What Is Your Pet Trying To Tell You?

DOGS

When dogs feel secure, they often use touch as a form of communication.  When a dog trusts you, he may put a paw on your foot, snuggle up close, lean into your leg or sink into a sitting position while sliding down your leg.  These K-9 behaviors say: “I’m a happy dog…I’m relaxed and I trust you.”

CATS

Cats communicate with touch too, though felines are more aloof than dogs and prefer to be the initiators of affection.

Cats often reach out with a paw to pat your face or jump on your lap or shoulders to curl up and relax.

Notice how almost all young dogs jump up to greet you? The dog’s exuberant greeting assures you that she is no threat…she doesn’t want to fight.  When young dogs greet each other, they jump up and lick each other around the mouth and head…which communicates “let’s play!!!”

Keep this “K-9 communication” in mind as you train your dog to stop jumping on you and others. Don’t just punish the dog for jumping up on you…try to substituting the jumping with a more acceptable behavior like a quick sit or a lick on your hand. Lots of praise (and some tasty treats) will help the transition from “jumper” to “hugger”. Read more about dog communications here.