Canine body language (split from CM thread)

Me too.

I remember with Hal he used to do what we called his "nice guy" act. If he was greeting little dogs, or puppies, or young children, something vulnerable, his eyes would go all soft-looking, and his ears would flatten and go straight out to the side. He looked so sweet. I have never seen any other breed do this, only the northern breeds.

Do any others do this does anyone know ?

Hi,

My big GSD, Zane does this. I can actually see his eyes soften in certain circumstances, particularly where children are concerned. When he greets people (me included if I've been out) he flattens his ears and launches himself so he can give sloppy wet kisses.

When out for a wak though, his chest is puffed out and his ears are always vertical (unless he meets people).

Laura xx

Really

My boy does this every time he seems a puppy,young or small dog, he goes all gooey , his eyes roll he his ears soften and he gets right down to their level.

Funny though, he is a Boxer

My male Borders do this too, male dogs are often "embarrassed" by puppies and act all silly!!

Yep, a dog thing, not a breed thing

Gnasher, please become more familiar with animal behavior. I suggest you buy yourself either Calming Signals by Rugaas or Canine Body Language by Aloff. All the things you think only Hal does are well described in these books. Soft eyes are either signs of stress or aggression cut off signals. Same with ears, they signal there is no intent to aggress.

I would say almost all dogs adopt these gestures, it is not unusual and certainly not exclusive to northern breeds.

I agree with Promethean and I think this is an example of what is known as allelomimetic behaviour , responding to and mimicking the behaviour of those around you.

I think the facial expressions described to some extent mimic the appearance of a puppy, the flattened ears making the face appear rounder and the 'softened eyes' are the opposite of the threatening 'intense stare' giving the message that the dog is not a threat.

I don't get why many owners of 'northern breeds' think their dogs are unique in their behaviour

Bryan also acts different around younger dogs. It'll be interesting to see how he interacts with the 7 month old puppy we have arriving this afternoon. I'll let you know what he does.

Yep I know, Lets stick to our "normal" dogs eh!!

Anyone who has had more than one type or breed would recognise this as canine communication. My Cambodian and "northern" breed do this, and so does any other pooch I've known....so clearly geographic influences are not relevant!

Turid Rugaas's books are brill.