Re: How do dogs communicate?

Dogs communicate by using body language, chemicals and vocalization.

Body language is witnessed all the time by the dogs, for instance: They can demonstrate their contentment by showing relaxed ears and tail. Anger is known when their hackles on their neck is raised, ears lie flat and tail is straight out!

Chemical communication will give the dog accurate information on territory and gender of animal. Urine marking is one major way dogs, mainly the males, will stake out territory when out and about. When you come along an area that a dog formally sprayed, your dog will want to stop and sniff it. If it is a male, he will want to re-pee on it! That leaves HIS mark covering the other dogs mark. Anal glands are actually where the spraying comes from. These are pockets on either side of the dogs anus. They excrete when the animal runs and can be emptied when they want to mark something.

Vocalization is used to communicate and back up their body language! Dogs will bark when spotting a strange dog and or person, growl when afraid or angry, and whine or whimper when in pain or excited. The pitch of the vocalization is what carries its weight and re-enforces the status of the dogs discontentment!