The American Veterinary Association estimates about 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and roughly 800,000 of those bites require medical attention. But according to Diane Blackman, a dog trainer for 15 years, some of those could be easily prevented if people know how to read a dog’s body language.
“Dog’s don’t lie, so if they’re telling you they need more space, honor that. If they’re telling you to come in, then go in,” said Blackman.
Blackman owns All Dawgs Training Services in Latham, where she helps owners get a handle on dogs who could benefit from a little extra discipline. She said learning to communicate with dogs is simple and in honor of National Dog Bit Prevention Week (May 20 to 26), she’s holding a free presentation at the Pine Hills Branch Library in Albany on Thursday, May 10, to share some tips.
“I would definitely encourage people to come out. The more you learn the more you’ll be able to have a positive experience with your dog,” said Blackman.
Blackman said all dogs speak the same language, regardless of the breed. That means a sweet golden retriever and a dominant pitbull are equally easy to read once you know what to look for.
Stress signals can convey positive or negative emotions, so it’s important to know what to look for to distinguish between the two, she said.
If a dog is seeking more “social distance” or space, they might have pinned back ears, their tail could be tucked, they might yawn, lick their lips, curl their teeth or “freeze” which is where their whole body goes still and they get what Blackman called “whale eyes.”
“The head and body don’t move together so you can see the sharp distinction between the pupil and the rest of the eye,” said Blackman.
Once people learn the signs, going to public places with their pet is more carefree and fun, she said.
“Once people learn the signs they can go out and go to the dog park or vet office where there’s multiple dogs and start listening to what they’re saying immediately,” said Blackman.
Sara Chauvot learned canine body language when she brought her rescue dog, Monty, to All Dawgs Training Services to reign in his boundless energy.
“I have a beagle mix. … I don’t know what he’s mixed with, just a lot of energy,’ said Chauvot. “We signed him up right away for dog training.”
It took Chauvot two training sites before she found what she was looking for at All Dawgs.
“(Blackman) just totally gets that training has to be about the owner as well and some things have to be modified,” said Chauvot.
Chauvot is getting ready to take Monty to his third class and already she said she sees a huge improvement in his behavior.
“That first class he would not sit, he was biting at the leash and demanding attention, trying to play and goof off, rolling around in circles, trying to get at other dogs in the class, he was just a general nuisance,” said Chauvot. “Now we go to a class and he sits, behaves, I can listen to what he’s saying.”
She said Monty’s better behavior and knowing canine body language has made walks and excursions a more pleasant experience.
“I have a dog that listens to me now. I have a dog that I can actually take for a walk,” said Chauvot.
Blackman offers one-on-one and group training sessions. The most common reason owners seek dog training is because their family manners are poor.
“So they sit, are not jumping on counters, not jumping on people, basic commands, walking on a loose leash, not barking,” said Blackman.
She also prepares dogs to be therapy dogs and offers advanced classes on different dog sports.
“This has just become a passion of mine. I love working with dogs, I love working with owners,” said Blackman.
Blackman will be at the Pine Hills Branch Library on May 10 at 7 p.m. The presentation will be one hour and cover verbal and non-verbal signals dogs give off to communicate nervousness, excitement or fear. For more information about All Dawgs Training Services visit www.alldawgstraining.com.
