The Calgary Humane Society


Careers at the Calgary Humane Society Overview Cats
	Adopting a Cat Cat Body Language Cat Housesoiling Checklist Cat Run Instructions Cat Toys and How To Use Them Cat Types Controlling Undesirable Behaviours in Cats Destructive Scratching Detering Cats From Specific Areas Developmental Stages of Kitten Behaviour Excessive Nocturnal Activity In Cats Exercise For Cats Feline Aggression Types and Suggestions Feline Marking Behaviours Feline Redirected Aggression Introducing Your New Cat to Your Other Pets Managing Your Kitten's Rough Play Play Aggression In Cats Play With Your Cat Preventing Litter Box Issues Solving Litter Box Problems The Inside Story Your Cat: Indoors or Out? Your Talkative Cat
Dogs
	Aggressive Behaviour, Part 1 Aggressive Behaviour, Part 2 And Baby Makes Four... Barking Calming Signals Children and Dogs Cognitive Dysfunction Controlling Jumping Controlling Pulling and Lunging Crate Games Crate Training Your Dog Deaf Dog Training Destructive Chewing Developmental Stages of Puppy Behaviour Digging Dogs Dog Interactions Dog Toys and How to Use Them Dog Training Classes Dog Training Equipment Excitable and Disobedient Dogs Exercise For Dogs Fearful or Shy Dogs Food Bowl Exercises Head Collars Housetraining Your Adult Dog How To Handle a Dog Fight Inside or Out? Introducing Your New Dog to Your Resident Dog Kong Recipes and Information Leash Induced Aggression Microwaved Beef Liver Training Treats Muzzles Nothing In Life Is Free Puppy Nipping and Rough Play Relationship Building Separation Anxiety Step In Harness and Double Ended Leash Submissive and Excitement Urination The Best Dog For You Training Tether Understanding Dog Aggression
General
	Bibliography Fears, Phobias and Anxieties Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet Helpful Websites and Calgary Contacts Plants That Are Dangerous To Your Pet Preparing Your Pet for Baby's Arrival Successful Cleaning to Remove Pet Odors and Stains Unusual Eating Habits in Dogs and Cats

Calming Signals

Calming signals are a means of communication used by wolves, wild and domesticated dogs. Our dogs use them to calm themselves, others of their species and often to try to calm us. However, in our case, we often misunderstand what our dogs are trying to tell us. Lucky for us that a wonderful trainer by the name of Turid Rugaas of Norway, put down in writing what she has come to understand from her years of observation.

Once you begin to observe these signals that your dog uses, you will never look at them the same way again. It is fascinating to watch the communication that goes on amongst our dogs. You can use many of these signals to help calm your dog in times of stress. As you learn to speak ‘dog’ you will see the lines of communication open up, helping you understand just what your dog has been trying to tell you.

Looking Away – probably the most common. Rover looks away from the object that needs calming. To stare directly at another dog can be considered a challenge or threatening. Sometimes, Rover may just cast his eyes away, the whole head turn is not needed.

Turning Away – when looking away isn’t enough!

Turning Your Back – very obvious! Please calm down.

Blinking – blinking or lowering the lids, avoiding staring…

Walking Slowly – Often the more we rush around getting frantic, our dogs will move slower trying to calm us. Owners that get frustrated with their dogs on recalls or heeling for being slow, often get slower dogs when they try to correct/punish.

Sitting/Lying Down – when things are getting scary, this is a clear signal. A high-ranking dog may lie down to reassure another that he means no harm.

Yawning – probably as common as looking away! While your dog may yawn when he’s tired, yawning is also used to release stress and calm others. Watch Rover and see when and why he is yawning.

Sniffing – Sometimes Rover is sniffing to read the ‘daily news’ but often it is used to calm other dogs (or us). If your dog sniffs the ground when another dog approaches, let him, he’s sending signals. If Rover sniffs during a recall, change your tone and stance. Chances are you’re giving him reason to be concerned.

Curving – Dogs do not approach each other by walking straight up to them. Unless they know the dog, the straight-line tactic can get them into trouble. If your dog has tried to go to the other side of you when meeting another dog, let him do it. He is curving a clear message, let him do it! On walks, help your dog to curve away from the other dog while on leash so as not to send the wrong message (challenge).

RESOURCES:
Calming Signals: What Your Dog Tells You, by Turid Rugaas – available in book and video