Pawsitively Woof-tastic: Luna's Guide to Understanding Dogs with Love and Empathy

Have you ever wondered what a dog is really thinking? As a dog myself, I can tell you, our world is full of unique personalities, quirks, and emotions. Every dog has their own story and temperament, which makes each of us incredibly special. But no matter how different we are, we all have ways of communicating. You just need to learn how to listen. This post is perfect for anyone who wants to build kinder, safer bonds with their four-legged friends.

In my first book, Not so Close, I started to explain some of the ways we dogs express ourselves. But the truth is, we’re so wonderfully diverse, one book will never be enough! So in this blog post, I, Luna, want to go a little deeper and share more about how we communicate, with our bodies, our energy, and yes, even our silence.

Understanding Dog Diversity

Not all dogs are the same, just like people, we come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments! Whether it’s the playful Golden Retriever or the tiny yet feisty Chihuahua, every breed has its own traits. In fact, did you know that there are over 197 different dog breeds in the UK alone? That’s a lot of variety, right?

Take me, for example, the Labrador Retriever. Known for being friendly and gentle, we're a breed that’s generally up for a cuddle or a game of fetch with those we love. But then there’s the Rottweiler, which can look a little intimidating because of its size and deep bark. Don’t be fooled though, many big dogs like this are big softies at heart! On the other hand, smaller dogs might look sweet and cuddly, but can bark a lot or jump up, and that can sometimes be a sign of nervousness or excitement. So much variety in our behaviour, as well as our breeds.

The Language of Body Signals

Dogs don’t speak in the same way humans do, but we sure know how to communicate through our bodies! From wagging tails to perked ears, we’ve got lots to say without a single word.

Here’s a quick guide to some of our body language:

• Tail Wagging: A wagging tail doesn’t always mean we’re happy. If our tail is low and wagging, it might mean we’re feeling nervous or submissive. A higher wag can indicate excitement or happiness.

• Eye Contact: Wide eyes can mean excitement, but they can also be a sign of fear. If we’re staring, we might just be trying to figure you out, or we could be stressed.

• Ears: Ears up and alert? We’re probably very interested in what’s going on! But if our ears are pulled back, it usually means we’re feeling anxious or submissive.

By paying attention to these little clues, and putting them together like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, children can begin to understand how we’re feeling. It helps them approach us safely and with empathy, and that’s a big part of what I hope to teach in Not so Close, and will continue to explore in future books!

🐾 Luna’s Body Language – What Was I Saying?

Luna enjoying a sunny day relaxing on the grass with vibrant tulips and a refreshing water bowl close by, while a companion rests beside her.

Dogs speak volumes without saying a word and a single photo can tell you a lot, if you know what to look for! Let’s take a moment to "read" the picture of me lying on the grass with my friend nearby, tulips blooming, and a bowl of water by my side.

Here’s what my body language was saying in that moment:

• Lying down – I’m feeling relaxed and comfortable. My back legs aren’t tucked under, ready to spring up, so I’m definitely not stressed or tense.

• Head up, ears slightly forward – Something’s caught my attention. I’m curious and watching, but I’m not alarmed. If I wanted to run off and investigate, my head would be lower and pushed forward, like I was stalking.

• Eyes open, focused gaze – I’m calmly observing something in the distance. I’m not wide-eyed or staring hard, so I’m not feeling afraid.

• Tongue out – It’s a warm day and I’m cooling off. When I’m hot, I usually prefer a bit of space and not too much fuss.

• Lead on the ground, person nearby – I’m trusted to stay where I am, but I’ve got backup if needed. My lead is there, just in case, and someone is close enough to step in quickly if something changes.

All of that from just one picture! Pretty amazing, right? When you put the clues together, like pieces of a puzzle, you can learn so much about how a dog is feeling in any moment.

Learning to Read Emotions

It’s important to encourage children to ask questions when they see different dog behaviours. “Why does that dog look tired?” “Why is that dog barking?” These simple questions help unlock the mysteries of dog behaviour and teach kids empathy, too!

Research shows that positive interactions between kids and dogs can improve emotional intelligence and social skills. When children learn to understand us, they’re not only building a better bond with us but also growing into more compassionate and thoughtful individuals. Win: win!

The Importance of Respect

Respecting a dog means understanding our boundaries. Not all of us love a pat or a cuddle, no matter how cute we look! Always teach children to ask the dog’s owner before reaching out to pet us. It makes us feel much safer and more relaxed when they ask first.

Also, if a dog looks uncomfortable, it’s crucial to give us space. Sometimes, we might not be in the mood for attention, even if we seemed friendly earlier. This respect helps create safer and more enjoyable interactions between children and dogs.

Teaching Safety First

Understanding dogs is important, but safety is key too. Here are some simple tips to help children stay safe when meeting dogs:

• Ask Before Approaching: Always check with the dog’s owner to see if it’s okay to come closer before getting too close.

• Stay Calm: Dogs can get startled by sudden movements or loud noises, so remind kids to approach quietly and slowly when they have been given permission to.

By following these guidelines, we can help to create positive experiences with dogs, learning the value of empathy and kindness in every interaction.

The Doggie Bond

The world of dog language is as complex as it is fascinating. By recognising our body signals and respecting our boundaries, we can build a bond based on empathy and trust. This foundation helps kids grow into thoughtful adults who understand and appreciate the nuances of canine communication.

The next time your little one meets a dog, big or small, encourage them to take a moment and consider how the dog might be feeling. Look for those tail wags, ear positions, and eye movements. Dogs aren’t just pets; we’re family. And with every wag of our tails, we invite children to connect, learn, and discover the wonders of our world.

Stay tuned for more books in the Luna and Friends series, where we’ll continue to explore the world of dogs in even more pawsitively woof-tastic ways!

📸 Join the Pack – Tag Us on Instagram!

Have a photo of your dog that tells a story through body language? We’d love to see it! Share your picture and tell us what you think your pup was feeling, doing, or saying.

Tag us on Instagram @LunaAndFriendsBooks and use the hashtag #LunatheLab for a chance to be featured. Let’s celebrate doggie communication, one wag and ear flick at a time!

Happy tail-wagging, friends!