1. Licking

Puppies use the same method to show they want to eat, and adult dogs use the same method to show goodwill to the same kind. Typical situation: The dog in the weaning period is only 5 weeks old. It suddenly supports its body on its hind legs and licks and bites its mother's lips. Dog's heart language: "I'm so hungry, I want to eat."

Doctor's advice

Lip licking is a very common behavior among wild canines such as wolves and jackals. When the mother returns to the nest with a load of prey, she licks her lips to trigger rumination. The food regurgitated by the mother has been completely chewed and has begun to be digested in the stomach. The warm feeling is just right for the newly weaned cub. For domestic dogs, lip licking behavior is limited to the breeds closest to their original state of existence, such as Samoyeds and Huskies. With the evolution of species and changes in living environments, licking lips has gradually lost its original meaning, and has gradually taken on other signals and become a means of communication between dogs. For most adult dogs, licking their lips means: "Don't be angry, I'm a good person, and I don't want to mess with you." This can make other dogs relax and eliminate their hostility and aggression.

Showing goodwill

2. Showing goodwill

A certain agreement accepted by both parties, which is used by subordinates to confuse superiors and avoid fighting. Typical situation: The dog hangs its tail, twitches its ears, lowers its body, slowly approaches another bossy dog, and even moves closer to lick its lips. The dog's heart says: "Relax, relax, I don't want to mess with you at all."

Doctor's advice

Just like in the military, the relationship between superiors and subordinates is clear, and subordinate officers have established rules for reporting and applying to their superiors. way, the world of dogs and dogs is no exception. Slightly different from the military, dogs cannot wear military uniforms, and there are no black and white rules of discipline, but they still have some special postures and movements that can be used to express feelings. This kind of dog language is not innate, but the result of the gradual accumulation and cultivation of dogs. Puppies learn little by little from contact with adult dogs, and their experience becomes richer and richer. Originally, licking the lips was just a sign of regurgitating food. As experience increased, the puppy slowly discovered that if faced with a dog that has been aggressive, licking its lips can quickly ease the atmosphere and serve as a form of self-protection. method. To be precise, lip licking combined with some body movements has the function of showing submission. When a dog approaches slowly with its head lowered, its nose turned up, its ears turned back, its eyes half-open, looking left and right, and moaning softly from time to time, this is a message sent to the alpha dog. signal. If the latter can receive the signal, it will immediately return to calmness, because it understands that the person next to it has shown obedient sincerity and is not dangerous. The obedient dog can also quickly judge the situation and no longer lick the leader doglips, staying aside obediently.

Dog’s ID card

3. ID card

Our butt is our ID card. This part is a so-called taboo for humans, but it is the part where we can understand the gender and status of other dogs. and emotional key. Typical situation: Two dogs sniffing each other’s butts. Dog's inner voice: "I really want to know more about you."

Doctor's advice

Dog's head, paws, genitals and other body parts are equipped with multiple glands that secrete pheromones. Among them, the area around the anus is where the glands are most concentrated. Tail fat gland: Located above the bottom of the tail. Perianal glands: arranged in a ring around the dog’s anus. The appearance is contrary to his true feelings. Does the chow chow's high tail that never falls mean that it is born to be an arrogant king? Does the fox terrier's straight erect tail declare its noble and arrogant attitude? But the small spirit dog's tail can never be raised. , are they really so low-key and shy? Humans sometimes use surgical procedures to alter the physical characteristics and posture of certain dog breeds. The ears of German gate dogs and pinschers, the tails of fighting boxers and Rottweilers, have all been frequent visitors to the operating room. Fortunately, this kind of artificial change of the natural ecology of animals has gradually disappeared. Sometimes, just because of their natural communication deficiencies, some dogs even like to show their teeth to threaten each other more than wolves.

Haircut

4. Haircut

This is a human lifestyle habit that can change a dog, and sometimes completely change the relationship between dogs. Typical situation: The dog looks at a poodle with confusion. Its fur is dyed pink, it is also painted with perfume, and its hair style looks like a lion. Dog’s thoughts: “Who does it think it is?”

Doctor’s advice

The hair texture of poodles, Yorkshire terriers, and Maltese dogs is close to human hair. The hair of these dogs grows 10-14 mm every month, and they need a haircut in less than 2 months. People have thousands of different hairstyles, and dogs are no less different. Some dog owners like to keep their dogs' original look, while others like to give them a more personalized look. In the 1950s, it was very fashionable to give poodles and other dogs a perm like a lion or a jazz fan. Some dog owners even dyed their dogs’ fur pink to match their clothes, and then sprayed perfume on them to cover up their dogs’ hair. The smell of the dog itself. A well-groomed dog is as proud as a lady, but it is difficult to communicate normally with other dogs. It’s no wonder that Poodles have a bad reputation as being difficult to get along with and biting dogs. Next time you take your dog to a hairdresser, think twice before you do it!

Socialization

5. Socialization period

A critical period that determines our future development. Typical situation: Under the loving gaze of the mother, the puppy plays happily with a group of other puppies. Dog’s thoughts: “I’m learning to get along with others of the same kind.”

Doctor’s advice

The socialization period begins within 3 weeks of the puppy’s birth and is completed by adolescence. During this time, the puppy's senses and mobility develop rapidly, and he thrives under the care of his mother or owner. Through interactions with other dogs and contact with the living environment, puppies learn the behavioral norms of the dog world and learn to get along with people. 3 weeks to 3 months after birth: During this so-called "sensitive period", the puppy can firmly remember all the events it has experienced, and this profound memory can accompany it almost throughout its life. After this period of time, the puppy's learning ability begins to decline, and it is not so easy for it to remember something. At this stage, the puppy gradually adapts to the living environment, finds its own identity, learns the behavior of a dog, and understands who is a friend and who is an enemy; then it will slowly master how to restrain its strength and bite. desire; finally learn what is the correct level of eating.​