ABSTRACT Communication among dogs can be both subtle and overt . Dogs communicate in many ways , including the use of body language to appease would-be aggressors and barking during short-range interactions , in contexts such as greeting , warning , frustration and attention-seeking .
By observing , understanding and responding to the different types of canine communication , veterinary professionals can improve the wellbeing of dogs in the practice environment . As veterinary nurses , we can help to reduce stress and promote positive emotional experiences and interactions for canine patients , their owners and veterinary professionals .
Keywords canine , dogs , communication , behaviour , senses , stress , reduction
Sight and smell
The genetic predisposition of dogs , and an anatomy that influences nasal airflow and scent filtering , means they are primed to negotiate the world using smell [ 4 ] . With an olfactory ability far beyond that of humans , dogs can discriminate between the scent of familiar and unfamiliar people , animals and objects , as well as environmental changes , such as indications that ground has been walked on days earlier . For example , when tracking a person ( Figure 1 ), a dog can detect the altered scent composition of ground that has been walked on by that person , compared with ground that has not , and can discriminate between the scent trail of the individual they are tracking and the trail left by other people walking over the same ground .
Introduction
This article is Part 2 of a series on canine communication . It provides an overview of some of the ways in which dogs ‘ whisper ’ and the relevance of these within the veterinary context . Part 1 , which focused on body language interpretation and the appropriate responses to promote feelings of safety in dogs , was delivered as a BVNA webinar in September 2023 [ 1 ] .
“ If we listen to their whispers , there should be no need for them to shout ” is a phrase often expressed in the dog training and behaviour community , reminding us that dogs are a social species with significant ability to appease , affiliate and compromise . For example , dogs can optimise relationships and reduce the risk of harm to themselves by communicating a lack of threat and a desire to avoid confrontation .
This type of communication commonly includes ‘ whispering ’ through subtle body gestures and muscle movements , chemical signalling and quieter vocalisations . If this communication is unsuccessful in repelling the concerning stimulus , the dog might escalate to ‘ shouting ’ through more overt behaviour , such as lunging , growling , barking and snapping .
By observing and interpreting canine communication , veterinary nurses ( VNs ) will be better able to help dogs feel safe in our presence , in the clinical environment and during interactions that take place in the practice .
As a social species , dogs communicate to influence the behaviour of others , as well as to provide information about themselves and their intentions [ 2 ] . We still have much to discover about the complexities of canine communication [ 3 ] . However , we do have some understanding of the way dogs communicate through sight , smell , sound , vocalisation , body language and tactile interactions .
Figure 1 . A dog tracking the scent of a person who has walked across a field .
Dogs also deliberately deposit scent within their environment to communicate with other dogs , by passing urine and faeces , shedding skin and fur , and through pheromones . Pheromones are chemicals emitted by an individual that are detectable by other individuals of the same species , and which may influence social behaviour in response [ 5 ] .
Although we still have much to learn about canine pheromones , different parts of the canine anatomy have been associated with the production of pheromones that communicate specific messages . For example , the interdigital and anal glands are believed to communicate a perceived threat to personal space / territory and to warn others [ 6 ] , which could be why dogs might empty their anal glands during veterinary visits . Pheromones produced by the facial glands , and the ceruminous and sebaceous glands of the ear , are thought to signal safety and reassurance , encouraging prosocial behaviour . This could explain a dog ' s interest in other dogs ' ears , and why dogs might enjoy a face rub from trusted humans . Other important areas of the body for pheromone production include the genitalia , an area commonly targeted for sniffing by dogs when greeting other dogs
16 Veterinary Nursing Journal