Calming signals
When a dog is feeling nervous, scared or worried, it may use some signals to tell other dogs or people that it's not feeling okay. These signals are called "calming signals" because they help the dog to calm down and feel more relaxed.
One of the most common calming signals that dogs use is called "looking away". This means that the dog will turn its head to the side or look away from the thing that's making it nervous. It's like if you're feeling scared of something, you might look away or close your eyes to try to make it go away.
Another calming signal that dogs use is called "yawning". Sometimes yawning means that a dog is sleepy or bored, but it can also be a sign that the dog is feeling anxious or nervous. It's like when you feel nervous, sometimes you might start yawning, even if you're not really tired.
Dogs may also use other calming signals, such as licking their lips, shaking off as if they were shaking water from their fur, or even sneezing. All of these signals are ways for the dog to tell other dogs or people that it's feeling stressed, scared or uncomfortable, and that it's trying to calm itself down.
If you see a dog using calming signals, it's important to give it some space and not to approach it too quickly or in a way that might make it feel more anxious. By giving the dog some time and space to calm down, it can feel more relaxed and safe, which is always a good thing!
One of the most common calming signals that dogs use is called "looking away". This means that the dog will turn its head to the side or look away from the thing that's making it nervous. It's like if you're feeling scared of something, you might look away or close your eyes to try to make it go away.
Another calming signal that dogs use is called "yawning". Sometimes yawning means that a dog is sleepy or bored, but it can also be a sign that the dog is feeling anxious or nervous. It's like when you feel nervous, sometimes you might start yawning, even if you're not really tired.
Dogs may also use other calming signals, such as licking their lips, shaking off as if they were shaking water from their fur, or even sneezing. All of these signals are ways for the dog to tell other dogs or people that it's feeling stressed, scared or uncomfortable, and that it's trying to calm itself down.
If you see a dog using calming signals, it's important to give it some space and not to approach it too quickly or in a way that might make it feel more anxious. By giving the dog some time and space to calm down, it can feel more relaxed and safe, which is always a good thing!