- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Coined by Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugass, calming signals are patterns of behavior that dogs use to tell another dog or person that they are not a threat. They often appear when a dog senses nervousness or stress and is trying to de-escalate the situation.
Keep in mind, calming signals are different from fear or submissive behaviors. Canine calming signals are specifically directed at one or more individuals to prevent aggression. When you respond before your dog does, you’re teaching them that you understand them and that they can trust you.
Since there are over 30 signals, it’s important for you to recognize your dog’s individual signals so you can react accordingly. We cover the most common calming signals and how you should respond when you notice them.
Common Dog Calming Signals
Dogs of all ages and breeds can use a variety of over 30 calming signals to help defuse a situation or show that they are not a threat. These signals will often show up in a pattern. For example, if your dog sees another dog across the street, they may stare and then sniff the ground. Or they may slow down and walk in a large curve while avoiding eye contact with the other dog.
If you see any of these signs, take action by removing your dog from the area or the trigger:
- Yawning
- Lip licking
- Turning away
- Sniffing the ground
- Slow movements
- Sitting or lying down
- Blinking or side eyes
- Freezing
- Walking in a curve
- Low tail wagging
- Licking other dogs’ mouths
- Paw lifting
You’ll often see a dog display these communication signals during vet visits, new dog introductions, training sessions, or in tight spaces. But keep in mind that some breeds are harder to read.
For example, spitz dog breeds, like Pomeranians, Huskies, and Shiba Inus, have tails that curl over their backs. This can make it harder to interpret their tail language without additional context.
Why Calming Signals Show Up at Home
Even when there are no other dogs around, you may notice your dog still displaying calming signals.
Irith Bloom (CPDT-KSA), a dog trainer and behavior consultant of The Sophisticated Dog, gave three examples that may be familiar:
- Scratching or yawning during tense conversations: Scratching is a sign of stress, which can mean that your body language or voice makes them uncomfortable. Lowering your voice may help defuse their stress.
- Turning away before you pet them: If your dog is turning away when you’ve been more physical with your environment, it could be a sign that they want you to calm down before engaging with them.
- Licking lips during training: If your dog licks their lips when you’re training them to lie down, they might be uncomfortable in that position. You could try teaching a different behavior or having them lie on a soft mat instead of a hard floor. It’s also a good idea to talk to your vet to check for any health issues, like arthritis.
How to Respond to Calming Signals
According to Bloom, calming signals suggest that you should:
- Give your dog space: Back away or lean away from the dog to give them more “personal space.”
- Observe your surroundings: If the calming signals don’t stop, watch your dog and try to figure out what’s making them anxious or scared.
- Stop the activity: Try to make things easier for your dog. This might mean taking a pause from training or stopping introductions so your dog can calm down.
“In most cases, if you give the dog enough space, they will feel better, and the number of stress signals they are giving will reduce,” Bloom adds.
As you practice this form of communication, you may also notice your dog’s reactivity levels decrease while their trust in you increases. You may even see your dog become easier to train as that trust grows.
Don’t force your dog to meet other dogs
Elliot Rosenberg (CDPT), a dog trainer and behaviorist at K9 Mania Dog Training says that if, for example, a dog senses another dog is nervous or reactive, they may turn their head away or yawn to show that they mean no harm. When this happens during a walk, it’s a sign that these dogs do not need to meet. They’ve already communicated their feelings to the other dog.
Not all dogs, however, instinctively understand calming signals. Unsocialized puppies, for example, may ignore calming signals from an older dog. In these cases, step in and redirect the dog that is ignoring the signals.
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How to Build Your Dog’s Confidence
Here are Rosenberg’s tips for helping your dog feel more confident overall:
- Create a calm, positive environment. Keep a regular routine and provide a safe space where your dog can relax.
- Avoid high-stress situations. Some stressful situations, like vet visits, can’t be avoided, but try to limit your dog’s exposure to other stressful experiences whenever possible.
- Reinforce calm behavior. Whenever your pup stays calm, reward them with training treats and praise.
- Provide exercise and mental stimulation. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and fun activities. This is important for keeping them happy and healthy.
- Teach confidence-building exercises. Basic obedience training helps them feel secure and reduces their need to communicate discomfort.
- Practice gentle socialization. Introduce your dog to new people, dogs, and experiences slowly. This can help them feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed.
Ultimately, the way you react to your dog’s calming signals will tell your dog how safe they can feel around you. If you have trouble identifying what your dog’s specific calming signals are, reach out to a professional dog trainer. They can also help you better identify and interpret which calming signals your dog uses and why.