America’s service dogs single-handedly save lives and enable people with disabilities to live fuller lives each and every day. If you have a service dog, you already recognize just how valuable your dog can be to your life in a wide variety of ways. While at work, he or she keeps a constant watch over you, ensuring that you get to live out your life with as much freedom as possible while staying safe.
Even while off work and just relaxing at home, your precious pooch likely serves in a different capacity – as that of your best friend.
Whether you’re at work or just at play, understanding your dog’s body language is crucial. At work, it can point out when he’s getting confused or overwhelmed, or when danger is nearby. At play, it can reveal when he wants to play, when he’s had enough, and when he needs your reassurance. Knowing those signals will not only make working together easier, but more pleasurable, too. That’s where this short guide comes in!
Anxiety
Anxiety manifests in service dogs in a variety of ways, all of which tend to be much more subtle than in the average family pet. If your dog is “on,” (meaning he’s at work), he may not show obvious signs of anxiety until the situation becomes critical. This, as backward as it seems, is actually a good thing; the best service dogs have to learn to stay calm in a wide range of situations. But that doesn’t mean your dog won’t show signs at all. When looking for signs of canine anxiety, use the look, listen, feel approach. Begin by looking at your dog; view his posture. Is he cowering, or crouching down low to the ground? Is his tail between his legs? Is he licking his lips, or does he have his mouth closed with his ears forward? These are all signs of intense focus and/or anxiety and may mean that your dog isn’t comfortable with the current situation. Next, listen to him carefully. Is he making low-pitched rumbling growls, or maybe the faintest whine? If so, that’s another check mark that shows he isn’t happy with something. Finally – and only if you’re sure it’s safe to do so – rest your hand on your service dog’s harness. Is he trembling or shaking? This is a sure-fire sign that he isn’t content. If you’re out and about, try to move away from the situation. If you’re at home, try to determine whether he’s signaling you or what he’s trying to tell you.Happiness
You’ve just arrived home and it’s time to relax with your dog. Suddenly, he’s bouncing around. He lands at your feet with his head pointed down, and his tail pointed up. What’s he trying to tell you? The play bow is just one of the signs that your dog is happy and/or wants to play. If you’re in the prior situation or one like it, your pup likely sees arriving home after work or errands as a great time to let off some steam and unwind through play. If you can, spend some time enjoying a bit of tug-of-war or fetch with him – whatever methods you have for unwinding are fine. Other signs that your dog is content or happy include:- A relaxed face and soft, relaxed ears.
- Tail wagging or side-swooshing.
- Seeking love and attention from you.
- Soft, relaxed eyes with the whites partially covered.
- Appearing to be “smiling” (but not grimacing).