Know the Signals
Recent research has suggested that our canine companions are a lot more adept at reading our nonverbal communication than once commonly recognized. Of course, ask any true dog lover, and they’ll probably tell you that this new research only confirms what they already had known—dogs are often able to read us like a book.
Though initially I may not realize I am stressed, Ranger will pick up my tone of voice, a tense muscle in my face, or some other signal that prompts him to move in close and lean into me. Normally, when Claude gets dressed in the morning, Ranger doesn’t pay particular attention. However, if Claude is getting dressed with the intention to go play golf or go somewhere, Ranger starts making high-pitched sounds and then usually brings Claude a bargaining chip—his favorite toy (as though he could keep Claude from leaving). If one of us is sad or discouraged, Ranger might get up on our lap or sit next to us and put his head on our shoulder. I suspect our dog has made it his mission to study our every move. Often Ranger reacts to us before we even register our own emotions.
When we think of human-to-human communication, knowing individual signs
(communication signals) is also important. Many of our intentions are communicated nonverbally rather than verbally. In fact, up to 90% of our ability to accurately interpret communication depends on nonverbal aspects.
One of the challenges we face when trying to understand each other is that many nonverbal messages or culture specific or specific to the individual. Therefore, we must become a student of communication in all of our relationships. Like Ranger, we must constantly observe and respond appropriately.
Here is an interesting link on canine communication behaviors:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,504508,00.html
Recent research has suggested that our canine companions are a lot more adept at reading our nonverbal communication than once commonly recognized. Of course, ask any true dog lover, and they’ll probably tell you that this new research only confirms what they already had known—dogs are often able to read us like a book.
Though initially I may not realize I am stressed, Ranger will pick up my tone of voice, a tense muscle in my face, or some other signal that prompts him to move in close and lean into me. Normally, when Claude gets dressed in the morning, Ranger doesn’t pay particular attention. However, if Claude is getting dressed with the intention to go play golf or go somewhere, Ranger starts making high-pitched sounds and then usually brings Claude a bargaining chip—his favorite toy (as though he could keep Claude from leaving). If one of us is sad or discouraged, Ranger might get up on our lap or sit next to us and put his head on our shoulder. I suspect our dog has made it his mission to study our every move. Often Ranger reacts to us before we even register our own emotions.
When we think of human-to-human communication, knowing individual signs
(communication signals) is also important. Many of our intentions are communicated nonverbally rather than verbally. In fact, up to 90% of our ability to accurately interpret communication depends on nonverbal aspects.
One of the challenges we face when trying to understand each other is that many nonverbal messages or culture specific or specific to the individual. Therefore, we must become a student of communication in all of our relationships. Like Ranger, we must constantly observe and respond appropriately.
Here is an interesting link on canine communication behaviors:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,504508,00.html
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