Calming signals
What are calming signals?
Understanding dogs is an essential part of building a strong bond with them. One of the ways dogs communicate with each other and us is through 'calming signals.' These signals, coined by Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas in her book "On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals," are a set of behaviours dogs display to convey peace, diffuse tension, and avoid conflict.
Calming signals are a dog's way of maintaining harmony and communicating non-aggressively. They are behaviours that dogs use to calm themselves down in stressful situations, signal peaceful intentions, or appease other dogs. Some common calming signals include;
Yawning: Dogs often yawn to express stress or anxiety, not just because they are tired.
Licking their lips or nose: This can be another signal that a dog is feeling stressed or uncomfortable.
Turning their head or body away: If a dog turns its head or body away from something, it could be showing that it is trying to avoid a potential conflict.
Sniffing the ground: Dogs may suddenly become interested in sniffing the ground when they are trying to diffuse a tense situation.
Slow movements: If a dog starts moving very slowly, it could be a sign that it is feeling anxious.
Blinking or squinting the eyes: This can be a dog’s way of showing that it is not a threat.
Lying Down or Sitting: This is a clear signal that the dog is not a threat, particularly if they expose their belly.
Photo credit: Alexander Nadrilyanski
Scientific Evidence
While not extensively studied in scientific literature, calming signals are recognised and utilised in applied animal behaviour and dog training. More research is needed to fully understand these behaviours, but evidence and professional observations support the existence and importance of these signals in canine communication.
In a 2017 study published in the journal "Applied Animal Behavior Science," researchers found that dogs showed more 'stress-related behaviors' (which may include calming signals) when confronted with images of dog faces showing an aggressive expression compared to relaxed expressions. This suggests that dogs are sensitive to the emotional state of other dogs and may use calming signals in response to perceived threats.
Calming Signals and Dog Training
Understanding calming signals can greatly enhance our relationship with our dogs and improve dog training. Recognising when a dog is feeling uncomfortable or stressed allows us to adjust our behaviour, training methods, or the environment to better suit our dog's needs.
Turid Rugaas's book is a practical guide that helps dog owners identify and interpret these signals. Rugaas emphasizes that by acknowledging these signals, we can communicate more effectively with our dogs, fostering a more understanding and respectful relationship.
Calming signals are a crucial part of a dog's communication repertoire. Recognising these signals can help us understand our dogs better, improve our training techniques, and build stronger relationships with our dogs. As dog guardians, trainers, or enthusiasts, it's our responsibility to learn and respect these signals for a more harmonious coexistence with dogs.
Photo credit: Mao Li
Sources:
- Rugaas, Turid. "On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals."
- Siniscalchi, M., d’Ingeo, S., Minunno, M., & Quaranta, A. (2018). Communication in Dogs.