss a treat off the mat. Repeat this process until they begin seeking out the mat for treats.
  • Capturing Sitting Relaxation:
    When your dog approaches the mat, wait to see if they offer a sit before sprinkling treats. If they do not sit, reward them with one treat and toss another off the mat to reset. Repeat until your dog sits calmly on the mat, and then sprinkle several treats. If necessary, go back to step one and practice until the sitting behavior is more consistent.
  • Capturing Lying Down Relaxation:
    Once your dog reliably sits on the mat, begin capturing the down position as they relax. When your dog lies down, reward them with a treat placed between their feet rather than scattering treats on the mat. This helps your dog associate the mat with a calm, relaxed state.

Two people working with a brown dog lying down on a mat

Wait for your dog to look at the helper before rewarding. Image courtesy of Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

Phase Two: Introduce Distraction with a Helper

In this phase, have a helper stand across the room and avoid interacting with your dog during the LAT training. The goal is for your dog to calmly remain on the mat in the presence of a distraction.

  • Set Up the Cone:
    Place the cone between the mat and the helper. Ensure your dog remains calm, lying on the mat with relaxed body language. If they become stressed with the presence of the cone or the helper, return to phase one.
  • Helper Moves to the Cone (referred to as Open Bar):
    Have the helper walk to the cone. When they reach it, continuously reward your dog with treats. Repeat this to create an association between the helper’s approach and rewards.
  • Helper Moves Away from the Cone (referred to as Closed Bar):
    When the helper moves away from the cone, stop rewarding your dog.

Phase Three: Wait for a Glance at the Helper

Once your dog understands the pattern of the helper approaching the cone, wait for them to look at the helper before rewarding. Use a clicker or “yes” to mark the behavior when they look at the helper and reward when they look back to you.

Phase Four: Introduce the “Where’s the ?” Cue

Start introducing the LAT cue by asking, “Where’s the person?” or “Where’s the helper?” when the helper approaches. Mark and reward your dog when they look at the helper and then at you. This builds the connection between the trigger (helper) and looks back to you.

Phase Five: Using LAT in the Real World

Start with familiar objects like “Where’s the leash?” or “Where’s the car?” to practice LAT with things your dog does not find stressful. Watch for your dog’s threshold (the point at which they can notice triggers without becoming stressed). Reward them for pointing out triggers to reinforce the behavior.

Two women work with two dogs on green grass

Give your dog an opportunity to look at the trigger. Image courtesy of Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

Two women work with two dogs on green grass

Reinforce your dog when they look back at you. Image courtesy of Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

Look At That (LAT) should be a relaxed reporting of the environment. If your dog appears excited or stressed and points out triggers to you multiple times, further mat relaxation work is needed until it is a solid foundation skill. By practicing LAT, you help your dog manage their reactions and build stronger communication skills between you and your pet.

Pet Poison Prevention

February 13, 2025 • Cats CattleDog Publishing Newsletter Dogs Pet Owner Shelter Worker Student Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Shannon Emmons, DVM

Random colorful pills and capsules

Protecting Your Pets from Poisonous Hazards

Pets are naturally curious, which can sometimes get them into trouble. One of the most common emergencies veterinarians see is toxin exposure. Pets can accidentally ingest or come in contact with harmful substances, leading to serious health risks. Treatment depends on the toxin and may range from a simple outpatient visit to extended hospitalization. Knowing about common toxins and taking steps to prevent exposure can help keep your pets safe and healthy.

Common Toxins That Threaten Pets

Each year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center identifies the top toxins that harm pets. The list includes many everyday items. Over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and vitamins, are the most common culprits. Human foods, such as grapes, coffee, alcohol, and sugar-free gum containing xylitol, pose a serious threat to pets. Prescription medications, chocolate, and flavored veterinary products, such as chewable medications, are also dangerous when ingested.

