Calming Signals

[RubyJeansMom]

Since I've been trying to make use of the calming signals, the difference in Kessler these past few days has been astounding. He has been Mr. Perky-Pants all day long, just as happy as can be. He even got on the bed this morning for a snuggle, which never happens. It's almost like he's relieved that I've finally "gotten it"...and I am too!

[Margie-Rex's Mom]

Oh, Kessler! How amazing for him that you "got it".

This is an amazing thread. After reading the original post, RJM, I started thinking of Jose's mannerisms. When he gets excited, he does the BIG yawn with a little talking noise. It is decidedly different to when he does a sleepy yawn. And now I get why he turns his head when he sees the camera.

Maybe I am starting to "get it", too.

[Phyrie]

Something it might behoove us to remember, stress isn't always a bad thing! A dog on it's way to the dog park will show excitement and/or stress, simply because it is gearing up for the fun of the park. A dog getting in line for the next trial at agility will be stressed/excited. If they weren't, they probably wouldn't perform as well! A calm, cool, collected dog on an agility run? I don't think so...

But just to clarify: a calming signal is directed towards another dog/person. It's not something a dog uses to calm itself. When a dog is giving calming signals, it's because he is trying to calm/assure someone else. He shows stress (the licking, yawning) but it is stress given by someone else, usually.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

RJM, I'm sure Kessler seeking cuddles on the bed this morning made you very happy! He is such a love.

Phyrie, thanks for the clarification. It made me realize how often Henry's gives off these "calming signals" in different situations.

[Phyrie]

I know what you mean, Deb. Kiba is more than used to loud voices here, as we tend to use loud, sarcastic voices as our favourite means of communication. But he knows the difference between loud, sarcastic funny, and loud, sarcastic mean or angry! Dogs are very good at reading the temper of a room. Oddly enough, even though Kiba chooses to spend most of his time with Paul, if the loud angries come out, he chooses my corner.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Phyrie, it's rather ironic that you chose that example with Kiba as that is precisely what I was thinking of when talking about Henry. The only thing Henry dislikes and fears somewhat is sudden loud sounds. He immediately comes running to wherever I am, crawls in my lap, sitting bolt upright, and yawns.

Both Elliot and I were a bit alarmed at how much the husband of his Breeder raised his voice at the dogs. It's amazing what is imprinted on their wee brains at such a young age. Henry doesn't mind thunder, but will become distressed if someone drops something loudly or raises their voice in anger.

I shouldn't even be surprised that your example was precisely what was on my mind, sistah!

[Phyrie]

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

You! ♥

xo

[Madi P]

Ughh!! I had a whole thing typed and, well we got 2 free iPads this past couple weeks- that's another story, and still don't know how to use the darn thing, anyway, it somehow lost my post in cyber space...

Since reading this I've been trying to pay extra attention to my pooches, its interesting but i don't have much to show for it yet, all in good time.
But the yawning for excitement makes a lot of sense! Mine do it all the time, making noises along the way.
And the sneezing, Kris, very interesting, I had never thought of that as being a signal, but it's very frequent around here. Especially when my 2 start play fighting... I always wondered what in the world the sneezing was about!

RJM I was sad to read about Kessler but so glad to know now that you are seeing improvements! What a blessing that we can all reach a point where we " get it" our sweet puppies putting up with our stupid humanness.

And Phyrie thanks for the clarification also, as this is all still new and somewhat confusing to me but very helpful and interesting.

[mborsum]

Hi folks,
I'm new here, I usually just check out the morning's puppy photo and "awwww" at my computer.
I'm a professional dog trainer in Michigan, and have been training people and their dogs with Positive Reinforcement for about 4 years.

As far as Calming signals go, mostly, they seem to be only effective between dogs. I talked to Steve White from I2Ik9, who was on the CCPDT council, at the Michigan Partners for Animal Welfare conference in '10.
I asked him specifically about Calming signals, as I had read about them in Brenda Aaloff's "Aggression in Dogs".
He said "There isn't any evidence that calming signals actually work between humans and dogs".

It makes sense. Remember that dogs are better at reading human body language than any other animal.
Canine Calming Signals are not normal human body language. We do not naturally lick our lips, or yawn when we are attempting to soothe any situation. Your dog knows this. Humans get very still, and use a soothing deep voice, and we act gentle. We stroke our pets, talk to them. "it's ok, good boy..." etc.
Using body language for canines would make about as much sense to your dog as imitating a cat. Or, imagine someone attempting to speak to you, using very bad english, and horrible syntax. Chances are, you wouldn't understand.

At least, not without conditioning the animal to understand what you mean by using them. It would make as much sense to teach a dog that by licking your lips and yawning, that you mean the same things he does when he does it, as it would to simply teach a dog to relax and go lie down quietly , with a hand signal.

When I used to work in a shelter, I would occasionally try to use these signals with new arrivals that may be scared and nervous. Sometimes, I would like to think I saw some response from one of the dogs, or maybe saw them relax a little, but I could never be certain. Perhaps, telling a dog "hey it's ok, don't be scared" in a shelter was pointless anyway.

Anyways, remember that as far as humans using calming signals, there still seems to be a lot of debate when it comes to whether its effective on dogs.

Thanks!

[kian]

Licking lips and yawning are signs of stress. As humans we cannot mimick thier behaviour to get them to do what we want. We teach them our calming signals and use lower energy. Always stay calmer than the behaviour you are trying to achieve.


I to am a Professional Trainer, worked with dogs 25 some years. I own the most hyper dog on this planet and yet I can get him focused enough to compete,show and demo for field trips. Getting him to calm is to focus on me, one has to find out what works for thier own situation and dog.