Dogs are highly social animals with a complex system of communication that allows them to interact with other dogs and humans. Through a combination of body language, vocalizations, scent signals, and expressions, dogs can convey various emotions, intentions, and information to one another.
Even though your dogs are speaking another language, if you carefully observe them, you will be able to understand their “language” and bring your relationship to the next level. Understanding how dogs communicate is an important skill for dog parents. It can prevent a dog bite, or dog fight, and help a scared or nervous dog feel comfortable. When reading your dog’s body language, it’s important to look at the whole picture of your dog to get the full message they are trying to relay.
How do dogs communicate with each other?
Dogs communicate with each other through body language and sounds. When a dog is a puppy they learn how to communicate through interactions with their mother and siblings.
Can dogs communicate with each other by barking?
Yes, dogs use barking as a form of communication. Typically, a dog barking at another dog can communicate excitement, a need for space, or an alert that it is frustrated. The different tones in a dog’s bark can help you differentiate what the bark is trying to tell the other dog. A bark during play sounds more exciting; it is usually higher pitched. A bark when a dog tries to get space or show frustration will be much deeper.
Other vocalizations
Growling, whining, and howling can be other vocalizations that dogs may use to communicate with other dogs. Each type of vocalization communicates a different message. When a dog growls, it is typically a warning sign that they are trying to give off, there is something they are not fond of and would like it to stop. When a dog growls and the other dog listens they prevent the escalation of a situation. Growling can also be playful. Some dogs are very chatty when they play, and growling is part of the way they play. It can seem scary from the outside, which is why it is important to know your dog.
A dog whines when they are trying to communicate a need, they may need food, water, or to go outside to pee or poop. Some dog breeds can howl. Howling can be used for excitement, but it also may be used to alert. Have you ever noticed your dog sneezing when they are excited or want to play? Dogs sneeze to communicate excitement or happy feelings, or maybe they just got a tickle in their nose. Snorting is another form of communication that dogs use. Dogs may snort to communicate that they want attention or are frustrated.
An air snap is a big form of communication coming from your dog. If you notice your dog air-snapping at another dog, they are trying to tell them they are very uncomfortable. If does an air-snap and the other dog does not stop their behavior, they may feel motivated to bite. Typically, if a dog is air-snapping, they have tried many other forms of communication and their message was not received, so they are now going to the next level.
Smell
Dog scent plays an integral role in communication, dogs can learn a lot of information about other dogs from their scent. Dogs use their urine or scent glands in their paws to leave messages wherever they go. Their scent can communicate their gender, age, whether they are spayed/neutered, and their health or emotional status.
Sight and sound
Dogs observe their environment and use their sense of sight and sound to understand what is happening around them. Because dogs cannot communicate with words they use their senses to get their message across and to understand them.
