Dogs Interacting With Other Dogs

When dogs meet and play with other dogs, it’s a wonderful sight. They use body language to communicate, like wagging tails and friendly nudges. Through these actions, they form bonds and enjoy each other’s company, showing how social and friendly dogs can be. Whether they’re playing fetch or resting together, it’s a heartwarming display of the joy of dog friendships.Here we take a look at dogs interacting with other dogs and what these communications really mean.

Can Dogs Understand Each Others Barks?

Owners can usually tell why their dog barks. It could be that they are trying to get your attention when the doorbell rings or to alert you to what they perceive to be danger. They could be asking for playtime or a walk, maybe it’s dinnertime. The pitch and volume of the bark tells us how the dog is communicating, along with other body language signals. These include position of the tail and ears and if the dog’s hackles rise.

Here we take a look at verbal communication between dogs.

 

Do Wolves Bark?

Although wolves in the wild make noises like howling and growling they don’t bark like domestic dogs do. If a wolf barked whilst hunting it would only scatter prey and give them a chance to hide . Wolves call their pack members by howling which carries for a further distance than barking.

This signifies that barking is a learned behaviour of domestic dogs.

Dogs are loyal creatures. They want to protect their owners from danger. They have also learned that barking has benefits when they communicate this way.

Have you noticed your dog seems to reply when he hears a dog barking in the distance?

It is thought that dogs can differentiate between an ‘alone bark’ or a ‘stranger bark’. They are more likely to react quickly to the ‘stranger bark’.

How Dogs Communicate

Dogs communicate through a combination of body language, vocalizations, and behavior. They use various signals like tail wags, barks, growls, and facial expressions to convey their emotions and intentions. Their posture, eye contact, and ear position also play a significant role in their communication. Additionally, dogs use play, grooming, and physical contact to bond and express social interactions with other dogs. Understanding these cues is key to interpreting their messages and building a strong connection with our canine companions.

Barking

When two dogs meet there will be plenty of bottom sniffing going on. Dogs communicate with each other by sniffing and spreading pheromones, anal gland secretions (through faecal matter) and urine deposits

If dogs bark loudly at each other it is because they feel uncomfortable, threatened or scared. They will read each others body language in conjunction with the verbal signs and decide whether to approach or retreat.

Quieter barks will signify that one or both of the dogs are excited and eager to play.

Growling

When a dog growls at another dog it means they feel threatened or cornered. This happens more when dogs are on leads. Don’t ignore growls, it is a signal that the dog feels very uncomfortable. If the dog continues to growl after calm reassurance, remove him from the situation.

Friendly growls occur when dogs are playing together. This is normal behaviour and doesn’t signify dominance or aggression. Only stop this if the growling accelerates significantly.

Howling

Have you noticed that when one dog makes a high pitched howling sound other dogs join in?

Just like the wolves mentioned before, they are announcing their presence or calling for attention.

A dog with severe separation anxiety may howl until their owners return.

Sometimes dogs will howl in response to a high pitched sound like a car alarm.

Whining

When a dog whines on meeting another dog it can have several meanings.

• If the whine is accompanied by a waggy tail it is a friendly, excited greeting
• It could show anxiety or fear when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• The dog may simply want to get closer to the other dog, but is constrained by a leash.
• It could be appeasement behaviour to show another dog that he/she is not a threat.

When mixed signals occur the owner must rely on his/her knowledge of his own dog and observe body language.

Crying

Puppies often cry or whimper when they are hungry, need comfort or are left alone. This is how they naturally interact with their mother, and older dogs continue this behaviour.

Dogs will cry at the door to go outside, cry in excitement for a treat, or cry with frustration if they don’t get their own way.

Also, a dog in pain may whimper or cry.

Unlike humans, dogs don’t cry tears and it doesn’t mean they are sad.

Non- Verbal Dog Interaction With Other Dogs

 

 

Eye Contact

Dogs use eye contact to convey their feelings and intentions when interacting with each other.

A friendly and relaxed gaze indicates a desire for social interaction, while direct, prolonged eye contact can be seen as a challenge or threat. Averted eye contact signals submission or diffuses tension.

Quick glances can help dogs coordinate during play or cooperative activities. Understanding these eye contact cues is essential for decoding the language of dogs and promoting smooth interactions among them.

Ear Position

Dogs use their ear position to communicate with each other. Forward-facing and relaxed ears show interest and friendliness. Ears pinned back can signal fear or submission. Erect ears indicate alertness, while a tilted head shows curiosity. Raised hackles and upright ears might mean excitement or potential aggression. Recognizing these ear cues helps us understand a dog’s feelings and intentions, making interactions smoother.

Play

Dogs use play to communicate and connect with each other. When they play, they practice social skills, set boundaries, and learn to take turns. Play helps them understand each other’s feelings and adapt their actions accordingly. It’s a way for them to build friendships, cooperate, and have fun together while ensuring a harmonious interaction.

Hackles

Dogs use their hackles, the raised hair on their back and neck, to communicate intense emotions. When hackles stand up, it’s often a response to excitement or fear, which can make the dog look bigger as a warning signal. However, it doesn’t always mean aggression; sometimes, it’s just a reaction to excitement or play. To understand a dog’s message through their hackles, it’s important to consider other signals and the situation.

Conclusion

In summary, dogs communicate through body language, sounds, and social behaviors. They form bonds and express their emotions without words, showcasing their remarkable social skills. Understanding this communication enhances our relationship with dogs and highlights the fascinating world of animal interactions. Dogs’ non-verbal communication is a testament to their social intelligence and the beauty of their connections with one another.

Additional Reading

If you have a dog that barks all the time, it can be annoying. The following post from this blog gives helpful tips to stop unwanted barking.

15 Ways To Stop A Dog From Parking

Sometimes it seems like two dogs just don’t get along. This post explains that this can change with time and patience.

What To Do When Two Dogs Don’t Get Along