Our hounds are always communicating. Their noises, their body language, their actions – it’s all a tableau of communication. If you take the time to watch your hounds, you will learn not only their language, but you will learn from them. They know THE SECRET. They tell us, in their own way, what they like and don’t like. What makes them happy and what doesn’t. What worries them. What they want and don’t want. All you need to do is listen…and understand. This booklet – Why Does My Hound Do THAT?? – is a compilation of those Q&A questions. Available on Kindle and in booklet form.
Here are a few examples:
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Action: Bends down while stretching out two front legs, and sticks butt in the air. Wags tail/barks.
What hound is saying: I am so happy, Let’s play. NOW.
This is called the Play Bow position. Why don’t you try it sometimes, your dog will love it. Guaranteed. And if you put a stuffed toy in your mouth and throw it in the air, so much the better.
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Action: Doing poo on a bush or something tall.
What hound is saying: This is perfect. I can hang it right here for all to admire and smell me.
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Action: Shows all his teeth (not during a fight)
What hounds is saying: You might think I’m smiling at you, and if I’m a greyhound you’re totally right to be delighted with this. I’m actually a bit unsure at the moment, and so it comes out as a teeth baring smile.
I believe this is a genetic ability, like us rolling our tongues. This is Smiles, who loved to smile. He would do it when I yelled about something, which was his way of saying to me – I’m OK? Right? You’re not going to hurt me? I started rewarding him for smiling (praise and treats), and I got his smiling to become more of a joyful, wanting to please, response versus submissive.
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Hounds have a myriad of responses to us, to their buddies, to their environment. Keep learning, and enjoy the communication. The know THE SECRET – Love is All You Need.
I hope you’ll come by Browseabout Books in Rehobeth Beach at 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 11 for Why Does My Hound do THAT?? Q & A. Do stick around for best selling author, Susan Morse’s book reading and signing – The Dog Stays in the Picture. More details here.