Page 32 - Buddy Life

into your eyes, back off immediately or you will him to leave). Don’t bother to look for ticks or
get nipped. mites or even a localised infection. He simply
(c) Tail wagging is not always a sign of does not want to do what you have said - but
happiness. Different positions of the tail mean doesn’t have the nerve to refuse outright. So
different things. Most of the time, the wag is he is buying himself time. Don’t press your
a sign of nervousness or apprehension. For command unless it is vitally necessary.
Instance, if you call out suddenly to a sleeping Sometimes when you are sitting or lying down,
dog, the immediate response is a tall thump. It you will see your dog coming towards you
means he has been startled. If the dog senses and then, in advance, he will start scratching
you are going to scold it, you get the same himself. He wants to come but he is not sure
low tail wag. Have you noticed that if you call of his reception. If you make the next move by
out to a stray dog he will stop and give a low calling him or walking up and patting him, his
tail wag. It signifies nervousness - what will scratching will stop immediately.
you do to me if I come closer? A high stiff (f) When a dog wants to play he will lower his
tail wag, especially if it is accompanied by front legs, stretch his body out and yawn.
sneezing, means the dog is ready to pick a (g) How does a dog say, I love you to
fight. you? He yawns widely, sticks his tongue
(d) When you raise your voice or scold him, out in an imaginary lick, closes his mouth
the dog puts his ears down, picks them up with a patchak sound and looks away. Try
again, comes to you and tentatively makes responding with the same.
a small gesture as if to put a paw out. This is (h) Sometimes you will find a grown-up, well-
surrender. He has understood your message. mannered dog suddenly defecating for no
Don’t push your scolding. reason in your bedroom. It could be a sign of
(e) Sometimes when you command your dog illness - but rarely. The usual reason is that,
to do something - sit down, come here, sit up, for a period of time now, you have paid no
no, go away - he will start scratching himself attention to the dog - maybe there is a new
furiously (for instance, if you have guests and baby in the house or a spate of guests - and
the dog strays into the room and you want he is feeling unloved and unwanted. This is the

32 BUDDY LIFE Jan - March, 2018