2024 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s List of Common Toxins:

Rank Category Examples Details
     1 Over-the-Counter Medications Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cold medications, vitamins Harmful even in small amounts; common in many households
     2 Human Foods and Drinks Grapes, raisins, coffee, alcohol, xylitol (in sugar-free gum) Can cause severe health problems like kidney failure, seizures, or toxicity
     3 Human Prescription Medications Heart medications, inhalers, ADHD medications Serious risks if ingested, including heart or respiratory complications
     4 Chocolate All types, especially dark chocolate Contains theobromine, which is toxic to pets; darker varieties are more dangerous
     5 Veterinary Products Flavored chewable medications Overdoses can occur if pets consume too many due to their appealing taste
     6 Plants and Fungi Lilies (especially for cats), toxic mushrooms Can cause organ failure or severe reactions; lilies are particularly deadly for cats
     7 Household Products Batteries, preservative packets, cleaning supplies Dangerous if chewed or swallowed; can cause burns, poisoning, or choking
     8 Rodenticides Rat and mouse poisons Extremely toxic, even in small amounts, and can be fatal without immediate treatment
     9 Insecticides Improperly stored or used pesticides Can cause poisoning if ingested or inhaled; harmful if applied directly to pets.
    10 Recreational Drugs Marijuana (including edibles), psychedelic mushrooms Increasingly common; can cause vomiting, lethargy, tremors, or severe neurological symptoms

Plants and fungi, including lilies and toxic mushrooms, are frequent dangers, as are household items such as batteries and preservative packets. Rodenticides and insecticides can cause severe poisoning if eaten, and recreational drugs, such as marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms, are increasingly involved in poisoning cases.

Steps to Take if Your Pet Encounters a Toxin

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a toxin, immediate action can save their life. Start by calling your veterinarian or the closest emergency animal hospital. They may direct you to a pet poison hotline for specialized advice.

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend making your pet vomit to remove the toxin, but this should only be done under their guidance. If the toxin is on your pet’s fur or skin, wash it off with mild soap and water as soon as possible. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and take your pet in for treatment if necessary. Prompt care can make all the difference.

Photo of large tan dog wearing a basket muzzle

Making Your Home Safer for Your Pets

Preventing poison exposure begins with proactive measures. Store medications, cleaning products, and dangerous foods in secure cabinets or areas that your pet cannot access. Be extra vigilant during busy times, such as holidays, when it is harder to keep an eye on your pet and their surroundings.

Block access to high-risk areas, such as kitchens and dining rooms with barriers such as baby gates. If your pet tends to scavenge during walks, consider training them to wear a basket muzzle to prevent them from picking up or eating dangerous items.

Teach your pet cues such as “drop it” or “trade up” to encourage them to release objects willingly in exchange for a reward, making the process positive and conflict-free. Pattern Games help build engagement, making it easier for your pet to focus on you in urgent situations, such as when a harmful item is nearby. Consistently practicing these techniques improves your pet’s reliability and keeps them safe from potential hazards.

Toxin exposure is a frightening experience for any caregiver, but taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risks. By creating a safe environment, teaching reliable cues, and preparing for emergencies, you can protect your pet in unexpected and dangerous situations.

Pet Poison Hotlines (There may be a fee):

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661

Say No To Petting My Dog

February 13, 2025 • Ask LSH Dogs Pet Owner Shelter Worker Trainer

By Pat Koven, BA, LVT, KPACTP, LSHC-S

Yellow sign reading "Caution"

Q: People often approach my dog to pet or hug him when we are on walks. I want others to respect his space and ask first, but I don’t know how to tell them no.

A: Dogs should not be forced to interact with people and other animals. Your dog does not need to tolerate strangers touching them. You should advocate for their right to space.  

Photo of white and brown dog wearing basket-type muzzle

Photo courtesy of Pat Koven, BA, LVT, KPACTP, LSHC-S

Many people are naturally drawn to dogs and want to pet and play with them. However, this can create stress and cause fear for your pet, who may prefer avoidance and distance. For most caregivers, it is difficult to be firm when saying no to strangers. You could start by saying something like, “He’s not feeling sociable today.” You may need to be more direct and forceful, putting up your hand to indicate stop and saying, “No, please don’t touch.”

Some ways to set boundaries include:

  • My dog is in training and cannot be distracted, but thank you.
  • My dog does not like being touched.
  • My dog is not feeling well today.
  • We are in a hurry.
  • My dog is nervous or reactive.
  • My dog has a contagious condition.

Using brightly colored leash wraps and patches for harnesses that say “stop”, “give me space”, or “reactive” can provide a visual stop to warn people off. Properly fitted and conditioned muzzles can be comfortable for your dog while creating a safety zone out in public. For the caregiver, shirts or utility vests can also display warnings of needing space.

Be prepared for resistance from those you have stopped from petting your dog, regardless of how polite you are. Even though a caution leash wrap or muzzle does not mean your dog is dangerous, you may receive questioning looks or comments.

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